Learning how to clean artificial grass is key to boosting its lifespan. You installed your new lawn because you want a yard that looks great all year long. That’s why some degree of upkeep is needed. Luckily, when you know how to clean artificial grass, you will find out it is a lot easier than maintaining a grass lawn. At Watersavers Turf, we’re happy to offer advice on how to clean artificial grass. Here are the most common questions we get:
How Do I Keep My Synthetic Turf Allergy Free?
With synthetic turf, a little bit of rain will wash allergens away fast. Fake turf lawns also drain quickly, so allergens are easily washed away.
Here are a few tips on how to clean your artificial grass, and how to keep it allergy free:
- Removing Allergens: Pollen from nearby plants will wind up on your lawn from time to time. If it hasn’t rained in a while, these types of allergens can accumulate. A quick spray with the garden hose will remove them quickly.
- Cleaning Lightly Soiled Areas: If you come across any areas that are lightly soiled, mix warm water with a 5% solution of household detergent. Sponge mop the area, then give it a rinse. Simple as that.
- Cleaning Heavily Soiled Areas: If an area is more heavily soiled, follow the steps listed above. Then, sponge mop the area with a 3% solution of household ammonia and hot water. Rinse the spot once you’ve finished cleaning it.
- In addition, check out our artificial turf cleaner that disinfects and deodorizes your lawn.
How Do I Remove Stains & Blemishes from Artificial Grass?
There are a few things you should know about how to remove stains and blemishes from artificial grass. First, act fast. It is easier to clean a stain when it hasn’t had time to set. Second, use safe products. Our team will gladly offer advice if you ever need more information about how to remove stains and blemishes from artificial grass. We will make sure you know how to remove stains and blemishes from artificial grass without damaging it. The following key info will help you keep your lawn in good shape while also getting rid of common stains:
- Tools: Use a spatula or plastic table knife to remove hard or “pasty” deposits on your lawn. Just be careful not to damage the turf fibers. Blot up small liquid stains with a paper towel or washcloth. You can also cover them with a dry absorbent product like kitty litter. After it’s absorbed the liquid, vacuum or sweep it away. Then, rinse your turf to get rid of the kitty litter scent.
- Treating Minor Blemishes: A 5% solution of warm water and household detergent is all you need to remove most minor stains. Use one teaspoon of detergent for every pint of water. The detergent should be granular or low-sudsing; the kind you would use on fine fabrics. Tougher stains may require a 3% a solution of ammonia and water. Both these solutions can be applied liberally to your lawn. Just blot up excess liquid when you’re done sponge mopping the area. Rinse away any remaining soap or ammonia with cold water. These solutions remove a wide range of stains, including these common ones: coffee, tea, ketchup, fruit and vegetable juice, alcohol, butter, latex paint, blood, urine, mustard, glue, butter, soda, milk, ice cream, and even dye.
- Treating Tougher Blemishes: Sometimes you may need a stronger cleaner to remove a blemish. In these cases, you can use mineral spirits or grease spot remover (like dry cleaning solution). Don’t sponge mob with these substances. Instead, lightly soak a washcloth then carefully apply to the stain. These type of stain removers are ideal for the following: chewing gum, cooking oil, asphalt, tar, lipstick, crayon, grease, motor oil, floor wax, shoe polish, ballpoint pen ink, paraffin wax, suntan oil, and nail polish.
- Caution: Avoid using products that contain chlorine bleaches or caustic cleaners (pH above 9), as well acidic cleanses (pH below 5). When using mineral spirits or petroleum-based solvents, keep them away from lit cigarettes or open flames, as these substances are flammable. You also want to make sure they don’t get below the turf surface. They could damage the layers beneath the blades.
How Do I Remove Animal Waste?
A plastic grass lawn makes for easy removal of animal waste. Pet droppings are tough to spot on live grass if you haven’t mown it in a while. On your synthetic lawn, you’ll notice them right away. Easy removal of animal waste is as simple as scooping it up and disposing of it. Rainfall or rinsing the lawn will remove any odors most of the time. If it doesn’t, mop the area with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water. For easy removal of animal waste, keeps these tips in mind:
- Wait for Waste to Dry: Don’t remove any animal droppings until they’ve dried. You’re less likely to spread waste around the area if it’s dry first.
