Cleaning Artificial Turf Guide

By PropertyClub Team
Jan 29th 2023
Artificial turf is well known for being a low-maintenance option to a traditional grass yard, but even a synthetic lawn needs to be maintained and cleaned from unwanted substances like dog feces and urine. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to best take care of and maintain your artificial turf lawn. 

Artificial turf is often praised because it does not need water or fertilizer and requires relatively little maintenance. However, artificial grass does need some upkeep. For example, if your turf gets a lot of foot traffic or if you own pets, it will require more maintenance and cleaning than average. 

hash-markHow to Regularly Clean Artificial Turf

The above points are for specific messes. But you should also regularly clean your lawn at least once a month. Here is a quick guide on the steps to take to clean off your synthetic grass. 

  1. Remove any large debris such as sticks and leaves. Removing large debris will keep the grass from getting damaged. You should try to pick up things like sticks by hand at first rather than a leaf blower. 
  2. Rinse the turf thoroughly with a hose. Make sure to use cold water to rinse off any dust or pollen. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of regular rain, then you won’t have to hose down your lawn as frequently. 
  3. Brush the grass to remove any stubborn debris. When brushing, make sure to brush against the grain to keep the grass full and pointy. Brushing with the grain will make your artificial lawn look matted and flat. 

hash-markTools For Maintaining Artificial Turf

You only need a few tools to maintain your lawn. The most important thing to have on hand is a hose. Most regular spills and blemishes can be cleaned with a hose and an application of some water. 

Another beneficial tool for maintenance is a leaf blower. You can use a leaf blower to clear off larger debris such as leaves, sticks, and dirt clumps. When using your leaf blower to clean artificial turf, make sure you keep it on low levels. If it is too high it can disturb the underlying sand or gravel layer. 

It also helps to have a rake to keep the fibers unmatted. You should not use a metal-pronged rake, though. Plastic rakes are the best choice for artificial turf. 

hash-markCommon Artificial Grass Cleaning Situations

  1. Debris
  2. Dog Poop and Uring
  3. Stains
  4. Sticky Residue

1. Debris

Through the lifespan of your lawn, it will get dirty with debris. The best way to clear debris from your turf is with a short-pronged rake or leaf blowers. You do not want to use a long rake as that can shift the sand that fills the surface. Rotting debris and leaves can cause roots and other plants to take hold, damaging your turf and the underlying webbing. Debris can also make your turf look uneven. 

You can also gently moisten your lawn with a sprinkler to get rid of small debris such as dust or pollen. If you use water, make sure that you do not overwater the lawn as this can mess up the sand or gravel filling. 

2. Dog Poop and Urine

If you have a pet, when they need to go, they probably will choose your turf lawn. Despite what you might think, having a pet does not mean you need to be hosing off your artificial turf constantly. Pet waste is surprisingly simple to clean off. For solid waste, wait until it dries and hardens before you try to pick it up, or else you can mush it into the fibers and underlying webbing. 

For pet urine, most turf fields will be engineered to drain. If you want to know how to get dog urine and smell out of your artificial turf, gently rinse the affected area with water after your pet finishes their business. 

3. Stains

Sooner or later, your artificial lawn will pick up some stains, whether it’s a plate of food, a beer, or some other everyday substance. If your lawn gets a stain on it, act quickly so it does not set in. The first thing you should do is blot up any residual material such as liquid. You can also apply any absorbent material to mop up the spill, such as kitty litter. 

Next, gently rinse the affected area with water and a mild household detergent. As long as you do not pick a very corrosive detergent, this should not harm the turf fibers. If the stain is a bit more stubborn, you can use a small quantity of ammonia. However, you should avoid using bleach as bleach can damage nylon and polypropylene fibers. 

4. Sticky Residue

Sticky residue such as gum can also get stuck in artificial turf lawns. If some sticky residue mucks your lawn, you can freeze it and scrape it off. Dry ice and aerosol sprays can be used to clean the residue, which can then be peeled off. 

hash-markCleaning Artificial Turf Bottom Line

Artificial grass is an excellent option for homeowners who do not want to perform continual lawn maintenance. Artificial turf is strong, looks great, and has very few maintenance requirements or costs. As long as you keep your artificial lawn maintained and have it cleaned regularly, then it can last you for upwards of 10 years.