Remove Dog Urine Smell from Decomposed Granite & Gravel (Fast)

Why DG & gravel keep smelling (even after you “clean”)

Urine binds to fines (the powdery fraction in DG) and soaks into voids and the base layer. Heat or rain releases trapped residues, so odor spikes on hot days or after storms. Perfume sprays don’t reach the source. The fix: slow-soak saturation to the same depth urine reached and keep it damp 10–20 minutes, then dry fully.

Loose vs stabilized DG — what changes

• Loose DG / gravel: liquids move through more easily → use a slow, even soak to ~1–1.5" depth.
• Stabilized DG (with binder): more like a “sealed” surface → expect multiple passes and benefit from light surface agitation during dwell (no heavy disturb).
• Pea gravel dog areas: urine sits between stones and in the compacted base → soak until you see uniform dampness across stones and fines.

Find every hotspot (edges, posts, low spots)

• Fence lines, posts, corners: common marking points — overlap treatment 12–24 in.
• Low spots/puddling: where fines collect and odor concentrates — expand your treatment radius.
• Transitions: along concrete/step edges and gate thresholds — treat a little beyond the visible area.

Step-by-step: remove urine odor from DG & gravel

1. Prep. Pick up solids. Dry rake lightly to loosen crusted fines (avoid deep disturbance). Remove leaves/organic debris.
2. Apply in evening/shade. Use a watering can or low-pressure sprayer to slow-soak the area until the top ~1–1.5" is uniformly damp (don’t blast or mist).
3. Keep damp 10–20 minutes. Re-mist lightly if drying. On stabilized DG, lightly agitate the surface during dwell.
4. Air-dry completely. For old/heavy hotspots, repeat in 12–24 hours.
5. Re-set surface (optional): once dry, a light rake can re-even loose DG or gravel.

Shop 1-Gallon RTU Shop 10X Concentrate

Tools & setup — make it easy

• Watering can or low-pressure sprayer for a controlled slow-soak (flow > mist).
• 1-gal pump sprayer for precise coverage in dog runs and along edges.
• Leaf rake (light pass) to break crusted fines and improve contact (avoid deep digging on stabilized DG).
• Fans/airflow help dry time after treatment.

Coverage & severity (RTU)

Estimate how much ready-to-use you need. Increase totals for thicker aggregate beds (>2") or heavy dog traffic.

Using 10X Concentrate — mix 1:9

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

Shop 10X Concentrate

Drainage & surface tweaks (for long-term freshness)

• Feather low spots: add a thin lift of fresh DG or gravel to remove puddles.
• Edge buildup: shave humps that trap water against fences or curbs.
• Dog-run gravel: consider a thin top-off after odor control if stones are fouled with fines.

Troubleshooting — if odor persists

1. 24 hrs later still smells: increase depth (slower soak) and hold dwell closer to 20 min; repeat at dusk.
2. Only smells on hot days: residues remain deeper → expand treatment radius and fully soak to the base.
3. New area smells after treatment: wicking/migration → overlap by 12–24 in around hotspot.
4. Stabilized DG stubborn: 2–3 passes with light surface agitation; allow full dry between passes.
5. Drainage issues: correct low spots; odors concentrate where water sits.

FAQ — DG & Gravel