How to keep artificial grass clean with dogs
If you’ve ever watched your dog tear around the backyard, roll on their back, and then proudly deliver a trail of muddy paw prints through the house… you’re not alone. One of the main reasons our customers switch to artificial grass is because of how easy it is to keep clean with pets around.
The good news? Artificial grass is built for this kind of chaos. The even better news? With a few simple habits, you can keep it looking (and smelling) fresh year-round.
We’ve installed hundreds of pet-friendly artificial lawns across the Central Coast, Newcastle and Sydney, so we’ve picked up a few tried-and-tested tricks for keeping artificial grass clean with dogs. Here’s what we recommend.
Start with quick clean-ups
Let’s be honest… dog poo is unavoidable. But leaving it to sit on artificial grass too long can lead to smells and stains, especially in summer. Here’s our usual process for managing pet waste:
Step 1: Scoop the solids
Use a plastic bag or pooper scooper to pick up solid waste as soon as possible. The quicker you’re onto it, the less chance it has to stick or leave marks.
Step 2: Hose it down
Give the area a light rinse using the garden hose. Most high-quality artificial turf comes with a built-in drainage layer, so liquids drain away without fuss. Just make sure the area underneath is sloped well for proper runoff.
Step 3: Tackle any lingering smells
Some dogs have favourite spots, which can build up a bit of odour over time. A pet-safe enzymatic spray works well here. We often use these in high-traffic zones after rinsing… just a few light sprays is enough to neutralise anything that’s hanging around. If you’ve got multiple dogs or a smaller yard, doing this once a week can make a big difference.
Stick to a simple maintenance routine
You don’t need much to keep synthetic turf in good shape, but consistency helps. We usually suggest a basic fortnightly routine (and weekly if your dog’s especially active or a digger). Here’s what we recommend:
Brush the blades back up
Dog traffic can flatten artificial grass, especially if they’ve got a favourite zoomie route. Use a stiff-bristled brush to fluff the blades back up and brush out any fur or debris. Brushing in different directions helps the grass maintain a natural, upright look.
Check for wear and tear
Even the toughest turf can loosen over time if your dogs are putting it to the test. It’s worth doing a quick once-over every couple of weeks. Keep an eye out for lifted seams, loose edges, or any signs of digging. If something looks off, it’s usually a quick fix, but best handled early.
Deep clean the busy zones
In spots where your dog spends a lot of time, near the back door, under the shady tree, or wherever they tend to “go” it’s worth giving the grass a proper clean every month or so. We mix a gentle, pet-safe detergent with warm water and use a soft brush to work it into the area. Then it’s all about rinsing. Keep going until the water runs clear and there’s no soap left behind. Leaving residue can irritate paws, so it’s important to be thorough.
Adapt your care with the seasons
Artificial grass is low-maintenance, but seasonal tweaks can help keep things running smoothly, especially when dogs are involved.
In winter
If you’re in an area that gets frost or the occasional frost, clear it gently with a broom. Leftover moisture can weigh the grass down, and icy patches might become slippery for your pets. We also find winter is a good time to check the drainage. Make sure there’s no build-up of leaves or debris that could block water flow.
In summer
On extremely hot days, artificial grass can warm up just like any surface. A quick spray with the hose brings the temperature down straight away and gives the turf a bonus rinse. You could also consider adding a bit of shade in high-use areas if your backyard gets full sun all day.
A few extra tips from our team
We’ve spent years installing and maintaining artificial grass for households with dogs, and here are a few extra pointers we’ve learned along the way:
- Choose the right infill: If you’re still in the planning stages, make sure you’re using a pet-friendly infill. Some infills are designed specifically for odour control and better drainage, which makes cleaning down the track much easier.
- Avoid strong chemicals: Stick to pet-safe products when cleaning. Harsh chemicals can damage the turf fibres or irritate your dog’s skin. If in doubt, test a small section first.
- Train your pets early: We’ve seen dogs adapt to artificial grass with no issues, but training them to use one part of the lawn makes ongoing maintenance a breeze. A dedicated potty corner can be a lifesaver.
Considering artificial grass for your pets?
We’ve helped hundreds of pet owners make the switch to artificial grass because they’re done with patchy lawns, muddy paws, and the constant mess. And once it’s in, keeping your artificial grass clean with dogs becomes second nature.
If you’re ready to talk through what it could look like at your place, we’re always happy to help. Give us a call on 0412 920 261 or get an instant quote online. We can talk you through the products we use, how we build pet-proof installations, and how easy it is to keep clean long term.