How to Clean Artificial Grass in 7 Easy Steps
Cleaning artificial grass can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! In this article, we’ll provide you with 7 simple steps for keeping your artificial grass in tip-top condition. With the right products, tools and techniques, you can keep your fake grass looking sparkling, lush and verdant all year round.
Preparing for Cleaning
Gather Materials
It’s time to clean your artificial grass! But before you start, it’s important to gather the right materials and tools to ensure a successful clean. You’re not just doing this for looks—a good deep clean every few years helps extend the life of your synthetic grass.
To properly clean your artificial grass, you’ll need:
- A steam cleaner
- A soft brush
- A hose with Spray attachment
- Bin liners
- Detergent (preferably non-toxic)
- A soft cloth
- An old toothbrush
Now that you’ve got your cleaning supplies, you’re ready to get started. Of course, you can always source additional materials as needed for tougher marks. However, with the right maintenance, you can make sure that your artificial grass looks fresh and bright for longer.
Clear Surrounding Area
Now that you’ve gathered all of your supplies, it’s time to get down to business! Preparing properly for cleaning artificial grass is an important first step and will save you a lot of time and energy later on.
The first step is clearing the area around the artificial grass. You want to make sure that the blades of grass are given plenty of room to dry and that nothing is blocking their access to the sun or air. Move any furniture, planters, toys, or other objects away from the turf and out of the way.
You should also trim away any overgrowth from adjacent landscaping such as bushes, shrubs, and trees. This will help ensure that no debris ends up in your artificial grass once you’ve finished the cleaning process. If you’re using a blower, it’s a good idea to give yourself an extra foot or two of clearance for safety.
Finally, you should remove any visible debris from the turf. This includes picking up twigs, leaves, rocks and other objects that may have found their way onto your artificial grass. With a bit of preparation, your turf will be ready for a deep clean!
Clean Artificial Grass
Vacuum
“Cleaning artificial grass can be a daunting prospect for the novice, but it needn’t be that way. Follow our seven easy steps and you’ll have your artificial grass sparkling in no time!”
The first step in our process to achieving a pristine artificial grass lawn is vacuuming. It’s an easy task, but one that can’t be overlooked. Vacuuming regularly is the best way to prevent build-up of pesky dirt particles that get stuck in the grass.
A handheld vacuum cleaner is best, since it allows you to get into all the awkward corners. Work slowly and make sure you cover every inch of your artificial grass – this may take a while, but it’s worth the effort!
If you have pets, you may need to double up on vacuuming. You’ll need to use a vacuum specially designed for pet hair, since your regular vacuum will struggle with the longer, thicker fur. Vacuuming will also suck up any bits of urine odour that may linger.
Vacuums with a brush head attachment are great for agitating the turf blades and releasing any dirt that’s dug its way in there. Change the settings on your vacuum to low suction, as this will give more thorough results. Once you’re happy that you’ve finished vacuuming, hang on – there’s one more important task.
You’ll need to use a hard brush to groom your artificial grass once you’ve finished vacuuming. This will help to remove any stubborn bits of dirt that have been clinging on stubbornly, as well as giving the turf blades a nice finish. Once you’re done brushing, your artificial grass should be looking as good as new!
Remove Stains
Clean Artificial Grass – Remove Stains
When you’re enjoying your artificial grass, sometimes accidents can happen – spilling coffee, staining grass with soil, or muddy shoes can make your synthetic turf look a little less than perfect. Fear not!
Removing these stains from your artificial grass is easier than you think. You won’t even need a pressure cleaner or any harsh chemicals either. Read our top 7 steps for removing stains for good:
- Lightly brush the stain with a stiff bristled brush; this will get rid of any loose material and lift the fibres which will make the cleaning process easier.
- Mix a solution of mild soap and water into a foamy lather, about two tablespoon of soap for every two litres of warm water.
- Dip an absorbent cloth into the solution and rub gently over the stained area.
- If the stain is particularly stubborn, using a soft bristle brush will help to really scrub those stubborn areas clean.
- Rinse away the soapy solution using tepid water.
- If necessary, repeat steps 1-5 before drying the area with a paper towel.
- After removing the stain, brush your artificial grass lightly to restore the original look and feel of your lawn.
It’s as easy as that! Following these 7 simple steps to clean your artificial grass should have your synthetic turf looking as good as new in no time at all.
