Artificial grass disinfectants for pets and how to use them

Artificial lawns are becoming more popular, for many reasons. Some pet owners choose artificial grass so that they can enjoy their lawn all year round, without worrying about muddy paws or churned up grass… not to mention mowing! As with most things, artificial lawns will last much longer if they’re looked after properly. So, let’s take a look at which artificial grass disinfectants are safe for pets, and how to use them.

What is artificial grass?

Artificial grass is made of synthetic fibres, designed to look and feel like real grass. It is usually made from polypropylene or nylon, and has a porous backing to allow for drainage. It is often considered a low maintenance option for lawns, since it is durable and hard wearing, although some people have concerns over its impact on the environment. It’s also important to note that some artificial grass can get very hot in summer, so in warm weather it’s safest to check the temperature with the back of your hand before letting your pet outside.

Although a low maintenance option, artificial grass does need some care. For example, many artificial grass companies advise regular brushing to remove pet hairs and other debris, which could block the drainage.

How to clean pet faeces from artificial grass

Just as with real grass, it’s best to pick up any dog poo as soon as possible. The artificial grass will also need cleaning, so you can either spray with a pet-safe disinfectant and then wipe the area with a damp cloth, or apply a pet-safe disinfectant solution and then hose down the area.

Don’t use a jet wash on artificial grass unless the manufacturers of your lawn specify it is safe to do so, as this is likely to damage the fibres.

Some people choose to pick up pet mess as it happens and give it a quick rinse with water, and then disinfect once or twice a week. However, this may not be appropriate if you have young children also enjoying the lawn! In which case a quick spray disinfectant when cleaning up each stool could be a better option.

How to clean urine from artificial grass

 If urine is allowed to build up, artificial grass can start to smell pretty nasty! This smell is the ammonia in your pet’s wee. In wet months when it rains often, the rain will help to dilute the urine and rinse it off, so avoiding build ups. In dry months, you will need to hose the lawn down regularly, especially if your pet tends to go in the same spot! In either case, it’s also advisable to regularly disinfect the areas where your pet tends to pee with a pet-safe disinfectant.

If you do find certain areas starting to smell of ammonia, you will need to use a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner or a disinfectant which also deodorises. Some artificial grass manufacturers will also offer a ‘deep clean’ service, if things get really bad!

What artificial grass disinfectants are safe for pets?

Pet disinfectants for artificial grass are specially formulated to be effective at cleaning, disinfecting, and most importantly - safe for your pets! Some will deodorise pet smells too. They are non-toxic, with the benefit of being safe for kids too (of course you should always double check this with the particular product you are using!). Be sure to look out for products formulated to be safe for pets.

When using a pet disinfectant for artificial grass, it’s best to rinse the area first, to remove any debris or solid mess. This will allow the disinfectant better contact with the artificial grass, and so to work more effectively. Next, make up the solution as per the manufacturer’s instructions and apply to the area. How you apply it will depend on the product. Pet-safe disinfectants are available as:

Sprays, which are handy for quick or spot cleaning

Solutions that you dilute with water, which are useful for cleaning larger areas

You may need to leave the disinfectant on for a period of time, to allow time for the active ingredients to work, before rinsing it off. It’s important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, or the product may not work (or may not work as effectively).

Take home message 

Even artificial grass needs some maintenance! If you have pets, it’s important to use pet-safe disinfectants and cleaning products, and to follow the instructions. Remember to follow the artificial grass manufacturer’s instructions too, to help your lawn last as long as possible.

This article was written by: Dr Sarah-Jane Molier BVM&S BSc MRCVS