Updated September 2025 • Urine Zero
Works on artificial turf dog runs and kennels (infill & base). Field-tested method: evening application, full saturation to depth, 10–20 minute dwell, then dry. Includes diagnostics, maintenance plan, and big FAQ.
Why dog runs smell like ammonia (even after you “clean” them)
Urine residues don’t sit on blade tips — they collect deeper in the infill and underlayment. Heat and moisture release trapped ammonia compounds from prior accidents, so the odor spikes on hot days or after rain. Surface sprays and perfumes don’t reach the source. The fix: full saturation to base + time wet (10–20 min) + repeat where needed.
Find every hotspot (edges, posts, seams)
- Fence lines, posts, corners: favorite marking zones — overlap treatment 12–24 in.
- Seams & edges: urine can wick along borders; lift a fiber line to confirm dampness at base.
- Low spots/puddling: expand treatment radius; poor drainage concentrates odor.
- Compacted infill: brush fibers up; consider topping up fresh infill after odor is controlled.
Step-by-step: remove ammonia odor from a dog run
- Prep. Pick up solids. Lightly rinse dust; let standing water drain.
- Apply in evening/shade. Use a pump or hose-end sprayer to saturate thoroughly until solution reaches base (don’t surface-mist).
- Keep damp 10–20 minutes. Re-mist if drying; brushing helps work solution through fibers and infill.
- Air-dry completely. For heavy hotspots, repeat in 12–24 hours.
Tools & setup — make it easy
- 1-gal pump sprayer: best control for saturation.
- Hose-end sprayer: fast coverage for larger runs (use RTU or a fixed 1:9 setting).
- Turf brush: to work solution into infill and lift compacted fibers.
Coverage & severity (RTU)
Start with these rates; adjust for dog count, usage, drainage, and heat.
| Severity | Rate (oz/sq ft) | Typical repeats | Cadence after cleanup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. 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 |
Maintenance plan (keeps runs fresh)
- Heavy use (multi-dog): weekly deep clean in hotspots; monthly full-area pass in summer.
- Moderate: every other week hotspots; monthly full-area pass.
- After storms/heat waves: quick retreat of favorite zones.
- Weed cloth present? It can trap urine — consider removing in chronic zones.
Troubleshooting — if odor persists
- 24 hrs later still smells: increase depth and hold dwell closer to 20 minutes; reapply in evening.
- Only smells on hot days: residues remain deeper → expand treatment radius and fully saturate to base.
- New area smells after treatment: wicking/migration → overlap by 12–24 in around hotspot.
- Compacted infill: brush up fibers; consider fresh infill after odor control.
- Drainage issues: address low spots; odors concentrate where water sits.
FAQ — Dog Runs & Kennels
Is it safe for dogs?
Use as directed and keep dogs off the run until it’s completely dry. Treat in the evening so it can work overnight.
Will this make the turf slick?
No, it dries clean when used as directed. Avoid over-application on adjacent sealed hardscape; let everything dry fully.
How many treatments will I need?
Fresh areas often resolve in one pass; old/heavy hotspots usually need 2–3 passes spaced 12–24 hours apart.
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). A 1-gal pump sprayer is ideal for precise saturation.
Will this stop my dog from remarking?
Removing odor helps reduce remarking, but behavior varies. Clean quickly after accidents and stick to the maintenance plan.