Artificial turf has it's advantages. It always has that perfectly trimmed, lush green look without any need to water or fertilize it, which makes it a convenient alternative to actual grass.
However, with the summer heat, many of you may have noticed an increase in the pet urine smell in your yards. This is a normal occurrence with warmer temperatures, but it can certainly be quite the nuisance! Though you love the look of your artificial grass, you surely don't want your yard to smell like a dog urinal. So what can you do?
Here are some helpful tips to get your stinky turf under control!
• Water Frequently
Rinsing the turf frequently with a hose is the easiest way to help control unwanted odors. It will dilute the urine and thus reduce the concentration of the odor-causing ammonia contained within it. We recommend rinsing your turf at least once per day whenever possible.
• Natural Solution
For persistent odors, try making a 50/50 blend of distilled white vinegar and water to spray on the turf. The vinegar will neutralize the urine smell but will leave the turf smelling like vinegar, so be sure to let the mixture dry completely and then rinse thoroughly with a hose. We recommend trying a sample of the solution in an inconspicuous area of the turf to make sure it does not cause any discoloration.
• Turf Cleaners
There are several over the counter products available that claim to eliminate pet odors. Be careful when selecting off the shelf cleaners as many of them contain harmful chemicals. Do your research and be sure to find a non-toxic formula that is safe for your pets. For our disinfectant treatments, we use a non-toxic disinfectant that kills odor-causing bacteria (along with many other bacteria and canine viruses) and is safe for people, pets, and plants!
Using any of these methods in addition to keeping your turf free and clear of pet waste should greatly reduce the odor and allow you to enjoy your lush, green turf without the pesky smell of pet urine!