How to Clean Artificial Turf: Frequency Matters

Artificial turf has become a popular option for many homeowners because of it’s low-maintenance and can be used for a variety of purposes, including lawns, sports fields, and pet areas.

While artificial turf is a great alternative to natural grass, it is important to clean it regularly to ensure that it looks its best and lasts longer. In this article, we will discuss the importance of cleaning artificial turf and provide tips on how to do it properly.

You should clean artificial grass on a regular basis since not doing so may cause the synthetic turf to degrade and potentially shorten its lifespan. Cleaning and maintenance should be done routinely, if feasible on a weekly and monthly basis.

Artificial Grass Has Unique Cleaning and Maintenance Needs

Artificial grass is a beautiful and versatile addition to any home landscape. It is a misapprehension though, to think that because it isn’t live, it therefore requires little or no maintenance. 

In fact, artificial grass has unique needs when it comes to care and maintenance all of which help in ensuring that it always looks its best and prevent it from degrading. With just a little bit of effort, you can keep your artificial grass looking its best for years to come.

The best way to care for your artificial grass is to perform routine maintenance and cleaning. Depending on the amount of foot traffic and other activity on your artificial turf, you may need to perform these tasks weekly, monthly, or even daily.

Equipment Needed for Cleaning Your Artificial Turf

In order to clean your artificial turf properly, you will need a few supplies:

• A leaf blower makes cleaning easy. Just turn it on and start blowing away. Leaves and debris fall into piles where they can be collected later.
• Rakes help to keep the fibers of the grass fresh and unmatted. Choose a rake that is made out of wood or plastic, rather than metal. Metal bristles can damage the lawn.
• A garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment is necessary for applying cleaning solutions and for rinsing the turf afterward.
• A soft-bristled brush can be used to scrub stubborn stains.
• Finally, you will need a supply of artificial turf cleaner.

Routine Artificial Turf Maintenance & Cleaning

The first step in routine artificial turf maintenance is to remove any debris from the turf. This can be done with a leaf blower, rake, or even a broom. Be sure to remove all leaves, twigs, and other debris to prevent them from decomposing and causing stains on the turf.

Next, you will need to apply a cleaning solution to the turf. There are a variety of commercial artificial turf cleaners available, or you can make your own by mixing one part vinegar with three parts water. Apply the solution to the turf with a garden hose, being sure to evenly distribute it over the entire surface. Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing the turf with a soft-bristled brush.

Finally, rinse the turf with clean water from the garden hose. Be sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution to prevent damage to the turf.

Weekly Artificial Turf Maintenance

In addition to routine cleaning, you will also need to perform weekly maintenance on your artificial turf. This includes removing any pet waste from the turf and spot-cleaning any stains.

To remove solid waste from artificial turf, it is best to use a pet waste removal bag. These bags are designed to pick up waste without leaving any residue behind. Simply pick up the waste, seal the bag, and dispose of it in your regular trash.

To spot-clean stains, simply apply a small amount of artificial turf cleaner to the affected area and scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the area with warm water and allow it to dry completely.

Monthly Artificial Turf Maintenance

In addition to routine cleaning and weekly maintenance, you will also need to perform monthly maintenance on your artificial turf. This includes applying a fresh layer of artificial turf cleaner and checking the turf for any signs of wear and tear.

To apply a fresh layer of artificial turf cleaner, simply mix one part vinegar with three parts water and apply it to the turf with a garden hose. Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing the turf with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the area with clean water from the garden hose and allow it to dry completely.

To check the turf for signs of wear and tear, simply look for any rips, tears, or other damage. If you find any damage, be sure to repair it immediately to prevent further damage.

How to Remove Pet Waste from Artificial Turf

As mentioned above, the best way to remove pet waste from artificial turf is to use a pet waste removal bag. These bags are designed to pick up waste without leaving any residue behind. Simply pick up the waste, seal the bag, and dispose of it in your regular trash.

For the Really Sticky Stuff from Artificial Turf

There may be times when you need to clean up a particularly stubborn stain on your artificial turf. For these tough stains, you will need to use a little bit of elbow grease but do need to be removed properly as in humid conditions, can result in mold developing.

There are certain substances that can color or harm synthetic grass if they are spilled on it. These include motor oil,  battery acid, transmission fluid, and soot from grills & firepits. These are like to require special cleaning agents that will break them down without damaging the synthetic turf fibers 

To remove a tough stain, mix one part vinegar with three parts water and apply it to the affected area. Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing the turf blades in an upright position with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the area with clean water from the garden hose and allow it to dry completely.

How to Remove Bacteria from Artificial Grass

It is common knowledge that pets and dogs like peeing on objects. For some reason, they believe that artificial grass is the ideal spot to release themselves, which may result in ugly and unpleasant urine stains. One of the advantages of artificial grass is that it is simple to clean, which prevents it from storing hazardous germs in the same way that natural grass can.

If your artificial turf is urinated on by a dog, you should clean it up as quickly as possible to prevent any unpleasant smells from urine. Because dogs like to urinate in the same places, this should make the work simpler.

However, it is important to clean regularly as the bacteria in the urine can cause stains and odors on artificial turf. The are various different methods that you can use to neutralize the bacteria in dog urine, from commercial products to homemade cleaning solutions.

One such homemade method to remove bacteria from artificial turf involves mixing one part bleach with four parts water and applying it to the affected area. The solution should then be allowed to sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing the turf with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the area with clean water from the garden hose and allow it to dry completely.

Final Thoughts: How To Clean Artificial Turf 

Artificial turf can be a great investment but it does require some maintenance, although not as much as natural turf would. As a best practice, you should clean artificial turf on a regular basis. Not only will this keep it looking its best, and keep it child friendly, but it will also prevent degradation and extend the lifespan of your artificial lawn.

While it is not necessary to clean your artificial grass every time you use it, the frequency of cleaning will depend on the amount of foot traffic in your home. For example, if you have a family of children who play outside all day long, you might want to clean your artificial turf more often than someone who has no kids at home.