Step by step: clean dog poop and urine on artificial grass

For solid waste

  1. Lift and remove solids with a bag or scoop.
  2. Rinse the spot with a hose using a gentle spray to move residue toward the drainage.
  3. If odor remains, apply a turf-safe enzyme cleaner as directed, allow dwell time, then rinse.

For urine

  1. Rinse the area to dilute and move urine through the backing and base.
  2. Saturate with an enzyme-based pet odor remover. Let it sit per the label to break down odor-causing crystals.
  3. Rinse again. Repeat on heavy-use zones.

After sickness or diarrhea

  1. Remove as much material as possible with paper towels.
  2. Rinse the area thoroughly.
  3. Clean with an enzyme cleaner or a mild soap solution (about 1 teaspoon dish soap in 1 gallon of water). Rinse until the water runs clear.

Weekly and monthly routine for a fresh yard

  • Daily or as needed: pick up solids.
  • Weekly: quick hose rinse of pet zones to control salts and odors.
  • Monthly: deep clean high-traffic areas with an enzyme cleaner.
  • Monthly: cross-brush fibers with a stiff broom or plastic rake to lift blades and open up infill.
  • Quarterly: inspect edges, seams, and drainage. Top up deodorizing infill if needed.

What cleaners are safe on turf

Use these

  • Enzyme-based pet odor cleaners designed for turf or hard surfaces.
  • Mild dish soap solution for general cleaning.
  • Diluted white vinegar for occasional deodorizing (test a small area first, then rinse well).
  • 3 percent hydrogen peroxide for spot sanitizing. Rinse after 5 minutes of contact.

Avoid these

  • Chlorine bleach or ammonia cleaners.
  • Harsh solvents, petroleum products, or degreasers.
  • Undiluted acids or abrasive powders.
  • Wire brushes or metal rakes that can damage fibers.
  • High-pressure power washing that displaces infill.

Odor control that works for heavy-use areas

  • Do an enzyme soak on repeat potty spots, then rinse thoroughly.
  • Add or refresh deodorizing infill such as zeolite in pet zones and brush it in.
  • Improve drainage by grooming and decompacting the area so water flows freely.
  • Increase rinse frequency during hot, dry spells to prevent salt buildup.

Tools and settings

  • Garden hose with a fan or shower nozzle. Aim for gentle flow that reaches the base without blasting infill.
  • Soft to medium bristle push broom or a plastic leaf rake for cross-brushing.
  • If you must use a pressure washer, keep it under 1500 PSI with a wide fan tip and stay at least 12 inches away.

Seasonal and climate tips

  • Heat: rinse more often in summer to clear crystals and keep odors in check.
  • Rain helps. After storms, brush to stand fibers up and redistribute infill.
  • Cold and snow: let snow melt naturally when possible. If you must remove it, use a plastic shovel and leave a thin layer to protect fibers.

Water-wise cleaning

  • Targeted spraying beats flooding. Focus on pet zones first.
  • Use a pump sprayer for enzyme cleaners to minimize water use, then do a brief rinse.
  • Where water restrictions apply, clean with a spray bottle and a bucket, then a short rinse.

Troubleshooting persistent odors

  • If odor returns quickly, increase enzyme contact time and repeat over several days.
  • Check drainage. Standing water or compacted base traps odor. Groom and, if needed, consult an installer to improve the sub-base.
  • Consider upgrading to antimicrobial or deodorizing infill in heavy-use runs.
  • If you notice seam lifting or damage, pause cleaning in that area and schedule a repair.

Safety notes

  • Keep pets and kids off treated areas until rinsed and dry.
  • Never mix cleaners. Rinse between products.
  • Store cleaners per label and dispose of rinse water responsibly.