How Often Should You Clean Artificial Grass When You Have a Dog?

Artificial grass and dogs can be a dream combo—no muddy paws, no patchy lawn, just green all year round. But there’s a catch: it doesn’t clean itself.

Unlike natural grass, artificial turf doesn’t absorb or break down dog waste. So if you’ve got a four-legged friend regularly doing their business on the fake stuff, cleaning becomes part of the routine.

Here’s how often to clean, what to clean with, and why it matters.

The Short Answer

• Poo pick-up – As soon as possible (daily is the ideal, but weekly is fine)
  
• Rinse down – Weekly during dry spells
  
• Disinfect and deodorise – Monthly (or more often in hot weather or multi-dog households)
  
  

Regular maintenance helps prevent smell build-up, bacteria growth, and damage to the turf base.

Poo Pick-Up: Why Timing Matters

Leaving dog poo on artificial grass isn’t just unsightly—it causes:

• Residue to cling to blades
  
• Bacteria to linger in fibres
  
• Smells to soak into the surface
  
  

Pick-up frequency depends on:

• How many dogs you have
  
• The size of your garden
  
• Weather (heat intensifies odours)
  
  

Sticking to a routine (whether it’s daily or using a weekly clean-up service) is the first step to turf that stays fresh.

Rinsing and Flushing

Urine seeps through artificial grass, but traces remain on the surface. A quick weekly hose-down helps:

• Remove residue
  
• Prevent yellowing and bacteria build-up
  
• Dilute smells
  
  

Focus on common toilet areas. For larger gardens, a watering can does the trick if a hose isn’t handy.

Monthly Disinfection: The Deep Clean

Use a pet-safe enzyme cleaner to:

• Break down organic material (like poo particles and urine residue)
  
• Neutralise smells
  
• Reduce risk of parasites and harmful bacteria
  
  

This is especially important in summer, shaded areas, or high-traffic zones. If your garden sees a lot of action, consider bi-weekly treatments.

What If You Don’t Clean Often Enough?

Neglected artificial turf can quickly become:

• Smelly (especially in hot weather)
  
• Discoloured
  
• A breeding ground for flies and parasites
  
• A trigger for dogs to re-mark the same spots
  
  

Long-term, it may shorten the lifespan of your turf or affect drainage.

Tools That Make It Easier

• Pooper scooper or gloves – For hygienic pick-up
  
• Hose or watering can – For light rinsing
  
• Enzyme cleaner – Choose pet-safe and turf-safe formulas
  
• Broom or plastic rake – To loosen embedded debris
  
  

Bonus: a regular clean keeps the grass looking natural and upright.

Professional Help Can Save You Time

Many Hertfordshire homeowners use regular clean-up services for peace of mind. At Scooper Heroes, we offer:

• Regular poo removal
  
• Sanitise & deodorise add-ons
  
• Friendly alerts if we spot anything unusual
  
  

We do the dirty work, so you can enjoy the garden without the whiff.

Final Thoughts

Artificial grass makes life easier for dog owners—but only if it’s cleaned properly. With a little upkeep (and a helping hand if needed), you can keep it fresh, safe, and odour-free all year round.

Need help staying on top of artificial turf cleaning?
Scooper Heroes offers professional garden clean-ups and pet-safe sanitising options across Hertfordshire. Request a quote to get started.