Learning How to Care for Artificial Turf Used by Dogs

Artificial turf is an excellent option for pet owners who want to provide their furry family members with a safe, healthy, and clean environment to play.

Artificial turf is an excellent option for pet owners who want to provide their furry family members with a safe, healthy, and clean environment to play. However, like any other surface, artificial turf requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep unpleasant odors, stains, and bacteria at bay.

Please keep reading to learn how to care for artificial turf used by dogs.

Promptly deal with waste

Pet owners should never leave dog waste behind on artificial turf. Besides being unsightly and ruining the turf’s aesthetic appeal, dog waste can damage this artificial surface and cause it to break over time. In addition, dog waste can be a breeding ground for bacteria and parasites, thus posing severe health risks to humans and pets.

Most of the issues caused by the dog’s feces and urine can only occur if pet owners fail to clean the waste as soon as possible.

Ideally, owners should check the turf twice a day. Upon spotting waste, pet owners should use a damp paper towel to remove it from the turf. If there’s a residue left behind, a quick spray-down with a hose should do the trick.

Clean with a broom instead of a rake

A regular rake used for live grass can do artificial turf more harm than good. The metal blades can damage the turf and even the reinforcement mat if used too roughly. Even when used gently, a rake can cause some damage in the long run.

Using a stiff-bristled broom instead will ensure the turf remains intact. Furthermore, a broom will restore the turf’s appearance after the grass has been flattened down by dogs running around.

When using a broom, sweep against the direction of the grass blades.

Remove large debris by hand

A rake or a broom won’t do much good if the turf gets covered in larger pieces of debris. While dogs enjoy playing with sticks and twigs, these pieces of debris can wreak havoc on the turf. In time, such heavy items can cause the grass to become flattened or leave a noticeable mark that can be removed only by reblooming the turf.

To avoid this worst-case scenario, pet owners should pick up large debris by hand as soon as they notice it. They can do this scan for heavy objects as part of their daily waste check-up.

Regularly rinse the turf

Rinsing artificial turf regularly with a hose will help keep it in top shape. Incorporating a chemical-free cleaner monthly will also help maintain the turf’s appearance and eliminate any odors.

Hire professional cleaners

While pet owners can complete some basic turf maintenance tasks independently, professional cleaning is crucial for long-term maintenance. Professional cleaners possess the skills, products, and equipment to thoroughly clean and disinfect artificial turf. In addition, they can detect and repair any damage to the turf and restore it to its former glory, saving homeowners money in the long run.

TurfWash is an artificial turf cleaning company in Phoenix Metro offering safe, odorless cleaning for artificial turf and hardscape surfaces. Our family business has over 23 years of experience in the artificial turf industry. We take pride in our in-depth knowledge of artificial turf and our passion for providing excellent service. Give us a call at 602-560-8582