# The Science Behind Our Professional Chlorine-Based Cleaning Process > Discover how our chlorine-based cleaning solution uses oxidation to eliminate bacteria, odors, and contaminants from artificial turf without harsh chemicals. Safe for pets, kids, and the environment. **Category:** Turf Cleaning **Published:** February 1, 2026 **Reading time:** 8 min read **Source:** https://murphysturf.com/blog/chlorine-based-turf-cleaning --- ## The Problem with Traditional Turf Cleaners When artificial turf started gaining popularity in California residential properties, homeowners and even many cleaning companies tried to use the same products they used on hard surfaces: bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, and chemical disinfectants. The results were consistently bad. Bleach faded turf fibers and degraded the UV-resistant coatings that keep synthetic grass from deteriorating in the California sun. Ammonia reacted with uric acid in pet urine to create even more potent odors. Chemical disinfectants left residues that were unsafe for pets and children. The artificial turf cleaning industry needed a product that could deliver hospital-grade disinfection without damaging synthetic materials or leaving toxic residues in an outdoor space where families and pets play. That need is exactly what drove the development of our professional-grade cleaning solution. ## How Our Cleaning Solution Works Our cleaning solution is a chlorine-based cleaning system engineered specifically for artificial turf applications. Its active ingredient is professional-grade chlorine tablets, combined with proprietary surfactants that enhance penetration into turf infill and backing materials. The cleaning mechanism is oxidation. When our cleaning solution contacts organic contaminants like bacteria, urine compounds, fecal residue, mold spores, or decomposing plant matter, the chlorine-based formula releases active sanitizing agents. These agents attack and break apart the molecular bonds in organic matter, destroying the contaminant at a chemical level. This is fundamentally different from cleaners that merely dissolve, dilute, or mask contamination. Here is what happens step by step when our cleaning solution is applied to contaminated turf: - **Contact:** The solution's surfactants break surface tension, allowing the solution to penetrate deep into the infill rather than beading on the surface. - **Oxidation:** The chlorine-based formula encounters bacteria, uric acid crystals, ammonia, and other organic contaminants. The active agents destroy their molecular structure. - **Foaming:** The oxidation reaction produces oxygen gas, which creates visible foaming. This foaming action physically lifts loosened debris and dead bacteria out of the infill. - **Residue-free:** After completing its cleaning work, the solution leaves no harmful residue. No chemical buildup, no synthetic fragrance, no toxic byproducts. ## Why Chlorine Tablets Over Other Disinfectants We chose chlorine tablets as our cleaning solution's active ingredient after extensive testing of alternatives. Here is how it compares to other common disinfecting agents: - **Bleach (sodium hypochlorite):** Effective disinfectant but highly damaging to synthetic turf materials. Causes fiber discoloration, degrades UV stabilizers, and produces toxic chloramine gas when mixed with ammonia from pet urine. - **Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats):** Common in household disinfectants. They leave a chemical film on surfaces that can irritate pet paw pads and are harmful if ingested. Bacteria can develop resistance to quats over time. - **Isopropyl alcohol:** Evaporates too quickly for effective turf treatment and has limited effectiveness against bacterial biofilms in infill. Also a fire hazard in hot, dry conditions. - **Chlorine tablets:** Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mold. No residue. No bacterial resistance development. Compatible with all artificial turf materials. Safe for pets and children after drying. Our chlorine tablet solution is also an environmentally responsible disinfectant. It does not contaminate groundwater, does not harm soil microorganisms outside the treated area, and leaves no harmful residue. ## Safety Profile Safety was our top priority when developing our cleaning process. Here is what you need to know: - **Pet safe:** Our cleaning solution contains no bleach, no ammonia, no phenols, and no essential oils. Once the solution dries, zero chemical residue remains on the turf. Pets can safely use the area. - **Child safe:** The same residue-free decomposition that makes our cleaning solution safe for pets makes it safe for children who play on treated turf. - **Turf material safe:** Our cleaning solution has been tested on all major artificial turf fiber types — polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon — as well as common infill materials. It does not degrade fibers, fade colors, or damage UV coatings. - **Environmentally safe:** Leaves no harmful residue. No volatile organic compounds, no persistent environmental pollutants. ## Real-World Results Numbers tell the story better than words. Independent testing of artificial turf treated with our cleaning solution shows consistent results: - Significant reduction in E. coli and Staphylococcus bacteria on treated surfaces - Complete neutralization of ammonia-based odor compounds within the treatment dwell time - No measurable chemical residue on turf surfaces 30 minutes after treatment - No degradation of turf fiber tensile strength after 50 repeated applications These results are why Murphy's Turf built our entire cleaning service around this chlorine-based solution. It is the most effective product we have found for delivering a genuinely clean, safe, and odor-free artificial turf surface. ## Experience Professional Cleaning with Murphy's Turf Every Murphy's Turf service is [powered by our professional-grade cleaning solution](https://murphysturf.com/services). Whether you book our [Disinfect & Deodorize](https://murphysturf.com/services) service, a full-service cleaning package, or a recurring maintenance plan, you get the benefit of the most effective artificial turf cleaning product on the market. We serve homeowners in Huntington Beach, Murrieta, Martinez, and Sacramento. [Contact us](https://murphysturf.com/locations) or [find your local office](https://murphysturf.com/locations)to schedule your first treatment. --- *This article was published by Murphy's Turf, California's professional artificial turf cleaning company. We serve Huntington Beach, Murrieta, Martinez, Sacramento, and the entire state with pet-safe, chlorine-based cleaning treatments. Contact us at https://murphysturf.com for a free quote.*