Artificial grass may be low-maintenance, but it still needs some loving now and then. Before you know it, your backyard can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leaves, and other debris. Luckily, you can banish chaos and make your turf look brand-new with some basic tools and supplies. Ready to get turf-tastic? Grab your broom and hose: It’s time to learn how to clean artificial grass like a pro.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning artificial grass
Believe it or not, cleaning artificial grass doesn’t have to take much time. In most cases, it takes about 50 minutes tops – and that includes the deep clean. Here’s an easy breakdown of the process.
Pro tip: Different types of fake grass might be easier or more difficult to clean. For tips on choosing the type with the easiest maintenance, see our guide to choosing the right artificial grass.
Step 1: Gather your supplies
Cleaning fake grass isn’t too tough, but you still need the right toolset. Gather these supplies before you start:
- Gloves
- Stiff/power broom or lawn rake
- Garden hose
- Spray bottle
- Non-toxic cleaner
- Granular detergent
- Cloth or sponge
- Extra infill
- Knife
- Leaf blower (optional)
Step 2: Blast away debris
The easy part: grab your leaf blower and start tackling dirt, sticks, and leaves. Make sure you tackle corners and tight spaces, too. When debris collects over time, it can start to look like your synthetic grass is thinning out.
Concentrate around trees or shrubs since birds and leaf litter can be messy. Take a few minutes to give the blade tips a mini revamp and ensure they still stand tall and proud.
If a leaf blower isn’t available, you can make do with muscles and a stiff broom or rake. Either way, gather the debris into a pile for disposal.
Pro tips:
- When using a power broom, avoid using too much pressure. It can damage the turf fibers and cause your turf to mat down.
- Choose the right broom: If you try using a metal rake, you may damage the artificial turf. Opt for a soft stiff broom or turf rake, as this will help the blades stand upright.
- To help grass blades stand tall and proud, brush against the natural direction of the grass.
- If you spot any pet waste, such as dog poop, avoid using the leaf blower and immediately remove it with a pooper scooper or any other solid waste removal tool.
Step 3: Rinse it down
With debris out of the way, it’s time to give your turf a good rinse. Once you’ve attached your hose to a water source, spray lightly and avoid pointing the nozzle directly at the grass. You want to remove the dirt but not damage the turf.
Pro tip: Don’t use high-pressure washers on synthetic turf, as this can weaken the blades and disturb the infill material.
Step 4: Scrub stains
Accidents happen, but it’s how you clean them that counts. Mild soap and warm water are the go-to choice for small spills, while more stubborn stains will need special pre-treatment (but nothing too severe!).
- Soap + water method: Pre-treat the affected area with a mix of warm water and dishwashing soap or detergent (about a teaspoon per two cups of water will do). Scrub gently with a soft brush and avoid damaging the blades. Rinse the spot with clean water to remove all traces of the pre-treatment and soap. Use cloth or paper towels to dry the area.
- For oil-based stains: Depending on what you’re dealing with, try ammonia in water (3% solution), white spirit solvent, or a dry cleaning solvent. All of these products can be used for oil-based spills, but check the label to see if you need to wear protective gear when using them.
- Dry cleaning solvent method: For more persistent stains, try a commercial pre-treatment solution. (Check the label for the active ingredient: it should contain perchloroethylene). Apply a little to the affected area using a sponge, then scrub gently. Remove the residue with a damp cloth or paper towel, then rinse the area with clean water.
*Note: Apply turf cleaners sparingly and cautiously to avoid penetration below the fiber surface.
Pro tips:
- Resist the urge to use harsh cleaning agents. Don’t use products that contain caustic cleaners or bleach.
- For excess pet urine, vinegar can act as a deterrent and repellent.
- Remove chewing gum by freezing it with ice cubes. Once it’s hardened, take a knife and gently dislodge it.
- If organic growth such as moss, algae, or mildew becomes a problem, consider an anti-microbial agent. Baking soda is a great natural alternative for killing bacterial growth. Simply mix some with warm water and lightly scrub it in.
- Put on sunglasses and gloves. You want to protect your eyes and hands from the mild soaps and warm water you’ll work with.
Step 5: Rinse again with a hose
Give your turf another rinse with a garden hose, and inspect your synthetic lawn for any leftover debris. Focus on rinsing away any cleaning solution you used. Most importantly, check for any drainage issues in the turf or sub-base and make sure your turf looks even.
Pro tip: Rinse your artificial grass regularly to protect it from bacteria. Once per week should do the trick, especially if you have kids and pets that play in your yard.
Step 6: Let the turf dry
Let your artificial grass air dry naturally, in the sun, if possible. This will help the blades stand in an upright position and deter any musty smells from settling in.
Step 7: Refresh infill material (if needed)
Artificial grass should have an infill material of silica sand or rubber granules to assist drainage and provide a comfortable surface. Over time, your turf may need more. To check, pull some blades of grass back.
If the infill looks matted, compacted, or thin, it’s time to top it up. You can purchase extra sand/rubber granules and disperse the material using a lawn rake or a stiff broom. Mix evenly and brush against the blade direction to restore the turf
Step 8: Regular maintenance
Cleaning artificial grass doesn’t have to be a chore. Note your turf’s needs and take action. Regular cleaning will help increase the turf’s lifespan significantly and keep it looking fabulous.
To make things easier, why not set up a cleaning schedule? Pop a reminder on your phone once a month (or even every two weeks). Pre-treat problem areas you know will need a little extra TLC, maybe add a deodorizing finish, and you’re done.
Here’s what we suggest for your regular maintenance schedule.
