How to Clean a Dog Grass Pad

Easy
5 - 10 Minutes
1 Day

Introduction

Letting your pup potty on a doggy grass pad in the house or on the patio is ideal if you live in an apartment or cold environment. Doggy grass pads are also a "grrreat" solution if you work long hours or have an older dog who can't hold it for as long as they used to. 

And while doggy grass pads are convenient, they still require some maintenance. Cleaning your dog's grass pad regularly will not only encourage your pup to continue using it, but it also keeps their potty area sanitary. Just like you, your dog appreciates a clean toilet!

Dog's Perspective

While a trace of your dog's scent will help draw them back to their designated potty area, they're less likely to go there if it's not kept clean. A grass pad that's soaked through with urine or has multiple piles of poop on it will not be very appealing to your dog. If this is the case, they may start doing their business somewhere else. So, keep your pup's toilet area clean to keep them happy and to avoid accidents in the house

Another thing that will keep your furry friend's tail wagging is maintaining their hygiene. If you're too busy to groom your dog yourself, why not book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you?

The Artificial Turf Method

Effective
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Step
1
Poop removal
Remove any poop from the grass. Remember to do this each time your dog poops but especially before cleaning the pad.
Step
2
Tray
Take the potty grass out, whether real or artificial, and empty the urine from the tray base. You can simply dump the urine into the toilet and flush it away. Once empty, use soapy water to wash the base tray.
Step
3
Grass
Remove the grass from the pad. For artificial grass, wash the turf thoroughly with a mild soap and warm water.
Step
4
Dry
Allow the artificial grass and base tray to dry before putting the unit back together.
Step
5
Replace grass
Artificial grass, if kept clean on a regular basis, should be replaced every two months.

The Real Grass Method

Effective
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Step
1
Poop
Be sure to remove any piles of poop from the grass before removing the grass from the tray.
Step
2
Tray
Urine will soak through real grass and settle into the tray below the grass. To clean this, remove the grass and wash the tray with warm soapy water.
Step
3
Grass
Don't wet or clean the grass with water. But do ensure there isn't any poop hidden in the blades.
Step
4
Puppy pad
You can place a puppy pad beneath the grass in the tray to catch the urine, but you should replace the pad daily.
Step
5
Replace grass
Once the tray is clean and dry, place the grass back in the tray and let your dog know it's ready for use. You’ll need to plan on replacing fresh grass every week or two.
Step
6
Show dog
Once the grass pad is clean again and ready for use, be sure to show your dog so they'll know it's okay to go.

Caution & Considerations

  • Clean the doggy grass pad at least once a day.
  • Remove poop anytime your dog potties on the pad.
  • Enzyme cleaners, available at your local pet store, can be used to remove odors.
  • If you have a high-quality grass pad, you shouldn’t smell any odors as long as you're keeping the grass pad clean on a regular basis.
  • Many grass pads will require a change of the grass on top of the pad every few months to reach maximum effectiveness and stay fresh.
  • If you're using fresh grass on a tray, consider changing the grass at least every two weeks.
  • Many metropolitan areas offer a doggy grass pad service and can change the grass for you on a regular schedule.
  • If your dog is having accidents elsewhere indoors, your dog grass pad may not be clean enough.
  • Keep in mind that your dog may stop using the grass pad if it's not kept clean and free of odors.
  • An artificial grass pad will smell different from a real grass pad.
  • Artificial grass will have to be thoroughly washed regularly while real grass will need to be replaced on a regular basis.

Conclusion

A grass pad is the way to go for times when your dog can't go outside, but it's important to keep it clean and ready for use each day. Keep your furbaby healthy and happy with their own piece of grass for doing their business. No fire hydrant needed!

Dogs can sometimes get themselves dirty from going to the bathroom. If your pup's fur needs sprucing up, book a Grooming service with a Pet Caregiver near you!

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question
Laker
Goldendoodle
9 Weeks
0 found helpful
Question
0 found helpful
Laker
Goldendoodle
9 Weeks

How do I clean a real grass patch? Do I spray something on it, Soak it? Anything else?

Question
Echo
Maltipoo
5 Months
0 found helpful
Question
0 found helpful
Echo
Maltipoo
5 Months

is it recommended to wash the atifical grass pee pad, in the washing machine (without anything else in the washing machine) ? Despite us cleaning the patch twice a week, we are still getting a lot of strong smells (and we placed it on the balcony) it never feels that it is ever 'clean' echo (the dog) is rarely uncomfortable with peeing on the pad. thanks

Hello. I have washed them in the machine. They do get much cleaner but they also get a bit frayed. My new pads are bound around the edges and I anticipate greater success.

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