Short answer: no. Artificial turf smell does not go away on its own. It gets worse.
Here's why — and what actually eliminates it.
Why the Smell Doesn't Fade Pet urine drains through the turf fibers into the infill layer below. Once there, it crystalizes into uric acid and ammonia salts. These crystals are water-resistant — that's why they survive rain, hose rinsing, and even pressure washing.
The crystals don't break down on their own. They're stable chemical compounds. Time doesn't eliminate them. In fact, time makes the problem worse because:
1. More accumulation: Every time your pet urinates, more crystals form. The contamination layer thickens. 2. Bacterial growth: The crystals feed bacteria. Bacteria colonies form biofilm in the infill, producing their own odors. 3. Heat activation: Ammonia compounds volatilize faster at higher temperatures. San Diego summers release more odor from the same contamination level.
So the smell you notice today will be stronger next month — not weaker.
Why Hosing Doesn't Help Water is the first thing homeowners try. It makes sense — urine is liquid, so water should wash it away. But the crystalized form of uric acid is water-resistant. That's why it survives in the infill through rainy seasons.
Hosing dilutes fresh urine before it crystalizes — useful for immediate spot treatment. But once crystals form, water can't dissolve them. You need a chemical reaction to break the bonds.
What Actually Eliminates the Smell Enzymes. Specifically, enzymes that target uric acid and ammonia compounds. These biological catalysts break the chemical bonds in the crystals, converting them to water and carbon dioxide.
This is a chemical reaction — not a mask. Once the compounds are broken down, they're gone. The smell doesn't return because the source is eliminated.
Why Some Treatments Don't Last If you've had your turf 'cleaned' and the smell came back within weeks, the treatment didn't reach the infill. Surface cleaning (pressure washing, soap, deodorizer sprays) only treats the fiber layer. The contamination below remains untouched.
Professional enzyme treatment that reaches the infill lasts 6–12 months — sometimes longer depending on pet activity. The difference is penetration.
The Timeline - Fresh urine (today): Hose it immediately to dilute before crystalization - 1–2 weeks old: Enzyme spray can help if applied generously - 1+ months old: Professional treatment needed — crystals are formed and dense - 6+ months old: Deep professional treatment with infill penetration required - 2+ years without cleaning: May need infill replacement in addition to enzyme treatment
Don't Wait The longer you wait, the more expensive the fix. Early treatment is a $349 cleaning. Years of neglect can require infill replacement ($500–$1,500) or full turf replacement ($4,000–$10,000).
Ready to Eliminate the Smell for Good? Call or text (858) 275-9259. Free quote, same-week appointments across San Diego County. Starting at $349.