How to Maintain Artificial Grass with Dogs

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With an artificial turf lawn and landscaping, there’s no need for a “no dogs on grass” sign. One of the main benefits of artificial turf is that it is more durable and requires less maintenance than natural grass.  Pet turf is the ideal surface for dogs and dog caretakers alike. Dogs can’t dig up, chew through, or turn turf yellow like natural grass. It stays green all the time, doesn’t get muddy and slippery, and is always soft and lush underfoot — and underpaw. 

Although you don’t have to worry about watering, mowing, and fertilizing artificial pet turf, there are still some things you should do to keep it in good shape with dogs. It’s easy to clean, groom, and maintain turf and turf infill. Make sure you and your dogs can enjoy your artificial turf for years by performing routine maintenance to keep it in great condition. 

Tips to Maintain Grass with Dogs-Turf Factory Direct

How to Clean Artificial Turf 

You certainly don’t have to mow, weed, water, or fertilize artificial turf like natural grass, but you do have to keep it clean. There are a handful of common substances that should be thoroughly removed from your turf regularly.

Whether indoor or outdoor, turf is easy to maintain. You can do spot cleaning whenever you have time, and you should clean up any spills as they happen. Spray it with a garden hose and remove any debris with a broom or rake before they build up. Artificial turf is stain-resistant by design, but it’s still important to remove substances that are sticky or can support microbial growth with a cleaner. 

Remove Common Surface Debris

Dust, leaves, and dirt can build up on your turf surface. In order to prevent these buildups from occurring, lightly spray your turf every week with a garden hose. Keep in mind that you might need to do so more often with pets if they regularly relieve themselves on the turf, or if you live in a dry, dusty area. For a heavier buildup, such as piles of leaves in fall or dirt from storms, rake or brush it off. Use a stiff brush that does not have steel bristles or a lawn rake that is flexible in order to avoid damaging your turf. 

Clean up Pet Waste

If you have dogs or cats or if there are several in your neighborhood, removing pet waste on a regular basis is essential. This keeps your turf smelling nice and prevents it from getting filled with germs from pet waste. Scoop and dispose of the matter, then spray the area with a hose. For urine, spray the affected areas with a hose and consider using turf deodorizer or a mixture of water and vinegar.

Remove Stains

Gum, barbecue sauce, drinks, and other substances can end up on your turf, but the good news is that this type of turf is stain-resistant. In most cases, these substances can be easily cleaned up with water. If you have something sticky, such as gum, on your artificial turf, use a putty knife to carefully remove it or apply ice to it to freeze it and remove it. Don’t use a power washer on artificial turf. Any tough spots can be cleaned with a gentle scrubbing and a mixture of water and vinegar, soap and water, or a turf cleanser. 

Eliminate Bacteria

Blood, pet waste, and other substances can leave bacteria behind on your artificial turf. To remove it, wash it with a mix of vinegar and water or mild soap and water. Use a spray bottle for smaller areas and a garden hose attachment for larger areas.

Cleaning & Maintenance Routine

Most artificial grass only needs to be cleaned once a week or so, just to ensure that dust and debris don’t accumulate. Simply spraying it off with a garden hose will likely do enough to maintain its appearance. 

If you’ve got a pet that regularly relieves itself on your grass, you want to make sure that you’re regularly cleaning up after them, as well as applying deodorizer as needed to keep things smelling fresh and clean. Additionally, getting a  rake or brush that you can use on the lawn is a good idea too. Pulling against the grain will help keep the artificial turf looking stiff and perky. 

How Often to Clean Artificial Grass

Depending on how much use your artificial lawn sees, you’ll want to make sure that you clean it on a regular schedule. For lawns that never see much walking or use, once every two weeks or every month is probably enough cleaning. 

If your pet is regularly heading out to do their business on the artificial lawn, cleaning every week is a good idea. Most artificial turf and infill have antimicrobial properties, but getting some sort of mild antibacterial solution won’t hurt when it comes to cleaning the lawn either. 

Can You Vacuum Artificial Grass?

Cleaning artificial turf with a vacuum is possible, however you probably want to avoid it on turf with infill, as that can damage the vacuum cleaner. 

DIY vs. Commercial Turf Cleaners

As far as commercial options go, your best bet is a good artificial grass enzyme cleaner or antimicrobial turf cleaner to help remove and prevent odors from pet waste. These cleansers will help ensure that you’ve got the cleanest turf this side of a football stadium. 

DIY solutions are as easy as creating a vinegar solution of equal parts water and vinegar. That will usually get the job done on low intensity stains and smells. 

Will I Need a Professional Turf Cleaning Service?

While hiring a cleaning service is an option, you’ll most likely only ever need to hire one in the most extreme of cases. Regular turf cleaning and maintenance is a totally DIY option. 

Use the Right Infill 

Turf infill is important. Most infills are pet friendly, but make sure you double check before installing or re-upping your supply of infill. Regularly topping off the yard ensures that things stay clean and soft. 

The Importance of Artificial Turf Maintenance

Taking good care of your turf means protecting your investment. You already paid to have turf installed, it should be a no-brainer to maintain it over time. With proper installation and regular maintenance and care, turf lasts for much longer and can remain problem-free for years. 

Why turf?

Properly installed and well maintained artificial turf can last 15 to 20 years. Want a verdant, green yard all year-round with little maintenance? No problem with artificial turf. On top of all that, turf can increase curb appeal which can increase property value and help sell a home fast.

Artificial grass is resistant to activity that would kill natural grass, and can resist crushing and tearing from foot traffic, sports, athletic activities, and animals attempting to dig. Plus, artificial turf can not only replace natural grass, it can be used for a number of applications that natural grass can’t, such as balconies, concrete, wood decks, and around pools

Artificial turf is non-toxic, not a choking hazard, doesn’t get muddy and slippery when wet, and is non-abrasive and shock absorbent. Overall, turf makes for a kid-friendly, pet-friendly, athlete-friendly, and even klutz-friendly surface. 

If you’re considering installing pet turf, Turf Factory Direct is the best place to get what you need: 

Turf Factory Direct has years of experience and the best turf at the best prices around. Get in touch with us today!

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