Why Does My Artificial Turf Smell (Like Pet Urine) ?
Turf odour is usually caused by pet waste, bacteria, and ammonia — here’s how to fix it properly.
What’s Causing That Smell?
If your artificial lawn smells like a pet toilet — you’re not imagining it.
The issue usually starts with pet urine, but it goes much deeper than just the surface.
Here’s what happens:
- Urine seeps through the turf blades
- It settles into the infill and backing layers
- Over time, it dries and crystallises into ammonia
- On warm days, the smell comes back even stronger
Bacteria Build Up Fast
Even if your lawn looks clean, it could be full of hidden contamination.
Every day, turf is exposed to:
- Pet urine and droppings
- Food, drinks, and sweat
- Dust, dirt, and organic debris
Rain Doesn’t Clean Turf — It Makes It Worse
Many people think rain will “wash” the turf, but the opposite is true:
- Rain spreads urine and bacteria deeper
- It reactivates dried ammonia crystals
- Moisture lingers in the turf base, helping bacteria grow
Why the Smell Gets Stronger in the Sun
Turf often seems fine until the sun comes out.
Here’s why:
- Heat activates ammonia odour
- Warmth + leftover moisture = stronger smells
- The more buildup, the worse it gets in summer
Why Vinegar & DIY Sprays Don’t Work
Vinegar and home remedies are common — but ineffective:
- Vinegar can damage turf fibres over time
- It doesn’t neutralise ammonia
- Hosing just pushes the urine deeper
- Most DIY solutions only mask the smell — not fix it
TurfGlo Shield™: The Proven 2-Step Solution
TurfGlo’s Shield™ treatment targets the source of the odour — deep within the turf system.
| Feature | Vinegar & Hose | TurfGlo Shield™ |
| Kills bacteria | No | Hospital-grade sanitiser |
| Breaks down ammonia | No | Enzyme-powered cleaning |
| Safe for pets & kids | Sometimes | Yes |
| Long-lasting results | No | Yes |
We use a low-volume, fast-drying spray — not a flood. It’s safe, efficient, and highly effective.
How Often Should I Clean My Turf?
- Pet owners:Every 3 months (or sooner if needed)
- Childcare or high-use areas:Monthly
- Before or after rainy seasons:Smart for prevention
Don’t Wait for the Smell to Start
If you can already smell it — the buildup has already happened.
TurfGlo Shield™ eliminates odour, kills bacteria, and helps protect your turf investment.
Book Your Turf Treatment Today
From $199 | Pet-safe | Child-safe | Fast-drying
