As a dog owner, dealing with dog poop in the yard is an unpleasant but necessary task. Left on the lawn, dog feces can damage grass, spread disease, and attract unwanted pests. Finding an effective way to dissolve and remove dog poop from your yard is important for maintaining a clean, healthy outdoor space.
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Why Get Rid of Dog Poop?
Dog poop contains high levels of nitrogen, which can “burn” grass when allowed to accumulate. The high nitrogen content causes excessive growth in grass, resulting in yellow or brown patches. Dog waste also spreads germs that can make other dogs sick if they come into contact with it. Diseases like parvovirus, giardia, coccidia, and roundworms can be transmitted through dog feces. Another problem with leaving dog poop in the yard is that it attracts unwanted pests like flies, mosquitoes, and rodents which can further contaminate the yard.
Dissolving vs. Scooping Poop
The traditional method of removing dog poop from a yard is to manually scoop it using a plastic bag or pooper scooper tool. However, this can be time consuming and messy. An alternative is to use a mixture that will dissolve the poop so it can be washed away by rain, sprinklers or hosing down the yard. This offers a more hands-off way to effectively remove dog waste.
Dissolving dog poop has some key advantages over scooping:
- More convenient – No need to directly handle and dispose of feces.
- Thorough – Dissolves all fecal matter instead of possibly leaving residues behind.
- Time saving – Avoids having to immediately scoop whenever dog goes.
- Lower cost – Eliminates need to constantly buy plastic bags or scooping tools.
The main drawback is that dissolving mixtures take some time (usually 5-10 minutes) to work before poop can be rinsed away. This means you may still need to do some manual scooping at times.
Homemade Dog Poop Dissolver Recipes
There are a few homemade concoctions that can be mixed up using common household ingredients to create an effective dog poop dissolver for your yard.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
A simple go-to option is a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. The acidic vinegar reacts with the alkaline baking soda to help break down feces.
Recipe:
- 1 part white distilled vinegar
- 1 part baking soda
- 4 parts warm water
Mix the ingredients together until baking soda is fully dissolved. Spray or pour the mixture generously over dog poop. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing away with hose. The carbon dioxide bubbles produced by the chemical reaction help lift and dissolve waste.
Enzyme Cleaner
Enzyme-based cleaners use bacteria cultures to dissolve organic matter like feces. Look for a pet-safe enzyme cleaner or make your own concoction.
Recipe:
- 2 teaspoons laundry detergent (non-antibacterial)
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons liquid dish soap
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon α-amylase enzyme (sold as supplement, at health stores)
Mix ingredients together until frothy. Spray over poop and let enzyme solution work for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Vinegar and Dish Soap
The degreasing power of dish soap combined with vinegar can help eat through fatty poop residues.
Recipe:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon blue Dawn dish soap (or other non-antibacterial soap)
- 1 gallon warm water
Mix together and apply onto poop immediately after dog goes. Rinse after 5-10 minutes. Reapply for any remaining sticky residues.
Natural Poop Dissolver Products
In addition to homemade recipes, there are also commercial dog poop dissolving products available containing natural active ingredients and safer chemicals.
Active Enzyme Powder
Look for products containing protease, amylase or lipase enzymes which break down proteins, starches, and fatty acids in feces. These enzyme cleaners are non-toxic and safe for kids and pets.
Citric Acid Powder
Citric acid powder works to lower pH and dissolve poop. It offers a more natural alternative to harsh acid chemicals. Though it can irritate skin at full strength.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
This surfactant is found in soaps and detergents. It emulsifies fats to detach debris from surfaces. Milder than degreasers which can damage lawns at high concentrations.
Hydrogen Peroxide
As an oxidizing agent, hydrogen peroxide can help break down organic wastes through chemical reactions. Higher percentages (9-10%) are more effective.
Garlic Oil
Some products use garlic oil for its enzyme content and antimicrobial effects. Helps dissolve poop and suppress bacteria and odor.
Peppermint Oil
In addition to its fresh scent, peppermint oil has solvent capabilities to dissolve fatty compounds in feces.
Tips for Using Dog Poop Dissolver
Follow these tips when trying out homemade or commercial dog poop dissolving solutions:
- Apply immediately after dog defecates for best results.
- Spray or pour directly onto poop, saturating it fully.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with hose.
- Reapply if any stuck-on residues remain and let sit longer.
- Spot test on inconspicuous patch of lawn first to check for damage.
- Use caution with highly acidic or alkaline cleaners.
- Store natural enzyme solutions in closed container and refrigerate between uses.
- Shake bottle before each use to distribute enzymes.
Commercial Dog Poop Dissolving Products
For convenience, there are also ready-to-use commercial dog poop dissolving sprays and powders available:
| Product | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Poo Dissolver Powder | Sodium lauryl sulfate, citric acid |
| Get Serious Poop Dissolver | Enzyme powder |
| Nature’s Miracle Advanced Dissolving Spray | Bio-enzymatic formula |
| Purina PoopB-Gone Dog Waste Eliminator | Sodium lauryl sulfate, hydrogen peroxide |
| PooOFF! Dissolving Spray | Protease enzymes |
Conclusion
Removing dog poop from your yard is important for maintaining a clean outdoor space and healthy grass. Dissolving dog waste offers a more convenient and hands-off alternative to manual scooping. Homemade recipes using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap can be effective dog poop dissolvers. There are also commercial enzyme and surfactant-based products designed specifically for dissolving dog feces.
Finding the right dog poop dissolving solution can save time and hassle when managing waste. Test out different recipes or products to see which works best for your yard. Be sure to always use pet and lawn-safe ingredients according to directions. By dissolving dog poop, you can more easily keep your lawn clean, green and healthy for pets and people to enjoy.