The Artificial Pet Turf Cleaning Guide
Artificial turf is a fantastic alternative to organic grass, especially if you find yourself in a position where you don’t have easy access to open spaces to let your pets roam. However, we’re asked all the time, “how do I clean artificial turf for pets?”
Whether you’re training your puppy or moving into a new apartment, it’s important for pet owners to understand the importance of properly cleaning your artificial turf.
If you’re a pet owner, you’ve probably wondered if investing in some artificial turf is worth it. There are a few important things to keep in mind when making this decision:
Can Dogs and Cats Pee AND Poop on Artificial Turf?
This is an extremely common question, and the answer is yes. Dogs and cats can do both on artificial turf. Naturally, the urine will wash away with water, which makes cleanup easy most of the time.
You’ll need to make sure you pick up and dispose of all defecation, though, as this is how you truly keep the turf clean. You should wash your turf with vinegar and water regularly, in order to properly disinfect and clean your turf. An alternative, top-tier commercial cleaning spray we recommend is Simple Green, especially their pet outdoor odor eliminator, which specializes in dampening the smell of organic matter on your turf.
What Do I Do About Urine Odor?
It’s possible that your artificial turf will have a foul odor if not properly maintained. This can stem from a variety of reasons. First, if you remove feces without properly cleaning the surface, there may be some residue deeper in the turf that was not removed, which can result in a foul-smelling odor. Second, if you go too long without washing the turf off, the urine and feces can also create a foul smell as well.
Again, we recommend properly cleaning your turf with a specialized outdoor turf cleaning spray. A home solution of vinegar and water is also very effective.
Can I Make My Own Turf Cleaner?
While there are a variety of cleaners you can purchase from the store, there’s also a variety of ways to make your own at home. Some of the easiest ways to make your cleaner would be to combine either 1. Soap and water, 2. Vinegar and water, or 3. Covering the affected area with baking soda. These alternatives consist of typical household items, and can easily be administered to your turf.
How to Properly Clean Your Synthetic Pet Turf
After determining the solution you will use to clean your dog’s artificial turf, you need to make sure you’re cleaning it efficiently. Follow these steps to ensure you’re artificial turf is as clean as possible:
Make sure to clean off any defecation from the turf before cleaning. Also, make sure your furry friend is in a different area, so they aren’t exposed to any of the cleaning chemicals.
Next, either connect your hose or grab the cleaner you’ve decided to use. Turn the hose on, and proceed to rinse off the turf prior to applying the cleaning solution.
Once you’ve thoroughly rinsed the artificial turf, apply your cleaning solution diligently, ensuring you’ve covered all of the most affected areas. Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes to allow it adequate time to soak. If there are some areas that still have residue, you can use a scrubbing brush to get those areas washed out.
Rinse your turf thoroughly and allow time to dry. Once your turf has dried, you can place it back down and allow your pet to use it again.
These steps are vital to the long-term durability of your artificial turf. Without proper maintenance, you’ll find yourself replacing your product far more than you typically would.
Many individuals find that artificial turf is a great way to allow their animals to feel like they’re on real grass, even when they aren’t. This helps animals potty train more effectively and results in fewer accidents around the house.
What’s more; synthetic turf stands up to the wear and tear! Where organic grass frequently dies under the strain of constant use from your pets (whether they’re running trails through your yard or creating brown spots with their urine), synthetic pet turf keeps a beautiful, problem-free lawn all year long.
If you’re interested in synthetic pet turf, contact us here for a free estimate!