How to Deep Clean Artificial Turf

Compared to natural grass, artificial turf requires far less maintenance. Still, regular cleaning will ensure the synthetic grass looks good and lasts longer. From time to time, a deep cleaning is going to be necessary. Homeowners who have never deep cleaned artificial grass before might not know what this process entails. There are several different strategies you can try.

Non-toxic cleaner

One of the most problematic aspects of artificial grass is the inevitable bacteria growth. Even with proper maintenance, some mold, mildew, and odor will appear. To address these issues, it’s best to use a non-toxic cleaner and thoroughly sanitize the turf. 

Make sure to choose the product carefully. It should be biodegradable and completely safe for children and pets. If the problem is odorous in nature, use a cleaner that has a built-in deodorizer.

Magnetic sweep

If the artificial grass is predominantly a playground for children, a magnetic sweep is a necessary step in the deep cleaning process.  Use a magnetic tool and completely sweep the turf to pick up loose screws, pins, and other metal debris.

Mechanical brush

An incredibly effective way to clean artificial grass is to use a mechanical brush. Some call it a power broom, and it’s perfect for restoring the synthetic grass to looking good as new. If you have access to a mechanical brush, it’s enough to run it through the grass once or twice per year.

Redistribution of the infill

One part of artificial grass deep cleaning is ensuring the turf has enough infill. It’s essential because it keeps the blades of grass standing tall, absorbs UV rays, and helps regulate the temperature of the turf.

And as it happens, most people have silica sand infills. If that’s the case, you can scatter the infill across the turf and then use a broom to distribute it evenly.

What not to do when deep cleaning artificial turf?

Regardless of how low-maintenance artificial turf is, it’s still essential to avoid certain mistakes. The one rule is never to use metal rakes because the metal can damage synthetic grass fibers. When it's necessary to remove leaves, twigs, and any other debris, make sure to use a rake with softer, plastic brittles instead.

Power washing is another problem. Some power washing tools come with add-ons for artificial turf. Generally, power washing will likely only wash away the infill and push the dirt around.

Keeping the artificial turf fresh and clean

If the artificial grass gets plenty of use and is occupied by kids and pets all day, deep cleaning probably needs to be done frequently.

Synthetic grass in front of a commercial property will need occasional deep cleaning too. Dirt, debris, and bacterial growth will build up even with regular maintenance.

Non-toxic home cleaners and magnetic sweeps are easy enough to use. However, you can also reach out to an artificial turf company and order a full-service package.

Turfscapes of Arizona is a Phoenix-based family-owned business specializing in the installation of artificial lawns, hardscaping, and rock spreading. Find out how artificial turf can improve your home or business landscaping. Call 602-884-8760 today!