With a bit of preventative maintenance and a quick clean procedure, you can keep your lawn looking vibrant and fresh all year round.
Use Broom or Brush
Are you looking for an easy way to clean your artificial grass? You’ve come to the right place! It’s easy to make sure your artificial grass is clean and ready to enjoy, and it only requires a few simple steps. In this blog, I’ll show you how to use a broom or brush to clean your artificial grass in just seven easy steps!
Clean Artificial Grass – Use Broom or Brush
Using a broom or brush to clean your artificial grass is the most effective way to get rid of dirt, leaves, and other debris. Here are the seven steps to follow:
- First, start by sweeping away any large debris, such as leaves and twigs.
- Next, use a strong brush to scrub away any dirt and dirt spots from your artificial grass.
- If there are stubborn stains, you can use a mild detergent and water solution to scrub them away.
- Once you’ve cleared away the debris and dirt spots, use a blower to get rid of any remaining dust or dirt particles.
- After that, rinse the artificial grass with a hose to get rid of any residue and make sure it’s completely free of dirt.
- Next, let the grass dry completely before applying any specialized artificial grass cleaners or conditioners.
- Finally, treat the grass with a specialized artificial grass protector spray to help protect it from future damage.
By following these seven easy steps to clean your artificial grass with a broom or brush, you can keep it looking its best for years to come!
Rinse
Now that you’ve removed all the dirt, it’s time to rinse your artificial grass. This is the best way to make sure it’s clean and free of any residue. All you need is a garden hose and some tap water.
Start by setting your hose’s spray nozzle to the “shower” setting and turn the water pressure up to full. Next, take a few steps back so you can cover a wide area with the water. And, if you have an adjustable nozzle, set it to “mist” as this will give your artificial grass an even soak.
Move your hose in a circular motion starting from outer edge towards the center of your cleaning area. As you go, be sure to stay around 1 foot away from the fibers. Trust us, this will save you lots of time in the end.
Pro Tip: Spend 10-15 minutes rinsing an area before moving on to the next.
When you’ve reached the center, slowly work your way back out again and turn off the water. Wipe off any excess water with a squeegee or mop and repeat this same process until you’ve covered your entire artificial grass lawn.
And that’s it! If done correctly, your artificial grass should now be clean and free of any dirt, dust, and debris. So congratulate yourself on a job well done and move on to the final step – drying!
Treat Artificial Grass
Deodorize
One of the most important aspects of keeping your artificial grass looking its best is to regularly treat it and deodorize it. It’s easy to forget this part of the process, but performing regular maintenance will keep your lawn green and smelling fresh. So how do you go about doing this? Here are 7 simple steps to help you deodorize your artificial grass:
- Start by sweeping your artificial grass with a broom. This will help to clear away any debris or dirt that has been left behind, allowing for better penetration when applying treatments.
- Mix a biodegradable detergent with warm water in a bucket and use a soft broom to scrub the grass, paying extra attention to areas that have a build up of dirt, leaves and other organic matter.
- Leave the mixture on the grass for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it off completely with a hose pipe.
- Once the artificial grass has been cleaned, it’s time to apply a specialized deodoriser. Make sure to choose one that is specifically designed for artificial grass as some versions can be too harsh.
- Spray the deodorizer onto your artificial grass in one direction with an even spread. It’s important to avoid creating overlapping spray patterns as this can cause over saturation.
- Leave the deodoriser for at least 10 minutes before brushing the grass in one direction with a stiff bristled brush in order to distribute the product throughout the pile.
- Finally, turn on your irrigation system or hose pipe and allow it to run for at least 10 minutes in order to remove any excess product.
By following these 7 simple steps you will be able to keep your artificial grass looking, feeling and smelling like new. And don’t forget, regularly treating and deodorizing your artificial grass will not only help keep it looking great, but will also help to extend its lifetime.
Apply Protectorant
They say that cleanliness is next to godliness, and when it comes to artificial grass that couldn’t be truer. Cleaning your artificial grass is a vital part of keeping its ‘green’ looking good and also helps to ensure that you get maximum life from its fibres.
After regular cleaning, you should treat your artificial grass with a protectorant. Not only does this help to repel dirt, it also helps protect against UV degradation and wear and tear. Here’s how:
- Vacuum the grass with a soft brush attachment to remove any dirt and debris.
