If you’ve got artificial grass, chances are you’ve already experienced the perks of living with a low-maintenance, environmentally-friendly lawn: no need to mow or fertilize, minimal energy use and less water use than natural grass.
But did you know that cleaning your synthetic grass can actually help it last longer? Here’s how to keep your outdoor space squeaky clean and looking like new for years to come.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| To keep your artificial grass looking great, it’s important to keep it clean. |
| Applying zeolite to your artificial grass can help control odors, absorb moisture, and extend the life of your grass. |
| Properly infilling your artificial grass will help it stay looking and feeling great. |
| Disinfecting your artificial grass is an important step in keeping it clean and hygienic. |
| If your artificial grass has been exposed to moisture, it’s important to dry it out quickly to prevent mold and mildew growth. |
1. Remove Debris On The Surface
The first thing you should do is use a rake, broom, or vacuum to remove any debris on the surface of your artificial grass.
This will prevent it from getting stuck in your blades of grass over time and help keep them looking nice as well. You can also use a leaf blower for larger items like twigs, leaves and other random debris that may find its way into your yard.
If you want to keep your artificial grass looking great, it’s important to keep it clean. To do that, check out our pro tips for cleaning artificial grass, including how often to clean your grass, which cleaning solutions to use, and the best tools for the job.
2. Clear Weeds And Moss
Weed eaters are a great tool for removing weeds from your lawn, but they’re no match for the thick roots of moss. If you have moss patches in your lawn, it will be necessary to remove them with a combination of methods:
A hard rake can be used to break up the surface of the soil and expose the roots. This will allow you to pull out stubborn strands of moss that remain connected to their roots.
Using a power washer is another option for removing moss using water pressure before extraction by hand or machine; however, this method should only be used on small areas at a time because of how much water is required. steam cleaners like those from bissell also work well on small areas (as do many other brands).
Clearing Weeds and Moss
| Methods | Description |
|---|---|
| Hand Removal | For small patches of moss, hand removal may be the easiest option. Simply pull the moss out by its roots, being careful not to disturb the surrounding turf. |
| Scarification | For larger patches of moss, you may need to use a tool called a scarifier, which removes dead grass, moss, and other debris from your lawn. |
| Aerate | Aerating your lawn can also help to break up thick patches of moss, allowing your grass to grow and thrive. |
| Applying Chemicals | There are also chemical solutions available that can help kill moss and prevent it from returning, but be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow safety precautions. |
| Regular Maintenance | Finally, regular maintenance is key to preventing moss and weeds from taking over your lawn. Mowing, fertilizing, and watering your lawn properly can all help to keep it healthy and free of invaders. |
3. Use A Hard Rake To Fluff Your Turf
To remove any debris from the surface of your artificial grass, you should use a hard rake. This will help create a more even surface for your lawn and keep it clean. If you have a small child or pet, use a softer leaf blower instead.
Applying zeolite to your artificial grass can help control odors, absorb moisture, and extend the life of your grass. To learn how to apply zeolite to your own artificial grass, check out our step-by-step guide with helpful tips for getting the most out of your application.
4. Hose It Down
If you have a high-pressure hose, use it. If you don’t, try a low-pressure one. If neither of those is available, consider renting or buying a pressure washer for the job.
Don’t have that either? Then use your steam cleaner, or get out there with a leaf blower and blow away those pesky debris bits preventing your grass from looking its best!
If all else fails, just fill up a bucket with some soapy water and scrub away!
Using a Hose to Clean Your Artificial Grass
| Type of Hose | Description |
|---|---|
| High-Pressure Hose | If you have access to a high-pressure hose, use it to blast away dirt, debris, and stains from your artificial grass. This type of hose is especially effective for removing stubborn stains and dirt buildup. |
| Low-Pressure Hose | If you don’t have access to a high-pressure hose, a regular low-pressure hose can still be effective for cleaning your artificial grass. Use a spray nozzle attachment to adjust the pressure and angle of the water as needed. |
| Pressure Washer | For the most powerful cleaning job, consider renting or purchasing a pressure washer. These machines can be used to blast away dirt and stains quickly and efficiently, but be sure to use a low pressure setting to avoid damaging the turf or infill. |
| Handheld Sprayer | If you only need to clean a small area, a handheld sprayer can be a convenient and effective tool. Fill it with a mixture of water and cleaning solution, and then spray the solution onto your grass. |
| Squeegee and Bucket | For a more manual cleaning approach, you can use a squeegee and bucket of water to scrub away dirt and debris from your artificial grass. This method can be time-consuming, but it can also be effective for small areas or tough stains. |
5. Remove Any Stubborn Debris By Hand
You can remove stubborn debris by hand with a soft brush, then rinse off any remaining dust with a hose. After that, use a hard rake to fluff the grass and get rid of excess water.
Don’t worry if you have some wet spots left behind after rinsing; they should dry within 24 hours.
If you want to keep your artificial grass looking and feeling great, you need to keep it properly infilled. For an easy and effective way to apply sand infill to your artificial grass, check out our step-by-step guide. Our guide outlines the tools and materials you’ll need, as well as helpful tips for ensuring an even and thorough application.
6. Use A Protective Coating On Your Turf
A protective coating for your turf is another great way to keep it looking like new.
The sun’s UV rays can damage the fibers of your synthetic grass, causing them to become brittle and break off. A protective coating protects artificial grass from direct sunlight, so that it will last longer and not fade or discolor.
A protective coating also protects against heat, which can cause artificial grass to melt if left out in the sun too long. This can also happen with extreme cold temperatures like those found during winter months in Northern climates if it gets too cold outside, there’s a chance that ice crystals could form on top of your artificial lawn and melt into it, ruining its appearance!
