These grass patches are packaged rolled . Don't worry about these issues. It's similar, to how an artificial tree might shed a bit over time but nothing concerning. The creases smooth out as they are laid out. I usually spray them with an enzyme cleaner let them sit for a couple of hours then wash them with water and Dawn soap. After washing air dry them for reuse. To potty train my pug puppy I initially used a spray on turf. Once he got used to that I placed the turf in my yard. Voila! A trained puppy using the turf. Course this training process took weeks as expected for any training routine; so not exactly instant success but you get the idea.It's important to have something absorbent under the patch as they're not designed to catch waste but simulate grass instead. Solid waste sits on top. Can be easily cleaned up either by using toilet paper and flushing it or bagging it while liquid waste flows through to the dirt underneath, for disposal. I alternate between the two every week to tidy up since we like to have them handy, for days and when work runs late. My dog has been using them without any issues even though hes a year old now. Both my furry friend and I are content. Keeping them clean has become a task that doesn't even cross my mind anymore; it's just part of my routine. The way I clean isn't necessarily the method. It's what I gathered from reading feedback and connecting the dots.