Artificial Grass Maintenance and Cleaning

How do you maintain artificial grass?

Rinse artificial grass every week or two, and straight away where pets go. Brush the blades upright with a stiff, non-wire broom about once a month, more often where people walk most. Clear leaves with a blower or plastic rake, top up infill where blades lie flat, and keep grills, fire pits and cigarettes off it.

• Rinse it down every week or two, and right away where pets go.
• Brush the blades upright with a stiff (not wire) broom every month or so, more often where people walk most.
• Clear leaves and debris with a leaf blower or a plastic rake.
• Top up infill where the blades start to lie flat or the backing shows.
• Keep grills, fire pits and cigarettes off it, and watch for strong window reflections, which can overheat the fibres.

How do you clean artificial turf where pets go?

Let solid waste dry, pick it up, then rinse the spot with water and a little mild soap. For odors and stains, use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. Rinse pet areas more often in summer. Infill with an antimicrobial coating helps stop bacteria, mold and mildew from growing.

Camofill Infill (50lb Bag) is encapsulated sand with antimicrobial Zinc Omadine, $24.95 a 50 lb bag. Choosing turf for dogs: best artificial turf for dogs.

How do you know when artificial grass needs more infill?

Push your fingers into the turf. If it feels matted or compacted, the blades lie flat, the backing shows or water starts to pool, top up the infill and brush it in. Infill holds the blades up and helps the turf drain.

A new installation uses one 50 lb bag per 50 sq ft (the Installation Cost Calculator's rate). Camofill infill explains the product.

How do you get stains and gum out of artificial grass?

Use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water for most stains and odors, then rinse. Harden chewing gum or sticky residue with ice and scrape it off gently. Avoid harsh or caustic chemicals: damage from improper cleaning methods is not covered by the warranty.

What damages artificial grass?

Heat and sharp edges. Grills, fire pits, cigarettes and sun reflected from Low-E windows can melt the fibers, and sharp tools or furniture with narrow legs can puncture it. Metal rakes damage the fibers, so use a plastic rake or a stiff broom instead.

• The warranty does not cover melted or damaged turf caused by reflection from Low-E windows, sun magnification, localized heating or extreme heat.
• It does not cover accidents, cuts, burns, neglect, improper cleaning methods or harsh, caustic chemicals.
• It requires the turf to be maintained by the recommended procedures: read the warranty.

How do you stop weeds in artificial grass?

Weed barrier under the turf keeps sunlight out, but weeds can still creep in around the edges. Pull them by hand about once a month, or use a weed killer that is safe for artificial turf. Clearing debris weekly also stops weeds rooting in it.

Weed Barrier + (15 Year) 6ftX300ft comes in a 6 ft x 300 ft roll for $139.95; weed barrier goes down before the turf.

Seasonal care

• Spring: clear pollen, give the turf a deep rinse and check the edges for weeds.
• Summer: rinse more often, especially pet areas, to keep odors down.
• Fall: clear falling leaves promptly so they do not trap moisture or block drainage.

Questions and answers