By applying a protective coating before winter hits (or even after), you’ll be able to avoid these issues altogether by ensuring that any snow or ice won’t stick without also damaging its aesthetics as well…
7. Regularly (But Sparingly) Use Lighter Fluids To Treat Stubborn Stains
If you have stubborn stains and dirt, use a light detergent solution made of one part soap to 20 parts water.
Spray the area with the solution and then gently scrub away any dirt with a soft brush. Rinsing is best done using a hose that’s been fitted with a sprayer attachment and set to jet pressure (which will help loosen any stubborn stains).
Never use too much soap or water when cleaning your artificial turf, as this can lead to over-saturation of the fibres in your grass and even begin rotting them away! Your aim should be to simply remove the stain—not hose down your entire lawn!
Disinfecting your artificial grass is an important step in keeping it clean and hygienic. To learn how to properly disinfect your artificial grass, check out our comprehensive guide. In our guide, we’ll outline the best cleaning solutions to use, offer tips for ensuring an even application, and provide step-by-step instructions for the best results.
8. Keep An Eye Out For Fungus And Algae Growth
As with any grass, it’s important to keep an eye out for fungus and algae growth. If you live in a wetter climate or have experienced heavy rainfall, you may notice the grass start to turn brown or yellowish-green. This is because fungus and algae thrive in these conditions and can become problematic if left untreated.
If your grass does become infected with fungi or algae, you should remove them as soon as possible by raking them up with a hard rake (you can find one online).
This will eradicate the spores before they spread further through the lawn. Once this is done, treat your artificial turf with our cleaning solution again to ensure that nothing else grows back over time!
9. De-Odorize Your Synthetic Lawn With Baking Soda Or Vinegar
Once you’ve scrubbed the surface of your synthetic lawn, you should use baking soda or vinegar to deodorize and remove lingering odors. While both options are effective, they have some distinct differences.
Baking soda is an odor-absorbing powder that works by drawing moisture out of the air and soil. It’s often used as a natural deodorizer in homes because it neutralizes unpleasant smells without leaving behind any chemicals or residue. Baking soda can be sprinkled directly onto artificial grass or mixed into a spray bottle with water before being applied to the surface of your synthetic lawn.
Vinegar is another popular choice for deodorizing artificial grass because it contains acetic acid the same ingredient found in some household cleaners which kills mold spores while neutralizing foul smells at their source by breaking down organic matter on contact.
If your artificial grass has been exposed to water, rain, or moisture, it’s important to dry it out quickly to prevent mold and mildew growth. For a simplified guide on how to dry out your artificial grass, check out our step-by-step guide. Our guide outlines easy and effective ways to remove moisture, dry out your lawn, and prevent future problems.
10. Keep Pets Away From Artificial Grass
You should also keep pets away from it until it is completely dry. If you’ve just applied a weed killer, for example, your dog may still want to play on it even though this could cause him harm.
You must be careful when handling any chemicals or cleaning products around artificial turf as they can be harmful to both you and your pet.
11. Fix Any Damage To Your Lawn Living It Looking Newer Longer
If there are any holes, tears or rips in your artificial lawn, you will need to repair them. The repairs should be done as soon after they appear as possible, because once they get too long they can be very difficult to fix.
Rips and tears can be easily fixed with a special material called seam sealer. This is put into the cracks where the tear or rip has occurred, which then causes it to heal over time and become less noticeable.
Seam sealer comes in different colours so it’s best if you choose one that matches your grass colour exactly so that no marks are left behind after being applied.
You may also want to consider using artificial turf paint if your lawn has suffered from burns or stains of some kind on its surface; this will allow you to cover up any marks without having to replace all of your fake grass altogether!
Conclusion
As you can see, cleaning your artificial lawn is not difficult. It’s simply a matter of taking care of it on a regular basis and keeping an eye out for signs of damage or wear. With the above tips in mind, we hope that you’re ready to get started on this rewarding project!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful for maintaining and cleaning your artificial grass:
Namgrass: How to Clean Artificial Grass: This guide provides advice on removing all sorts of stains and marks from your fake lawn.
Rubber Flooring Inc: Cleaning Artificial Grass: This guide offers expert advice on cleaning artificial grass including the best methods and cleaning products to use.
Wikihow: How to Clean Artificial Grass: This detailed guide covers everything from how to remove pet urine to how to clean natural debris like leaves and twigs.
FAQs
How often should I clean my artificial grass?
It’s recommended that you clean your artificial grass at least once every 2-3 months to keep it free from dirt and debris. However, if you have pets, you may need to clean it more often to remove urine and odors.
Can I use a pressure washer to clean my artificial grass?
Yes, you can use a pressure washer to clean your artificial grass, but it’s important to use a low pressure setting and hold the nozzle a safe distance away from the grass to avoid damaging it.
Can I use bleach to clean my artificial grass?
No, you should never use bleach to clean your artificial grass as it can cause discoloration and damage to the fibers. Instead, use a specialized cleaning solution designed for artificial grass.
How do I remove pet urine stains from my artificial grass?
To remove pet urine stains from your artificial grass, use a specialized enzyme cleaner designed for pet urine. Follow the instructions on the cleaner carefully, and rinse the area thoroughly with water.
Can I walk on my artificial grass immediately after cleaning it?
It’s best to give your artificial grass some time to dry after cleaning it before walking on it again. Depending on the weather conditions, it may take a few hours or even overnight for the grass to dry completely.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m here to help you with your home-maintenance needs. Whether it’s building a better yard or just trying to fix a garden—I can show you how.