- Spray a mild detergent solution over the grass and use a brush to work it into the fibres.
- Rinse off the mild detergent with a hosepipe.
- Leave to dry completely before applying the protectorant.
- Spray the protectorant over the artificial grass, ensuring that all of the fibres are fully coated.
- Let it soak in for around 5-10 minutes.
- Brush over the artificial grass with a stiff broom.
Note: It’s important not to use a pressure washer for cleaning as this could damage your artificial grass!
Inspect Artificial Grass
Check for Wear
When inspecting your artificial grass, it’s important to check for any signs of wear and tear. This is one of the most important steps in keeping your lawn looking fresh, clean and healthy. Here’s what you should be looking for:
- Thinning: Thin fibers can indicate that your artificial grass is in need of replacement. To check for thinning, grab some of the blades of grass and observe their thickness. If the blades are no longer as thick as they used to be and are fraying, then it’s time for a replacement.
- Shading: Fading of the artificial grass can be a sign that it is getting old and needs to be replaced. Check the color of your grass and make sure that it looks uniform in color, with no fading or discoloration. If it has faded, then your artificial grass needs to be replaced.
- Matting: If your grass is matted down, then this can also be a sign of wear and tear on it. Mats can occur when the artificial grass is used too intensely or not enough. Excessive use will cause the grass to become compacted, while insufficient use will cause the grass to become matted down. Either way, if you have mats in your grass, then it needs to be replaced.
These are just a few signs to look out for when inspecting your artificial grass. It is important to stay on top of things and consistently check for signs of wear and tear in order to keep your lawn looking its best. If you find that your artificial grass needs to be replaced, it may be time to consider a new installation!
Look for Damage
When inspecting your artificial grass, you want to pay particular attention to its condition. Are there any obvious signs of damage, such as tears, punctures, or snags? What about discolouration or any areas that look a little worse for wear?
If you notice anything unusual, it’s important that you take the time to investigate the extent of the damage. Check the edges of the turf and look for any areas that have been weakened by too much wear and tear.
Tip: Use a pair of tweezers or a magnifying glass to spot any small tears or weak patches.
If your inspection does uncover any damage, don’t panic. Minor repairs can often be made with ease. You may be able to repair any tears using an adhesive patch or perhaps fill any problematic gaps with some artificial grass infill.
Here’s a quick guide to help you assess the damage:
- Check for tears, punctures or snags.
- Look for discolouration, wear and tear.
- Examine the edges of the turf.
- Investigate any questionable areas.
- Use tweezers/magnifying glass.
If you don’t feel confident about making any repairs on your own, there are plenty of handymen and landscapers who can help you out. Your artificial grass may also come with a warranty from the manufacturer – it’s worth checking before you attempt any DIY repairs.
Trim Blades
So you’ve decided to clean your artificial grass – good for you! Now, let’s get to work. Step one is to inspect the artificial grass – trim the blades if necessary. Here’s how!
Before you start cutting away, take a closer look at your artificial turf. Make sure to observe any irregularities or inconsistencies in the blades. Depending on the blades’ length, you should be able to determine the best height and trim any blades that are longer than that. Make sure to avoid cutting the base of the blade instead of just the tip— this can damage it.
You can use scissors, a regular trimmer, or a specialized turf cutter for this job. Most blades should be about ¼ inches long, but the most aesthetically pleasing length can go up to 3/8 inches. If you have any longer blades, take care to ensure they’re trimmed properly to ensure a consistent look.
It’s important to be gentle when trimming blades of artificial grass! Incorrectly cut blades can pull away from their base or even damage the fabric cloth of the grass. Make sure you double-check each blade before you move on to the next step.
Allow Artificial Grass to Dry
No matter how much TLC you give your artificial grass, it is inevitable that it will pick up dirt and bacteria over time. Fortunately, cleaning it doesn’t have to be a chore. The key to an easy clean is a good drying out process. In this step, we are going to allow the artificial grass to dry out after you have applied the cleaner.
Here’s what to do:
- Use a broom or a blower to completely remove any dirt and debris
- Spray your artificial grass with a garden hose or pressure washer
- Allow the artificial grass to air dry in the sun
- If it’s still damp after a few hours, try using a towel or mop to dry it out
- Leave it out in the sun until it is completely dry
- If necessary, use a fan or dehumidifier to help with drying time
The amount of time it takes for the artificial grass to dry will depend on the weather and the ambient temperature. On a hot day, it should take no more than a few hours whereas on damp and cold days, it may take longer.
