More and more people are choosing artificial turf in outdoor, because it doesn't need to be mowed or watered. Does it need maintenance and care? The answer is of course yes. Because you will find that if you spend 10-20 minutes a week on maintenance, care and cleaning, artificial turf can looks new and extend its life. In terms of time, is it easier to maintain than natural turf. Let's start talking about how to maintain it correctly.
Basic Fake Grass Maintenance(Daily/Weekly)
Let's start with regular maintenance. It involves removing surface debris and lightly rinsing every week. Take my word for it, this will prevent 80% of common lawn problems. What tools do you need? You'll need a leaf blower or rake, a garden hose, and a stiff-bristle brush. This step is simple and doesn't require expensive cleaning services.
Surface Debris Removal: Sweep visible debris like fallen leaves and paper scraps directly with a broom. Then, quickly remove them with a leaf blower, or gently rake them with a plastic rake to avoid damaging the grass fibers. Especially in areas where pets often spend time, keep debris away.
Light Rinse Maintenance: You can use a garden hose to rinse the lawn every week. But, don't use too much force, just rinse away the dust and small particles on the surface, just like "washing the face" of the lawn.
Deep Cleaning Process (Monthly/Quarterly):
In addition to weekly maintenance, artificial turf needs to be deep cleaned monthly or quarterly. You may have consulted a professional cleaning company, and they may charge $150-300 for this service. However, if you follow the below method, it can achieve the same cleaning effect as a professional company. Besides, it will remove embedded dirt and refresh your artificial grass appearance.
Step 1: Thorough Debris Removal (Same as routine upkeep).
Pick up large pieces of garbage, branches, etc. on the lawn, and don't let them block subsequent cleaning.
Step 2: Apply a Cleaning Solution
You can take a spray bottle, fill it with diluted mild soapy water, or white vinegar and water (1:3 white vinegar and water will work). Then, spray it evenly on the lawn, and let the cleaning mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. Soapy water can remove grease, and white vinegar has a bactericidal effect. These eco-friendly artificial grass cleaners can break down organic matter effectively without damaging synthetic fibers or backing materials of the grass.
Step 3: Gentle Scrubbing
Find a soft-bristled brush and scrub the lawn gently like a carpet, especially in places where people walk a lot and dust easily accumulates, and in places where there is mud. Scrub slowly and don't use too much force, otherwise you may damage the grass.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the lawn thoroughly with a garden hose, making sure that the soap and white vinegar water are completely rinsed off, and that there is no cleaning solution left, otherwise it may get dusty after drying.
Step 5: Air Dry and Brush
Let the lawn dry naturally, and after it is completely dry, final brushing will begin by using a brush along the direction of the grass to "comb" the grass and make it fluffy, so that it looks as energetic as a new one!
Stubborn Stain Removal Techniques
What should you do if your artificial turf is stained with stubborn stains such as coffee or juice? Don't rush! First, use a paper towel to absorb the liquid, then apply baking soda water (one spoon of baking soda + one cup of water) to the stain, wait 10 minutes, then use a soft brush dipped in water to brush, and finally rinse it off.
If it is grease, you can try a special artificial turf cleaner, spray it on and rub it according to the instructions above, then rinse it off. For stubborn grease stains, you may need to treat it multiple times, but avoid using harsh chemicals that will damage synthetic fibers or fade the color.
Pet Waste Cleaning Solutions
Do you have a pet? How to deal with pet poop on artificial turf? It's simple. Use disposable gloves and plastic bags to remove solid waste immediately. Wipe the remaining stains with paper towels, and then spray some pet-specific deodorizing cleaners (the kind without bleach). These special cleaners contain beneficial bacteria that can break down organic waste and provide long-lasting odor control, rather than just masking the smell with fragrances.
This way, it will not be repeatedly "marked" by pets. If it is a urine stain, rinse it several times with clean water to wash away the uric acid, otherwise the lawn may turn yellow over time. At the same time, wouldn't this also avoid the complaints associated with installing fake turf in households with cats or dogs?
Damage Prevention Tips
Common cleaning mistakes can shorten the life of fake turf . Let's take a look at how to prevent them.
- Don't let hot objects come into direct contact with the turf, such as unextinguished cigarette butts, which can easily burn the grass.
- Try not to walk on it in high heels, as heels can easily deform the grass.
- Move furniture off the lawn every once in a while, to prevent the grass from being too flattened in some places.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia.
- Avoid using metal tools, which may cut or tear the grass fibers.
Conclusion
As long as you clean it regularly and use the right method, your lawn will always be clean and beautiful, while avoiding expensive replacement costs. Try these steps now and make your artificial turf look as fresh as it was just laid every day! If you want best artificial turf, remember to contact us.
