How to Get Dog Urine Smell Out of Artificial Turf

By the TurFresh Team, Published September 4, 2026, 6 min read

If you are trying to get dog urine smell out of artificial turf, here is the honest answer up front: the smell is not in the air, it is in residue left behind on the blades, the backing, and the infill, and it has to be broken down, not covered up. This guide explains why turf holds onto that odor and the exact process that removes it.

Table of contents

• Why does artificial turf smell like dog urine?
• What actually removes dog urine smell from turf?
• How do you remove the smell, step by step?
• How do you keep the smell from coming back?
• Dog urine and turf FAQ

Why does artificial turf smell like dog urine?

Urine drains through turf, but it never drains completely. Residue clings to the blades, the backing, and the infill layer, and it builds up with every bathroom break.

Heat makes it worse, which is why the smell spikes on warm afternoons. Rinsing with water alone dilutes the residue but does not remove it, and fragrance sprays only layer perfume on top.

What actually removes dog urine smell from turf?

The residue needs to be digested, which is exactly what TurFresh BioS+ is formulated to do. Its pet safe enzymes break down the organic waste causing the odor, so the smell is gone rather than hidden.

It is the same formula our own crews have used across 8.5 million+ square feet of artificial turf, and it is safe for kids and pets once the turf is dry. For large yards, the BioS+ Value Pack pairs the cleaner with our hose end sprayer so application takes minutes.

How do you remove dog urine smell from turf, step by step?

Step 1: Pick up and rinse

Remove any solid waste, then rinse the area well with a hose to flush out what water can carry away.

Step 2: Apply BioS+ evenly

Spray the turf generously, focusing on the spots your dog favors. The BioSiphon sprayer connects to your hose and applies it evenly with no mixing.

Step 3: Let the enzymes work

Give the formula its dwell time per the label. The enzymes need those minutes to digest the residue, this step is where the odor actually gets treated.

Step 4: Let it dry

Once dry, the yard is back open for kids and pets. For turf with a long odor history, repeat the treatment on a weekly schedule at first, then ease into maintenance.

How do you keep the dog urine smell from coming back?

Two habits keep a pet yard fresh. First, a regular BioS+ treatment schedule, weekly for heavy use, every few weeks for lighter use, so residue never accumulates. Autoship keeps it on hand automatically and saves 10% on every order.

Second, upgrade your infill. TurFill deodorizing infill captures moisture and odor inside the turf between treatments. Running a dog heavy space like a daycare or apartment pet area? See our guides for dog daycares and apartment and HOA pet areas.

Dog urine and artificial turf FAQ

Does vinegar remove dog urine smell from turf?

Vinegar can knock the smell down briefly, but it does not digest the residue, so the odor returns, often within days. An enzyme formula removes the source.

Is BioS+ safe for dogs?

Yes, BioS+ is made to be safe around kids and pets when used as directed. Let the turf dry before play resumes.

How often should I treat my turf if I have dogs?

For a yard in regular use by one or two dogs, a treatment every one to two weeks keeps odor from building. High traffic spaces should treat more often.

Will rain clean dog urine out of my turf?

Rain rinses and dilutes, which helps, but it cannot break down the residue stuck to blades and infill. If turf smells after rain, the source is still in there.