Quick and Easy Ways To Clean Dog Poop on Artificial Grass
Pet owners from San Diego, CA to Garland, TX know that having a dog can wreak havoc on your backyard. From digging holes to killing grass with their solid waste, pups can be a menace, which is why so many homeowners are switching to synthetic grass landscaping.
However, artificial grass still needs to be properly cleaned to ensure it reaches its longest potential lifespan. Although pet waste won’t leave your grass blades brown or ripped out entirely, it can cause matting, odors, and other issues if not properly cared for with routine artificial grass maintenance.
The next time your furry friend goes to the bathroom on your synthetic turf lawn, follow these five steps to ensure a fresh and long-lasting turf yard.
Gather the necessary supplies
Before you get to work cleaning up after your pet, make sure that you have all the necessary supplies to get the job done right. Items you’ll need include:
- A plastic bag or pooper scooper
- A hose
- A mild soap solution
- A turf-safe brush
- Turf deodorizer
Make sure that all products used are safe for synthetic grass. When using a brush, ensure the bristles are not made of metal, as this can damage the polyethylene turf blades. Make sure any cleaning solution and deodorizer are turf-safe or specially made for synthetic grass maintenance.
Remove your dog’s poop
Once you’re ready to clean, pick up any solid pieces of pet waste. You can also pick up any other solid debris such as leaves, twigs or pet food, and dispose of them.
Anything that isn’t liquid risks blocking your drainage system when you hose down your turf, so it’s best to pick up as much of your dog’s poop as possible before moving on to the next step.
Hose down your artificial grass
Once all solid waste is removed, use your garden hose to thoroughly rinse the affected area. This will flush away any residue and encourage complete drainage.
Although this step may not make a visible difference, it’s an important one for eliminating odors and preventing bacteria buildup. Blocked or inadequate drainage can result in mold and mildew growth, bacteria growth, further blocked drainage and more. If you can’t hose down your turf each time your dog goes to the bathroom, make it a point to rinse your synthetic grass once a day or as often as possible to extend your artificial turf’s lifespan.
Spot clean stubborn areas
If any residue is left after hosing down your synthetic grass, spot-clean the area using a mild soap and warm water solution. Use the soap solution alongside a synthetic bristle brush, and scrub in circles to remove the residue. Once it’s removed, rinse off the soap solution thoroughly, and allow your turf to dry.
Apply a pet-friendly turf deodorizer
Turf deodorizer is the perfect finishing touch for any synthetic turf maintenance routine, especially if you have pets at home. Synthetic grass disinfectant will ensure that any remaining bacteria is killed and will leave your turf fresh and odor-free. Simply use the sprayer to apply an even layer of the product across the affected area, and the enzyme formula will eliminate any remaining bacteria and neutralize any odors at their source.
Not all turf deodorizers are created equal, so find a turf disinfectant that is completely safe for pets. TurFresh BioS+ is all-natural and safe for both kids and pets, so it won’t irritate your furry friends when they go back outside to play.
If you’re a pet owner looking for the most effective ways to take care of your synthetic grass, look no further than TurFresh. We’re a leading synthetic turf maintenance provider with customizable service options for homes and businesses, as well as a comprehensive selection of proprietary turf cleaning products available on our online store. To find out more or to schedule a cleaning, give us a call at (916) 269-5545 or fill out our online contact form today.