How To Clean Artificial Turf

Today many homeowners have chosen artificial turf for their yards because it doesn’t require much maintenance, especially in comparison to natural grass. For instance, it will last for many years and you won’t ever have to mow, fertilize, or water it but it’ll still look lush and green all year long. This doesn’t mean that it’s completely maintenance-free though. You’ll still need to do some routine washing and spot cleaning so you can get rid of the dirt, dust, stains, mold, and other foul odors. However, the frequency at which you must do these things depends a lot upon how much foot traffic you get, the area you live in if pets or kids are using it, and how many trees and shrubs surround your yard.

It’s important to understand that the way you clean your artificial grass will differ greatly from how you take care of real grass. With this in mind, here are some tips on how to clean and maintain it so that you can get the most out of your artificial turf.

Routine Cleaning

You will want to clean your artificial grass weekly. If it’s used a lot or has a lot of debris accumulating on it, you should rinse it with a hose. Here are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind:

● To remove small debris like leaves, twigs, pebbles, cigarette butts, pet hair, or seeds from it you’ll want to use something like a leaf blower, lawn rake, small vacuum, or even a broom. After you’ve removed all the solid waste, you should rinse the artificial turf off with a hose to remove any dust or remaining small sediment.
● Since this is your yard it’s subject to having food and drinks spilled on it. You can easily dislodge most coffee, tea, cola, and alcohol spills by soaking it up with a paper towel then rinsing it off immediately. The faster you’re able to do so, the easier it’ll be to clean everything up. If you do encounter a stubborn spill, try a combination of warm water and either some detergent or some vinegar.
● For sticky things (e.g. gum, candy, tree sap), use a plastic knife to gently scrape off the residue. Don’t ever use harsh chemicals on your artificial turf.
● Pet waste can also be easily cleaned up. Simply pick up the solid waste and once the area is completely dried, rinse it with water. For urine stains and smells, you can use an odor neutralizer or pet stain removal product.
● When it comes to snow and ice it’s best to let them melt and drain away. If you use a shovel, make sure it’s a plastic one as a metal one could harm your artificial grass.

Deep Cleaning

Besides frequent routine cleaning, you will also need to perform a thorough, deep cleaning on your artificial turf at least once a month. For this, you’ll want to start by thoroughly washing it with water. Make sure to use a non-toxic sanitizer so you can prevent bacteria and bugs from settling there. You’ll also need a strong magnet to help you pick up items (e.g. nails, screws) so your yard is safe for your kids and your pets. Sometimes you may also need to add new infills or lift the turf blades. These are all things you can have a professional do for you twice a year too.

Conclusion

Turf Pro Synthetics in Tampa, FL specializes in the installation of artificial turf. Contact them today to learn how they can help you improve your landscaping.