- Rinse Regularly: Keep your lawn surface hygienic by rinsing it with the hose on a regular basis. This promotes animal urine drainage. Rinsing your lawn often is especially important in regions that don’t get a lot of rain.
- Use the Right Infill: Keep your lawn free of pet urine smells with ZeoFill organic infill. This infill uses natural processes to stop animal odors before they start. We also offer a Pet Odor Neutralizer Spray, which will make your turf smell fresh. It’s environmentally friendly and safe for animals and children.
How Do I Get Rid of Other Synthetic Grass Contaminants?
Getting rid of other synthetic grass contaminants may require some extra tools. You could find yourself having to get rid of synthetic grass contaminants like tree sap or mold at some point. The following tips for getting rid of other common synthetic grass contaminants will help you deal with these tougher substances and clean your artificial grass:
- Tree Sap: If sap gets stuck in your lawn, purchase some aerosol refrigerant from a carpet-cleaning supplier. You can also use dry ice. Freeze the sap, then scrape it away. This process also works for chewing gum if mineral spirits or grease spot remover don’t work.
- Fungus or Mold: Apply a 1% hydrogen peroxide in water solution with a soft sponge to any fungus or mold you notice. Then, slowly and carefully clean it away with water.
- Oil Paints: Discuss tougher stains (like those from oil paints) with a Watersavers Turf expert. You may need to use a commercial carpet cleaner. We’ll recommend the right product to clean your turf safely.
What Are the Benefits of Brushing Fake Turf?
Your turf might get a lot of foot traffic. That’s why you should know about the benefits of brushing fake turf. This process simply involves brushing against the grain of the turf. The benefits of brushing fake turf are clear as soon as you do it; the blades will stand upright, instead of looking matted. To get the full benefits of brushing fake turf, use a brush with synthetic bristles. In addition to a power broom, we also carry a turf rake that make cleaning your artificial grass really easy.
Should I Deep Clean Artificial Turf?
Deep cleaning artificial turf is a straightforward process that is worth the time and effort. It maintains the health and appearance of your turf. Additionally, deep cleaning increases the longevity of synthetic grass. Follow the steps below to get the best results:
- Continue with regular clean ups by spot cleaning and rinsing turf when needed
- Sanitize with an all-in-one cleaner and deodorizer like OxyTurf
- Use a power broom to thoroughly sweep the turf to catch any small debris and spruce up the grass blades
- Examine the distribution of the infill to ensure it is even and if needed, add more infill using a drop spreader
- Read more about deep cleaning your turf here
How Do I Avoid Turf Damage?
There are some key things to do to avoid turf damage:
- Don’t smoke near it. A lit cigarette could damage the fibers.
- Keep furniture with sharp edges away from it. They may puncture the surface if you’re not careful.
- Don’t let parked vehicles idle on the lawn. A car may leave behind auto fluid stains.
- Remove or cap off sprinkler heads that can spray onto your artificial turf. Over time, they may leave mineral deposits that can stain your lawn.
- Avoid turf burn by applying tinting (40% darkness or more) or screens on the outside of windows that directly reflect onto your plastic lawn. Window screens are preferable since they are seven times more efficient than protective films. Installing them prior to turf installation is especially important if you have energy efficient windows. These kinds of windows have a high-performance glaze on them that allows sunlight in. However, this coating encourages radiant and solar heat to bounce off onto the surfaces where the rays touch. This can cause your turf to burn even though it has a very high melting point of 175F to 200F.
Watersavers Turf, Premier Artificial Grass Distributors, Are Here to Help
With a little care, a synthetic lawn can keep your property beautiful for years. Watersavers Turf is here to here to help. Stop by one of our SF Bay Area locations to discuss your project. You can also call us at 844-974-8873, or chat with us online for more info. Be sure to ask about our free estimates, samples, and delivery offers too!