LAST UPDATED: MARCH 29, 2025

Rocks and gravel landscaping look great—until your dog decides that’s their personal bathroom. At TC Dog Waste Removal, we handle the scooping so you don’t have to, but if you’re dealing with leftover stains in gravel, here’s how to clean it up the right way without turning your rock beds into a biohazard.

• Why TC Dog Waste Removal doesn’t clean stains (but we do scoop poop!)

• Can baking soda help with poop stains in rocks?

• What you’ll need for cleaning dog poop off gravel

• 7 DIY steps to clean poop-stained rock beds

• Bonus tips for keeping your yard clean

Why We Scoop — But Don’t Scrub

At TC Dog Waste Removal, we specialize in professional pet waste pickup, and we’ll gladly remove fresh or dried dog poop from your gravel, decorative rock, or desert landscaping. But if stains, residue, or diarrhea get left behind — especially after a bad doggy tummy day — you’ll need to DIY the cleanup. Don’t worry — here’s how.

Can Baking Soda Help with Dog Poop Stains on Rocks?

Absolutely. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and absorbs moisture, making it ideal for cleaning porous surfaces like rock or gravel. It won’t fix everything on its own, but combined with the right solution, it can help lift discoloration and kill odors—especially in hot Arizona sun.

What You’ll Need to Clean Dog Poop from Rocks

If your gravel or rock landscaping has been hit, you’ll need a few household staples to properly clean and deodorize the area:

• Rubber gloves

• Poop bags or paper towels

• A hose with a sprayer nozzle

• Dish soap (non-bleach)

• White vinegar

• Baking soda

• Scrub brush (soft to medium bristle)

• A little patience and maybe a clothespin for your nose

7 Steps to Clean Poop Stains from Rocks

Step 1: Remove the poop (we can help with this part)

If you haven’t already, scoop up the solid waste with a bag or paper towel. TC Dog Waste Removal is happy to handle this part for you during our scheduled service—just ask!

Step 2: Rinse the area with water

Use a hose with a sprayer nozzle to thoroughly rinse the soiled area. Try to use a higher-pressure setting to push particles deeper into the rocks and away from the surface. Do this over soil, not pavement, so runoff doesn’t spread the mess.

Step 3: Make your DIY cleaning solution

In a bucket, combine:

• 2 cups cold water

• 1 tablespoon dish soap (non-bleach)

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Note: Never mix vinegar with bleach—it can create dangerous fumes.

Step 4: Scrub the stained rocks

Pour or spray your solution over the affected area and use a scrub brush to loosen any stuck-on residue or discoloration. Focus on spots with visible staining or foul odors.

Step 5: Rinse again

After scrubbing, rinse thoroughly with clean water. This helps flush out any lingering particles or soapy residue.

Step 6: Deodorize with baking soda

Generously sprinkle baking soda across the previously stained area. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to overnight, depending on how bad the smell is.

Step 7: Final rinse & dry

Spray the area one final time to wash away the baking soda. Let the rocks dry completely under the sun—the best natural disinfectant in Arizona.

Extra Tips for Cleaning Dog Poop from Rock Landscaping

• Don’t rub with rags or towels—you’ll just smear it deeper between the rocks. Stick to scrubbing and rinsing.

• If the area stays discolored, consider rotating the rocks or replacing small sections of gravel.

• Place barriers or train your dog to avoid rock beds if they keep using them as their go-to spot.

• Want a long-term solution? Consider adding a designated potty patch with artificial turf or mulch that’s easier to rinse.

Let TC Dog Waste Removal Handle the Pickup

While we don’t clean dog poop stains off rock or gravel, we do pick up the poop, so you don’t have to. Whether it’s your first time or a weekly visit, we’ll handle the dirty work—so all you need to worry about is keeping things stain-free afterward.

Need professional poop scooping in your Arizona neighborhood?

Call or Text us at 480-253-9074 for a FREE quote today—serving Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, and more!