How can I clean the turf if I share it with my pets?
One of the most common questions we receive at Titan Turf is, “How can I clean the turf if I share it with my pets?” The answer? It’s simple. Artificial turf has different characteristics than that of a living lawn. So while cleaning up after your dog does require a little more effort than real grass, it’s usually as simple as a quick rinse of the turf with an environmentally friendly cleaner.
WHEN SHOULD I WASH MY TURF?
It is recommended to wash/clean your turf appropriately for the size of your yard. The frequency of cleaning depends on the number of dogs that are sharing the space; also their size. It is recommended that if a dog urinates/soils a space of 600 square feet evenly throughout the yard, it should be rinsed down once every three weeks. This is the recommended frequency for a dog that is 60 pounds or less.
Two dogs of this size in a similarly sized area might require rinsing of the turf more frequently: Approximately every week and a half.
It is not recommended to rinse the turf more than once every (4) days. This is important because the sub-base needs ample time to dry. The Zeolite crystals also need a chance to adsorb oxygen between cleanings. Zeolite crystals will only prevent odors if they are dry and not already full of liquid, such as urine.
HOW SHOULD I WASH MY TURF?
Please check with the manufacturer of the turf prior to purchasing a turf cleaner. Many manufacturers suggest an eco-friendly turf cleaner which can then be poured into a fertilizer bottle and attached to a garden hose for proper mixing and distribution throughout the space.
Our own Hercules Pet Odor Neutralizer is an excellent choice for ridding your yard of unwanted ammonia smells.
After soaking the turf and ensuring the cleaner has gone down approximately ½-inch to 1-inch below the sub-base, it is recommended to wait up to 10 minutes and then rinse the entire area down with freshwater only. No cleaner. This is to remove all the soap from the turf blades and thoroughly rinse the sub-base.
If the weather is over 70°, it is recommended not to clean or hose the area down for up to (4) days after cleaning to ensure the sub-base has dried entirely.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Many other factors can cause unpleasant odors; these are normally caused by mistakes made during the installation process.
Be sure the proper infill has been installed for any areas shared with pets. Using infills like rubber, silica sand, or cork, may hold or promote odors. The correct infill will not only prevent the smell of ammonia, but will also help reduce the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew
Many professional installers do not recommend using a weed barrier if you have pets. Weed barrier will reduce the drainage considerably and often retains the smell of ammonia.
Some types of turf contain latex or nylon; these materials absorb ammonia and cause an unpleasant smell.
Oftentimes, play areas have fall padding underneath them. It is not recommended for these spaces to be shared with pets as the padding reduces the drainage rate of the turf and does not allow for thorough cleaning.
We hope this helps you provide your customers with important information on how to care for their turf. As always, feel free to reach out to us with any additional questions you may have.
Please contact Titan Turf for more information on this topic and more. Titan Turf Supply provides Artificial Turf, Accessories and Irrigation Supplies to Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, Burbank, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Palmdale, Lancaster, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Thousand Oaks, San Dimas, Granada Hills, Simi Valley and all of Southern California. You can reach out anytime at (661) 310-7962 or titanturfsupply@gmail.com. You can also visit our Contact Page.