The secret to clean artificial grass isn’t elbow grease—it’s all about drying your turf properly.
Finally, you should leave the artificial grass uncovered for at least 12 hours so that it can dry out thoroughly before you move on to the next step.
Replace Artificial Grass
Replacing artificial grass can be a tricky process and you definitely don’t want to get it wrong! Luckily, we’re here to guide you through it. In this step of cleaning your artificial grass you need to follow these 7 easy steps.
- Remove the old artificial grass: This is the first step in replacing artificial grass, which involves the removal of old turf. The use of a sharp shovel is recommended to ensure a complete removal without leaving any pieces behind. You should also use gloves or safety glasses while removing the old turf.
- Dispose of the old turf: Once you’ve completely removed the old turf, it is important to dispose of it responsibly. You can either take it to a waste plant or use natural mulch to cover it. Make sure to check with your local regulations before disposal.
- Level the ground: If you’re not satisfied with the level of the ground, then you need to level it out by removing and adding soil as required. Make sure that it is leveled up perfectly and there are no stones or roots sticking out.
- Lay down a weed barrier: To prevent weeds from growing and damaging your new artificial grass, you need to install a weed barrier. This can be done by laying down a black polyethylene sheet on top of the soil and securely pinning it into place.
- Add sand infill: Sand infill helps the artificial grass blades stand up and adds extra support. Make sure to spread the sand evenly to ensure a uniform surface throughout.
- Lay the new turf: After preparing the ground, you can lay down your new turf. Make sure that it is tightly fitted in the corners and there is no gaps between pieces.
- Brush up the turf: The last step is to brush up your new turf so that all the blades are standing up in the same direction. This will help your artificial grass look natural and lush.
So there you have it, seven easy steps to replace artificial grass. There are some more complex processes involved if needed but with these steps in mind, you should be able to get your turf replaced with ease.
Maintain Artificial Grass
Maintaining artificial grass is super easy and doesn’t require anything more than a little bit of regular love and care. Here is how to keep your artificial grass looking beautiful and green in just 7 easy steps!
Step 1: Regular Checks
The first step is to regularly check your artificial grass for any signs of wear and tear. It is important to spot any issues early on, as they can be easily fixed while they are still small. If you notice any loss of colour or any signs of damage, contact a specialist for cleaning and repairs.
Step 2: Keep it Clean
The next step is to keep your synthetic grass clean. Use a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris and make sure to check for any leaves or moss. You can also use a mild detergent if needed. Be sure to rinse off the detergent afterwards to avoid damage to the grass.
Step 3: Sanitise
It is also important to sanitise your artificial grass. The easiest way to do this is with a pressure washer, as it will ensure that all of the dirt and debris is removed. You can also use a garden hose if you don’t have access to a pressure washer, but it will take longer.
Step 4: Take Care of Turf Infill
Turf infill helps to cushion the surface and provide a comfortable walkway. Make sure to check the infill regularly, as it can become compacted over time. If you notice any areas that have become compressed, brush and rake the area gently. This will help to fluff up the infill and restore it to its original state.
Step 5: Repair Holes or Tears
If you notice any holes or tears, you should repair them as soon as possible. Use a patch kit and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the patch is applied, brush it gently in order to blend it with the rest of the turf.
Step 6: Avoid Exposure to UV Rays
Artificial grass can become faded or discoloured if exposed to too much sunlight. Consider erecting a shade structure or planting some trees or shrubs around your turf in order to provide some protective shade.
Step 7: Refresh with New Artificial Grass
Once you have followed these steps, your artificial grass should look as good as new. However, if it has been more than five years since you installed your turf, it may be time for a refresh. Over time, artificial grass can start to lose its colour so replacing it with new turf can help to give your yard an instant facelift.
Now you know how to Clean Artificial Grass in 7 Easy Steps!
Now you’re ready to start cleaning your artificial grass with ease – no more hassle! Whether you are a pet owner, a sports enthusiast, or simply someone who loves having a neat, tidy lawn, these 7 easy steps will make sure that your grass is always in good condition – and you don’t even have to break a sweat! Take the plunge and start cleaning today!