Daily:
Your fake grass may not need mowing or fertilizing, but you still need to take the time for small but important daily tasks, especially if you are a pet owner. Dog urine and poo are high in nitrogen and can eventually seep into the grass and damage it. Moreover, it creates a terrible smell that is hard to get rid of.
That’s why it is essential to clean up after your pet every day, even if it’s just a light rinse from the garden hose.
Pro tips:
- Don’t place outdoor furniture directly on your grass. It can compress the turf, leading to a flattened appearance.
- We all love throwing barbecues in the summer, but your artificial grass is the last place to do it. Grease spots and burn marks are difficult to remove.
- Watch out for weeds. It’s essential to spot and remove them early. You can do this easily with a weed killer or by simply pulling them out with your hands.
*Note: Use a weed killer with caution. Spray lightly on the affected area, ensuring not to spray any surrounding vegetation.
Weekly:
Blast away leaves and debris with a leaf blower or soft broom. Rinse with cool water using a garden hose. Brush the blades against the grass’s direction to keep them standing tall.
Monthly:
By now, you’re a pro at artificial grass cleaning. Once a month, give your turf a more thorough deep clean. Repeat the steps above and add these extras:
- Check the turf’s edges and seams for any separation, lifting, or shifting.
- Use a knife to cut away excess turf that overlaps onto paths, edges, or driveways.
- Inspect your turf for an infill top-up.
- Pay attention to the area between the turf and underlying aggregates; a soft jet of water should remove any debris taking refuge there.
If your artificial turf has gone through heavy use, you may want to consider hiring a professional to groom, repair, or deep clean your grass. Artificial turf isn’t invincible, so tough stains, pests, and weeds may require special attention.
Why should you clean artificial grass?
It’s no secret that artificial grass installation costs a pretty penny, so why let all that hard-earned cash go to waste? The better you clean and maintain your turf, the longer it will last, and the less likely you’ll have to replace it, spending all that money on installation over again.
On average, an artificial grass project can cost between $2,970 and $7,100, including installation. And if you decide to install your artificial turf yourself, you’re in for hours of hard work, which you also don’t want to throw away by letting the grass get dirty.
Here are some of the top picks for brands of artificial grass to install:
- Goasis Lawn Artificial Grass Turf Lawn
- Realistic Thick Artificial Grass Turf
- XLX TURF Interlocking Artificial Grass Turf Tiles, Thick Realistic Fake Grass Mat for Dogs, Patio, Indoor Outdoor Decor
- ZGR Artificial Garden Grass 3 ft x 5 ft (15 Square ft) Premium Lawn Turf,
Not properly cleaning your lawn can cause it to feel worn and matted and take away from that lush look. On top of that, bacteria and fungi can grow if the turf is not maintained properly – creating a nasty and potentially unsafe atmosphere that no one wants.
At the end of the day, artificial grass maintenance is key to keeping artificial grass looking its best – and it’s especially important if you have kids and pets who play sports or regularly hang out in the area. Zap away dirt and residue to make sure the blades are sitting just right and that the grass looks realistic and pristine. After all, if you’re willing to settle for a messy lawn, you might as well save time and money and stick with natural grass.
FAQ about cleaning artificial grass
The best way to clean an artificial lawn is by sweeping it regularly with a stiff brush. This will prevent it from bunching up and developing patches of wear. Additionally, rinse it with a hose periodically and inspect it to make sure there aren’t any weeds growing through.
While vacuuming can help remove some dust, it’s not recommended. A leaf blower is a safer option, as it won’t disturb your turf’s infill. For a deeper clean, it’s best to use a lawn rake or broom to get any debris out of the artificial grass blades.
Avoid using high-pressure washers. The intense pressure can weaken the turf blades and disturb the infill material. Some light rinsing with a garden hose should suffice.
To get your artificial grass looking as good as new again, you’ll have to give it a good clean. Start by giving it a once-over with a leaf blower to remove all the dust and debris. Then, grab a brush and give it a good scrub, paying close attention to any stained spots. After that, grab some soap and warm water, mix it together, and work it into the grass.
Remember to rinse it well so that all the soapy residue is gone. Finally, you may want to use a special artificial grass glue to fix any areas that have come loose. That should do the trick!
For regular upkeep, brush your yard once a week with a stiff bristled broom and follow with a light spray from the garden hose. Once a month, give your turf a deep clean and inspect the turf edges, seams, and infill.
For light cleaning, you can use a leaf blower, broom, or rake and a garden hose. For tougher messes, you’ll need a soft brush, garden cloth/sponge, non-toxic cleaner, and a granular detergent. An eco-friendly choice would be a mix of warm water, vinegar, and baking soda.
Remember: avoid using harsh chemicals or metal rakes.
One downside of artificial grass is that it can heat up more than natural grass in direct sunlight, which could be uncomfortable for people and pets. Plus, it can be expensive to purchase and pretty time-consuming to install for larger outdoor areas. Some people have even expressed concerns that artificial turf is bad for the environment.
However, there is a flip side to that coin. Artificial grass does not need to be watered or maintained using fertilizers and pesticides, so it’s a great way to lower one’s carbon footprint in the long run. And the best part? It is an excellent alternative to real grass that looks great all year round with little work!
Final thoughts
Caring for artificial grass doesn’t have to be time-consuming and tedious. You can keep your artificial yard looking vibrant and beautiful with a few simple steps. Make sure to take a few minutes once a week to give your fake lawn a light brush down and rinse. Once a month, give it a deep clean and check for any infill replacement needs.
If you need help, remember that professional lawn care services can always assist with maintenance and any necessary repair work. And if done correctly, you can keep your artificial grass looking like it’s just been delivered for years to come!
Main Image Credit: Kameleon007 | Canva Pro | License
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