You probably won’t be able to soak up all urine this way, but that isn’t a problem. Artificial grass is designed so that liquids drain through it like they do on normal grass. Even if you don’t bother soaking up the urine, you can still get turf fresh and clean later. Soaking it up minimizes stains and smells before they settle in.
You don’t have to pick up the hose every time your pet goes on the grass, but more frequent cleanings mean less mess and fewer odors. You could also rake the grass to remove solid debris like leaves. Raking stands the grass blades up, which makes the lawn look neat, but also encourages liquids to drain more efficiently.
If you have more than one dog using the lawn, clean the grass more often to prevent urine from becoming a problem. Try spraying it down at least twice a month to prevent urine build-up. If you are able to, clean the grass once a week. Frequent cleanings ensure that the grass looks and smells clean.
Since you’re applying the cleaner in an area your dog uses, get a natural or green cleaner. Natural cleaners are still effective on urine but don’t have any chemicals that could harm your pet. Most grass cleaners come in spray bottles with a built-in hose attachment. These products are much easier to use, so get one if it is available. You can find grass cleaners online and at most hardware stores with lawn care sections.
If you’re using a cleaner without a built-in adapter, mix it into water to activate it. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for more information. If the cleaner isn’t in a spray bottle, use a hand pump sprayer instead. Load the sprayer, then work the pump. When the pump becomes difficult to move, point the sprayer nozzle at the grass and pull the trigger to start cleaning it.
The best time to apply the cleaner is during a cooler time of day, such as at dusk or dawn. If you’re applying it during a warmer period, be sure to keep the grass damp. Cleaners drain through the grass like other liquids do. You don’t have to pick it up and, if it’s organic, you don’t have to worry about it harming anything.
Be careful to avoid adding too much water. If you soak the grass, you could flush out the cleaner before it has had a chance to dissolve all of the urine. If you live in a warm area, always be prepared to mist the cleaner after using it. Sometimes using the cleaner on a hot day is unavoidable, but you can still make it work.
You could also use a handheld brush, but it takes more work. A good broom is the easiest way to scrub your lawn clean. For stains that just won’t go away, apply cleaner repeatedly, scrubbing each time. Eventually, it will wear down the urine, but it can take several applications.
The deodorizer doesn’t have to be cleaned up afterward. Let it disintegrate into the grass. Most turf cleaners also function as deodorizers, so you won’t always need a separate deodorizing product. For an easy way to spread deodorizer over a large area, rent a device called a drop spreader from your local hardware store. When you push the spreader over the grass, it lets out a steady stream of the deodorizer.
When choosing a dish detergent, get a neutral one, which means it isn’t acidic. Neutral detergents are labeled. Avoid industrial-strength cleaners or ones that are tough on grease. To make this more effective, use a soft-bristled scrub brush or a rough rag to work the soapy water into stained or smelly spots. Soapy water works best for spot-treating turf kept indoors, but it can also be effective outdoors as well.
To spread the vinegar more easily, use a hose-end sprayer. It screws onto the end of a garden hose. Then, put the vinegar in the sprayer to mix it with water and distribute it onto the grass. To deal with the vinegar smell, rinse the grass thoroughly a few times or sprinkle baking soda onto it. You could also make the cleaner with less vinegar.
A combination of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a few drops of dishwashing liquid can be used to remove odors from artificial grass. Another option is to add the baking soda, then pour a vinegar and water mixture over it. The baking soda and vinegar will fizz when they come into contact, eliminating any odors.
