Your artificial grass smells in summer because heat bakes the ammonia and bacteria trapped in the infill beneath the fibres, and the hot, dry air on the Costa Blanca makes those odours far stronger than they ever are in winter. At Outdoor Butler, serving Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja and the wider Costa Blanca, we deep-clean and sanitise artificial grass so it smells fresh again, even at the height of summer. Message us any time for a free, no-obligation quote with no hidden fees.
What is actually causing the smell?
The grass itself does not smell. The problem lives in the infill, the layer of silica sand or rubber granules that sits between the blades and holds them upright. Every time a pet urinates, or organic matter like leaves and spilled drinks works its way down, bacteria start to feed on it. As they break it down they release ammonia and other gases, and that is the sour, catty smell you notice. In summer the heat speeds up that bacterial activity and evaporates the moisture, leaving concentrated ammonia crystals behind. Warm, still evenings then lift the odour straight back up to nose height.
Why rinsing it yourself with the hose fails
A quick spray with the garden hose feels like it should work, but it usually only rinses the very top of the pile. The uric acid salts and bacteria have already settled deep in the infill, where plain water cannot reach or break them down. Many people then reach for bleach or an ammonia-based cleaner, which is the worst thing you can do: bleach damages the backing and fibres, and ammonia actually smells like urine to a dog, so it encourages them to mark the same spot again. Without an enzyme treatment that digests the uric acid at the source, the smell always comes back within a few hot days.
How we clear it properly
- We inspect the turf and find the hotspots, usually the shaded corners and the routes your pets favour.
- We flush the surface thoroughly to loosen surface grit and any calima dust sitting on top.
- We apply a professional enzyme-based sanitiser that breaks down uric acid and the odour-causing bacteria at a molecular level, rather than masking them.
- We let it dwell so the enzymes can work right down into the infill layer, then agitate the pile so the treatment reaches the base.
- We rinse and extract, power-brush the fibres back upright, and leave the lawn hygienic, dry and odour-free.
How to keep it smelling fresh
Once the deep clean is done, a light rinse every few days through the hottest months stops fresh urine concentrating in the infill. Pick up solid pet waste promptly, keep leaves and food debris off the grass, and treat any pet toilet areas with an enzyme cleaner rather than bleach. For homes with dogs, or communal areas that see heavy use, a scheduled sanitising visit before and during summer keeps the problem from ever building up.
The local Costa Blanca angle
Our climate makes this worse than almost anywhere. Long stretches without rain mean nothing naturally flushes the infill, so odours build unchecked from May to September. The intense heat accelerates the bacteria, and calima dust settling into the pile traps moisture and organic matter even deeper. North-facing or shaded lawns hold damp longer and can turn musty as well as sour. This is exactly why a once-a-year professional sanitise, timed for early summer, makes such a difference on Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja properties.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my artificial grass only smell when it is hot?
Heat speeds up the bacteria feeding on urine and organic matter and evaporates the moisture, concentrating the ammonia. Warm evening air then carries that smell upward, which is why a lawn that seems fine in winter can turn strong in July and August.
Does artificial grass smell even without pets?
It can. Leaves, pollen, spilled food and drink, and general organic debris all break down in the infill and feed bacteria. Pets make it far worse, but they are not the only cause.
Can I get rid of the smell for good myself?
You can reduce it with regular rinsing and an enzyme cleaner, but deep-set odours in the infill usually need professional extraction and sanitising to clear completely. Avoid bleach and ammonia products, which either damage the turf or make dogs re-mark the spot.
How often should I have my artificial grass sanitised?
For a home with dogs on the Costa Blanca, once before summer and once during it works well. Lawns without pets often only need a single yearly sanitise. We can advise a schedule when we quote.
If your lawn has taken on that summer smell, we can help. Learn more about our artificial grass odour removal service, or get in touch for a free quote.
Get a free, no-obligation quote
WhatsApp us on +34 644 466 783 (wa.me/34644466783) or call +34 644 390 864. We serve Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja and the wider Costa Blanca, and every quote is free with no hidden fees.