Deodorize vs. Sanitize: The Ultimate Lawn Care Showdown for Dog Waste

As dog owners, we love our furry companions, but dealing with the aftermath of their bathroom breaks can be a less-than-pleasant task. Maintaining a clean and fresh lawn goes beyond just picking up dog waste—it's about keeping the area safe and enjoyable for everyone.

This is where the concepts of deodorizing and sanitizing come into play. But what’s the difference between the two, and why does it matter when it comes to lawn care? Let’s dive into this ultimate showdown.  They are very different, let's see why.
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Deodorize: Tackling the Smell: Deodorizing is all about managing odors. Dog waste, like any organic matter, breaks down over time, releasing unpleasant smells into the air. If left untreated, these odors can become a persistent nuisance, especially during the warmer months. Deodorizing products or services are designed to neutralize or mask these smells, making your yard more pleasant to spend time in.

What does deodorizing do?

• Immediate Relief: Deodorizing quickly tackles offensive odors, making your lawn a more enjoyable place to be.
• Easy to Apply: Most deodorizing solutions are easy to use, whether it's a spray or granules that can be spread over the affected area.
• Cost-Effective: Generally, deodorizing products are affordable and offer a quick fix for odor problems.
• Pet-safe: Many, if not most, lawn deodorizers are pet safe and made with eco-friendly ingredients (the ones we use definitely are!)
• Can fight bacteria: Many products are enzyme based and have good bacteria, which possibly can counteract some bad bacterias that live on the lawn (this is specific to the product!)

Sanitize: Ensuring Safety and Cleanliness
​Sanitizing, on the other hand, goes a step further by targeting the harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites found in dog waste. When dog waste is left on the lawn, it can contaminate the soil, water, and even the air, posing health risks to both pets and humans. The best way to tackle this is to not need to sanitize at all.  Pickup your dog waste on a regular basis or have a company like us help!  Sanitizing treatments are designed to kill these pathogens, however, this isn't always an easy task or a safe one.

When it comes to maintaining a clean and healthy lawn in the presence of dog waste, true sanitizing might seem like the perfect solution. After all, who wouldn’t want a yard that’s not only free of foul odors but also completely safe from harmful bacteria and parasites? However, the reality of true sanitizing is more complicated than it appears, especially when dealing with large yards and the delicate nature of grass.

The Reality of Large Yards
One of the biggest challenges in achieving true sanitization is the sheer size of many yards. For small areas, it’s relatively easy to apply a sanitizing solution and ensure that every square inch is treated. But as the size of the yard increases, so does the difficulty in ensuring complete coverage.
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Many products that can truly sanitize surfaces are for hard, nonporous ones (ie. think about the products your vet or kennel may use).  This isn't the case when it comes to grass.  Bleach, peroxide or other chemicals that may sanitize an area can also destroy grass. These sanitizers can alter the pH balance of your soil, making it less hospitable for grass and other plants in the long run. They can have an environmental impact by runoff into surrounding areas, potentially harming nearby plants, and contaminating water sources. This is why at Little Landmines we use products that deodorize, not fully sanitize.  Your pet's safety and the safety of the environment matters to us!  If your servicer provider says they sanitize your lawn, ask what the product is, it may just be deodorizer!

At Little Landmines Pet Waste Removal, we understand the importance of a clean and safe lawn. Our comprehensive services include SAFE deodorizing, ensuring your yard stays fresh, healthy, and enjoyable. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you maintain a beautiful lawn, free from the worries of dog waste.

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