How to Get Rid of Urine Smell on Artificial Grass

Unlike natural grass and soil, artificial turf doesn't biodegrade urine. When a dog urinates on artificial grass, the liquid passes through the fibres and can pool in the infill material or around the backing layer. Bacteria then begin to break the urine down, producing ammonia - the compound responsible for that sharp, eye-watering smell.

The problem is compounded by the structure of urine itself. Dog urine contains uric acid crystals which are highly stable and don't dissolve in plain water. Every time the grass gets warm - or slightly damp - those crystals reactivate and release ammonia all over again. This is why you might notice the smell is much worse in summer or after rain.

The type of artificial grass also makes a significant difference. Grass installed with a non-permeable backing or dense infill traps urine rather than allowing it to drain away, accelerating the build-up of bacteria. This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing artificial grass for a garden where dogs will be using it regularly - something we cover in more detail in Section 6.

Not all cleaning products are suitable for artificial turf, and some can actively cause damage. Here are the most effective options, in order of effectiveness:

Enzyme-Based Cleaners (Most Effective)

Enzyme cleaners contain live bacterial cultures that actively digest uric acid crystals - the root cause of the smell. They don't just mask the odour; they permanently eliminate it at a molecular level. Look for products specifically labelled for artificial grass or pet odour on hard surfaces. Apply liberally, allow the dwell time specified on the bottle (usually 10-15 minutes), and rinse off.

White Vinegar Solution (Good Natural Alternative)

A solution of one part white vinegar to one part water is a highly effective, pet-safe and inexpensive option for regular maintenance. Vinegar is acidic, which helps neutralise the alkaline ammonia compounds in urine. It won't break down uric acid crystals as thoroughly as an enzyme cleaner, but it is excellent for weekly upkeep between deeper cleans.

Baking Soda (For Odour Absorption)

Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) can be sprinkled onto dry artificial grass to absorb and neutralise odours before being brushed off or rinsed away. It works best as a short-term fix or between cleans, rather than as a primary treatment.

Specialist Artificial Grass Odour Neutralisers

There are several products on the market designed specifically for artificial grass odour control. These typically combine enzyme technology with deodorising compounds and are worth investing in if you have multiple dogs or a particularly persistent problem.

Follow this method for the most thorough clean. For best results, choose a dry day and allow the grass to dry fully afterwards.

1. 1
   Remove any solid waste first. Pick up any solid waste and dispose of it before starting. This prevents you spreading bacteria further across the surface during cleaning.
2. 2
   Rinse the area with cold water. Use a hose to rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water. This dilutes the concentration of urine and begins to flush bacteria out of the infill. Avoid hot water as it can set proteins and make odours worse.
3. 3
   Apply your enzyme cleaner or vinegar solution. Spray or pour your chosen cleaner generously over the affected area, making sure it penetrates down into the infill. Don't be too sparing - the product needs to reach the uric acid crystals to work.
4. 4
   Allow the dwell time. Leave the cleaner to work for at least 10-15 minutes. Enzyme cleaners need time to break down uric acid, so don't rush this step. For a very strong smell, you can leave it for up to 30 minutes.
5. 5
   Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Rinse the entire area thoroughly to flush away the dissolved urine compounds and any residual cleaner. Work in sections and make sure you don't leave cleaner sitting in the infill.
6. 6
   Allow to dry completely. Allow the grass to dry naturally. On a warm day this typically takes 1-2 hours. Avoid letting your dog back onto the area until it is fully dry.
7. 7
   Brush the fibres. Once dry, use a stiff-bristled brush or a purpose-made artificial grass rake to brush the fibres back up to a standing position. This also helps redistribute the infill evenly.

Some cleaning products that might seem effective are actually harmful to artificial turf. Avoid the following:

The best approach to urine smell is to prevent it building up in the first place. A few simple habits make a dramatic difference:

Rinse Immediately After Your Dog Urinates

The single most effective thing you can do is rinse the area with cold water immediately after your dog uses the grass. This prevents urine from sitting in the infill and giving bacteria the chance to establish. It takes 30 seconds with a hose and makes a significant difference to how often you need to deep clean.

Establish a Weekly Cleaning Routine

Once a week, treat the whole lawn with a diluted enzyme cleaner or white vinegar solution. This keeps bacterial levels low and prevents uric acid crystals from building up to the point where the smell becomes noticeable. Add this to your regular artificial grass maintenance routine and it becomes second nature.

Improve Drainage

If your artificial grass has poor drainage - perhaps because the sub-base wasn't prepared correctly or the backing is not permeable - urine will pool rather than drain away. If you notice standing water after hosing down, this could be contributing significantly to your odour problem. Contact your installer or speak to our team about whether your drainage can be improved.

Consider an Infill Treatment

There are specialist anti-microbial infill products and infill treatments designed to inhibit the bacteria that cause odours. These are particularly worth considering if you have a large dog, multiple dogs, or a small lawn that gets heavy use. Ask us about the options available when you get in touch.

Train Your Dog to Use a Specific Area

If possible, train your dog to use a designated spot in the garden. This concentrates the area you need to maintain and makes your cleaning routine far more manageable. Some dog owners reserve a small gravel or bark area for toileting and keep the artificial lawn for play - an approach that works well in larger gardens.

If you're dealing with persistent urine smell, it's worth considering whether your current artificial grass was the right choice for a household with dogs - or whether you're yet to install and want to get it right from the start.

The most important features to look for in a pet-friendly artificial grass are:

If you're unsure which of our artificial grass ranges is right for your garden and your dogs, our Essex team is happy to help. We offer free site visits across Essex and will give you an honest recommendation based on your specific situation. Contact us to arrange a no-obligation consultation.