Turf Smells Like Urine? How to Remove Odor from Artificial Grass (Fast, Proven Method)

Turf Smells Like Urine? How to Remove Odor from Artificial Grass (Fast, Proven Method)

Updated September 2025 • Urine Zero

Works on artificial turf with infill and underlayment. Evening application, full saturation to depth, 10–20 minute dwell, then dry. Includes diagnostics, tools, severity ladder, seasonal playbook, and extended FAQ.

Why turf keeps smelling (even after “cleaning”)

Odor-causing residues don’t live on the blade tips. They settle deeper in the infill and underlayment. Light spraying only perfumes the surface. The fix is simple but specific: saturate to the same depth the urine reached and keep the area damp 10–20 minutes so the formula can work through that layer.

Diagnose the source (60-second checklist)

  • Hot-day smell: heat is releasing deeper residues → you need deeper saturation and evening application.
  • Smell after rain: rainfall reactivates old residues → re-treat once surfaces drain.
  • Edges/seams smell: urine can wick along borders → overlap treatment 6–12 in beyond visible areas.
  • Low spots/puddling: odors concentrate there → expand radius 12–24 in and improve drainage if chronic.
  • Compacted/odorous infill: brush fibers up; consider adding fresh infill in persistent hotspots.

Step-by-step: remove urine odor from artificial turf

  1. Prep. Lightly rinse dusty areas and let standing water drain.
  2. Apply in evening/shade. Use a 1-gallon pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer to fully saturate the area until solution reaches the infill/base (don’t surface-mist).
  3. Keep damp 10–20 minutes. Re-mist lightly if it starts to dry; brushing helps work solution through the fibers and infill.
  4. Air-dry completely. For old/severe odors, repeat in 12–24 hours.
  5. Maintenance. Heavy use = weekly; moderate = every other week; light = monthly.

Shop 1-Gallon RTU Shop 10X Concentrate

Tools & setup — get pro results

  • Sprayers: 1-gal pump sprayer for control; hose-end sprayer for larger zones (use ready-to-use or a fixed 1:9 setting).
  • Flow, not mist: choose a coarse setting to saturate deeply.
  • Brushing: a turf brush helps push solution into the infill and even out coverage.
  • Evening window: apply within 2–3 hours of sunset (or shaded mornings) to preserve dwell time.

Coverage & severity (RTU)

Start with these rates; adjust for infill type, drainage, and odor severity.

Severity Rate (oz/sq ft) Typical repeats Aftercare cadence
Light ~0.4 1 pass Monthly
Moderate ~0.8 2 passes (12–24 hrs apart) Every other week
Severe ~1.5 2–3 passes Weekly until stable

Using 10X Concentrate — mix 1:9

Mix 1 part concentrate : 9 parts water. Shake/stir the concentrate before diluting for uniformity. Do not mix with other chemicals.

Final Volume (RTU) Concentrate Water
32 oz (sprayer) 3.2 oz 28.8 oz
1 gallon (pump sprayer) 12.8 oz 115.2 oz

Heat, rain & seasonal plan

  • Heat waves: plan evening applications every 7–10 days on hotspots until stable.
  • After storms: re-treat high-use zones once surfaces drain—heavy rain can dilute prior applications.
  • Dormant season: monthly maintenance is usually sufficient unless use is heavy.

Troubleshooting — if odor persists

  1. 24 hrs later still smells: increase depth and hold dwell closer to 20 minutes; reapply in evening.
  2. Only smells on hot days: residues remain deeper → expand radius and saturate to base.
  3. New area smells after treatment: wicking/migration → overlap by 12–24 in around hotspot.
  4. Chronic dog run: set weekly cadence; once stable, move to every other week, then monthly.
  5. Weed cloth present: it can trap urine → consider removal in chronic zones.

FAQ — Artificial Turf

How fast will the odor go away?

Fresh areas often resolve in one treatment. Old or heavy-use zones can need 2–3 applications spaced 12–24 hours apart.

Is it safe around pets and kids?

Use as directed. Keep pets and children off the turf until it’s completely dry.

Will this make the turf slippery or leave residue?

No, it dries clean when used as directed. Avoid over-application on adjacent sealed hardscape and allow full dry time.

Can I use a hose-end sprayer?

Yes. Mix 10X to ready-to-use at 1:9 first (or use a sprayer with a fixed 1:9 setting). For precise saturation, a 1-gal pump sprayer is easiest.

Why evening instead of daytime?

Sun/heat evaporate product too fast. Evening/shade keeps the area damp 10–20 minutes so the formula can work deeper.

Do I need to rinse after it dries?

Not usually. If any light residue remains on adjacent hardscape, a quick rinse is fine once the turf is dry.

Will it discolor my turf?

It’s designed for synthetic turf. Always test a hidden area if you’re concerned; follow evening/dwell guidance and allow to dry fully.

Can I mix this with vinegar, bleach, or other cleaners?

No. Dilute 10X with water only (1:9). Mixing with chemicals can reduce effectiveness and isn’t recommended for turf.

How do I know if I saturated “enough”?

The blades will be wet, but more importantly the infill will darken and feel uniformly damp. If only blade tips are wet, add more flow.

What if I have artificial turf over weed cloth?

Weed cloth can trap urine. In chronic zones, removal improves long-term odor control and drainage.

Does rain help or hurt?

Light rain can help rinse, but heavy rain dilutes product and shortens dwell time. Re-treat hotspots after storms if odors resurface.

Cat urine vs dog urine — any difference?

Both can create strong odors. For older cat urine, plan on the “severe” rate and expect at least two passes 12–24 hours apart.