How to Clean Artificial Grass for Dogs: The Complete Guide for Colorado Pet Owners

If you’ve switched from natural grass to artificial turf, you already know the difference it makes: no more muddy pawprints, no more yellow spots, and no more endless watering. But if you’ve got dogs, you’ve probably also learned one key truth: even the best turf needs a little TLC to stay clean and odor-free.

At Indy Artificial Turf & Landscaping, we design our pet turf installations to handle real-life pets, playtime, and everything in between. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning artificial grass for dogs in Colorado’s climate, from daily upkeep to deep-clean strategies that keep your yard looking (and smelling) like new.

1. Start With the Right Foundation

Before diving into cleaning routines, it helps to understand why your turf’s foundation matters as much as the surface when it comes to pet odor and drainage.

A high-quality, pet-friendly system includes:

• Permeable backing: Allows urine and water to drain straight through.

• Crushed granite base: Provides excellent drainage and prevents bacteria buildup.

• Antimicrobial infill: Traps and neutralizes ammonia from pet waste.

• Low pile height: Easier to rinse and keeps the turf from trapping pet hair.

If your artificial grass was installed by Indy, you already have this system working in your favor. A proper base means cleaning is faster and more effective. No lingering smells, no puddles, no mess.

2. Daily or As-Needed Cleaning

Dogs are creatures of habit, which makes maintenance easier. Most pick a few “go-to” potty spots in the yard.

Step 1: Scoop the Poop

Use your regular waste bags or a pooper scooper to remove solid waste as soon as possible. For sticky spots, a quick rinse with a garden hose usually does the trick.

Step 2: Rinse the Area

A light rinse helps flush away urine and prevent buildup. You don’t need to drench the lawn, just use a gentle shower or flat setting on your hose.

Step 3: Spot-Treat if Needed

If you notice a lingering smell, spray a pet-safe, enzyme-based cleaner on the area. These cleaners break down bacteria that cause odors instead of just masking them. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals. They can damage turf fibers and backing over time.

3. Weekly Cleaning Routine

Even if your yard drains well, weekly cleaning keeps bacteria, dust, and pollen from building up, especially during Colorado’s warm, dry months.

Here’s a simple weekly plan:

1. Rinse the entire turf area. Focus on high-traffic dog zones.

2. Apply enzyme cleaner or a vinegar solution. Mix one part white vinegar with one part water and lightly spray.

3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This gives the solution time to neutralize odor.

4. Rinse again. Flush the surface completely to remove residue.

A weekly rinse takes less than 10 minutes and goes a long way in keeping your yard clean and fresh.

4. Monthly Deep Cleaning

Once a month, or more often if you have multiple dogs, plan a slightly deeper clean.

Step 1: Remove Debris

Use a plastic leaf rake or a leaf blower to clear leaves, sticks, or pet hair. Metal tools can damage turf, so stick to plastic.

Step 2: Brush the Fibers

A stiff-bristle push broom or turf brush fluffs up matted blades and redistributes infill. Brushing against the grain revives the turf’s appearance and helps air reach the base layer.

Step 3: Deodorize Thoroughly

Apply a turf-specific deodorizer or enzyme solution across the entire lawn. Products with natural enzymes or zeolite minerals are best. They break down odor-causing compounds without harming pets or the environment.

Step 4: Rinse Well

Rinse from multiple directions to push everything through the backing and out of the base layer. This step mimics a natural rainfall rinse (which Colorado doesn’t always deliver).

5. Seasonal Cleaning Tips for Colorado

In Winter

• Snow naturally “rinses” your turf as it melts.

• Use a plastic shovel or broom, not a metal one, to clear snow when needed.

• Avoid salt and de-icers; they can damage turf and irritate paws.

In Spring

• Do a full deep-clean to remove winter dust and debris.

• Check for compacted infill and add more if the fibers look flat.

In Summer

• Rinse turf regularly to reduce heat buildup and flush away any bacteria.

• Keep an extra spray bottle of enzyme cleaner handy for quick odor control.

In Fall

• Clear leaves often to prevent organic matter from trapping moisture or smells.

• Do one final deep clean before the first snow.

6. Managing Odor Like a Pro

Even the cleanest turf can develop a faint smell over time, especially in heavy-use pet areas. The key is consistency and the right products.

Best odor-fighting tools:

• Zeolite infill: Naturally neutralizes ammonia from urine.

• Enzyme cleaners: Break down organic waste and bacteria.

• Vinegar spray: Eco-friendly and effective in a pinch. Mix 1 cup of vinegar in a gallon of water, spray generously, wait 10 minutes, then rinse.

If odors persist despite cleaning, you may need a professional turf grooming, something Indy offers to keep turf fresh year-round.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using metal tools. They can tear fibers or puncture backing.

2. Skipping rinses in dry weather. Colorado’s low humidity means odors linger longer without regular flushing.

3. Using soap or detergent. These leave residue that attracts dirt.

4. Overwatering. Artificial grass drains well, but excessive water can cause minor erosion of the infill layer.

5. Ignoring pet hair buildup. It traps odor and bacteria over time.

Stay ahead of these pitfalls, and your turf will keep its lush look for years.

8. When to Schedule a Professional Cleaning

If you’ve followed all the steps above but still notice persistent odors or flattened fibers, it might be time for a professional touch.

A pro turf cleaning service can:

• Power-brush and sanitize your turf.

• Deep-clean the infill and base layers

• Check seams, edges, and drainage for wear or buildup.

Many homeowners in Denver schedule a professional turf cleaning once or twice a year, especially households with multiple dogs.

Fresh Turf, Happy Dogs — The Indy Way

Artificial grass and dogs go hand in hand when it’s installed and cared for properly. With a quick rinse routine, an occasional enzyme treatment, and Indy’s professional-grade installation system, your lawn will stay green, clean, and odor-free no matter how many fetch sessions or zoomies happen on it.

Need help restoring your turf or ready to install a dog-friendly yard that stays clean year-round? Call us today to request a free consultation. We’ll help you build the perfect, low-maintenance outdoor space, affordable, high-quality, and designed for real life with dogs.