If you own artificial turf, you know that it is a low-maintenance investment that provides years of beauty and enjoyment. However, even though it doesn’t require mowing, edging, or fertilizing, your turf does need some basic care to stay looking its best. Luckily, keeping your artificial turf in perfect condition is easy with the right turf maintenance steps.
Since there are various different types of turf, from sports fields to pet turf, cleaning can take on a variety of shapes and forms. No matter what type of turf you have, following these simple artificial turf cleaning steps will help keep it looking great for years to come.
Important Things To Know Before Cleaning Your Turf
Artificial turf doesn’t need to be cleaned as frequently as natural grass. However, you should keep a few things in mind before starting the cleaning process.
Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions
First and foremost, always consult with the manufacturer before cleaning it. Each type of turf is different, and the manufacturer’s instructions will tell you the best way to clean your specific type of artificial grass.
Avoid using Pressure Washers
While pressure washers can be very effective at cleaning artificial turf, they can also damage the fibers and cause them to fray. If you choose to use a pressure washer, be sure to use a very low setting and avoid getting the water directly on the turf.
Use the Right Cleaning Solution
There are many artificial turf cleaners available on the market. When selecting a cleaner, make sure it is specifically designed for artificial turf. Use caution when using harsh chemicals or cleaners that aren’t designed for synthetic grass.
Now that you have a better grasp of cleaning artificial turf, let’s get into the cleaning process.
A Step by Step Cleaning and Maintenance Routine
Your specific situation will determine how often you need to perform artificial grass maintenance tasks. Most artificial turf needs to be cleaned a few times a year, but if you live in an area with high traffic or have pets, you may need to clean more frequently.
Step 1: Pick Up Debris
The first step in cleaning your artificial turf is removing any large debris pieces. This can be done by hand or with the help of a rake or broom.
Step 2: Vacuum the Surface
After removing the large pieces of debris, it’s time to vacuum the surface. This can be done with an artificial turf cleaning machine or a regular vacuum cleaner. Be sure to use the appropriate attachment for your vacuum cleaner.
Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution
If your artificial turf needs a deeper clean, you can apply artificial turf cleaning solution with a garden hose.
Step 4: Rinse the Surface
After applying the cleaning solution, it’s time to rinse the surface. You can do this with a garden hose or a pressure washer, as long as you’re careful.
Step 5: Remove Excess Water
Once you’ve rinsed the artificial turf, removing excess water is important. You can do this with a squeegee or blot the surface with a clean towel.
Step 6: Repeat as Necessary
Depending on your specific situation, you may need to repeat steps 2-5 weekly or monthly. If you have pets, you may need to perform artificial grass maintenance tasks more frequently.
Tips for Cleaning up After Your Pets
Synthetic grass and artificial turf are great ways to keep your pets clean. Unlike natural grass, artificial turf doesn’t get wet and muddy when it rains, and it’s easy to clean up after your pet.
Here are a few tips for cleaning up after your pets:
- Pick up waste immediately.
- Spray the area with a pet-friendly artificial turf cleaner like Bio-turf.
- Use a garden hose or power washer to remove any remaining residue.
- Let the area dry completely before allowing your pet to play on it again.
Maintenance Tips for Each Season
As the seasons change, so too must your artificial turf maintenance routine. Here are a few tips for keeping your artificial turf looking its best throughout the year:
- Spring
It is critical to remove any debris that has accumulated over the winter in the spring. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as rips or tears.
- Summer
During the summer, artificial turf is susceptible to heat damage. Be sure to keep an eye on the temperature and provide artificial turf with extra shade and water if necessary.
- Fall
It’s vital to remove leaves or other debris that may have accumulated over the summer in the fall. You may also want to consider applying a sealant to the artificial turf to help protect it from the elements.
- Winter
In the winter, it’s important to keep artificial turf clear of snow and ice. You can do this by using a snowblower, shovel, or artificial turf salt and de-icer.
Artificial Turf Vacuums vs Brushes vs Rakes: When To Use Each?
There are a few different ways to clean artificial turf: with an artificial turf vacuum, with a brush, or with a rake. Here’s when you should use each one:
Artificial Turf Vacuum
An artificial turf vacuum is the best way to clean artificial turf. It is specifically designed to clean artificial grass and will remove all of the debris and dirt from the surface.
Brush
You can use the brush to clean artificial turf, but it is not as effective as a vacuum. However, it may be necessary to use a brush if you cannot vacuum the artificial turf or if there is a lot of debris on the surface.
Rake
A rake should only be used on artificial turf if there are any leaves or other debris on the surface. Raking artificial turf can damage the blades, so it should only be done as a last resort.
Conclusion
This step-by-step artificial turf cleaning and maintenance guide will help you keep your artificial grass looking its best. This article has got you covered, from removing pet waste to protecting it from the elements.
If you have any other questions about artificial turf or need some assistance with upkeep for a large project, contact us today! We’re always happy to help.
