How do you clean turf? That’s an interesting question so we decided to write a quick guide on questions that we have received. Synthetic turf has become a popular choice for backyard putting greens, pet areas, playgrounds, and poolside landscapes due to its low maintenance, awesome appearance, and durability for all seasons. However, even synthetic turf requires some level of care to stay looking good. This is where power brooms can help. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about power brooms for synthetic turf, including their benefits, what to look for, how to use them, and whether they’re worth the investment (they probably are for some people).
Learn more about artificial turf power brooms here.
What is a Power Broom for Synthetic Turf?
A power broom can help you clean, maintain, and rejuvenate synthetic turf. Unlike traditional rakes or manual brushes, a power broom uses rotating bristles to lift the fibers, remove debris, and redistribute infill for a revitalized, fresh-looking lawn. This is key to help the turf looking fresh. Power brooms are used by professionals and homeowners alike to keep synthetic turf in optimal shape.
What is Power Brooming?
Power brooming refers to the process cleaning and refreshing synthetic turf to look better than it was. The rotating bristles help keep the grass blades upright, making the turf look more natural and removing debris like leaves, dirt, and pet hair. If your turf is for pets, removing the hair will be a big help, otherwise, we typically just like to have the fibers stay up for applications like putting greens. Power brooming can also help redistribute the infill, which is essential for providing the right cushioning and support for the turf surface.
How to Use a Power Broom on Synthetic Turf
Using a power broom is straightforward, but there are a few tips that can help you get the best results:
- Inspect the Turf: Before starting, walk across your synthetic turf and remove large pieces of debris, such as branches or rocks, that might obstruct the power broom or damage the bristles. You don’t want big items damaging the power broom.
- Set the height: Set the power broom to the appropriate height based on the length of the turf fibers. If it’s too low, it can damage the blades; if it’s too high, it may not be effective.
- Go back and forth in Straight Lines: To ensure an even cleaning, move the power broom in straight lines across the entire surface of the turf. Avoid circular movements, as this could leave streaks or cause unevenness. Basically…just like a vacuum cleaner!
- Overlap Your Passes: Slightly overlap each pass to ensure you cover all areas of the turf evenly. (just like you were mowning lawn or vacuuming your home).
- Redistribute the Infill: Make sure the infill is spread evenly across the surface.
Top 5 Things to Look for When Buying a Power Broom
If you’re in the market for a power broom for synthetic turf, here are five important factors to consider:
- Motor Power: Look for a power broom with a motor that is strong enough to handle your turf size. A higher wattage motor will be more efficient and effective, especially for larger areas. If you have lots of debris, a higher power broom is probably in your best interest.
- Adjustable Bristle Height: A broom with adjustable bristle height allows you to customize the depth based on the type of synthetic turf you have.
- Weight and Maneuverability: Choose a power broom that is lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially if you have smaller areas around a pool or putting green. Some can be heavy, make sure you know the weight prior to purchasing.
- Brush Quality: High-quality bristles make a big difference in the effectiveness of cleaning and maintenance. Look for durable brushes that can withstand frequent use.
- Cost and Customser Service: Compare the price and check for a warranty. A good power broom can be an investment, so make sure you’re covered in case of malfunctions or defects.
Do I Need a Power Broom to Clean Synthetic Turf?
While you can maintain synthetic turf using manual tools like rakes or handheld brushes, a power broom is a game-changer for both efficiency and results. Here are a few top reasons why it can be a good idea:
- Time-Saving: Power brooms significantly cut down the time required for turf maintenance. Who doens’t love to save time?
- Looks good: Regular power brooming helps keep the synthetic turf looking lush and new, maintaining the upright position of the blades and preventing matting. Turf is a big investment, help protect it.
- Thorough Cleaning: The rotating bristles are far more effective at removing debris and pet hair compared to a manual brush.
However, if you have a smaller area or only need occasional maintenance, manual tools might suffice, just like for your lawn.
Is a Power Broom Worth It?
If you’re wondering whether a power broom is worth the investment, consider the following:
- Size of Your Turf: For larger synthetic turf areas, a power broom is a must-have. It saves time and delivers consistent results.
- How much foot traffic your turf gets: If you frequently entertain guests, have kids playing on the turf, or pets using the area, regular power brooming is essential to keep the surface clean and safe.
- Professional Finish: For homeowners who love a pristine, well-maintained lawn, a power broom is definitely worth the cost. Some people don’t care too much while others want to take pride in their turf and keep it looking fresh.
Best Way to Vacuum Artificial Turf
Vacuuming artificial turf can effectively remove lightweight debris such as dust or dry leaves. Here are a few quick things to think about when purchasing:
- Use a Turf-Friendly Vacuum: Make sure the vacuum is designed for artificial grass. Standard household vacuums can be too strong and may displace the infill. The last thing you want to do is damage your turf.
- Avoid Heavy Suction: Super suction can cause the infill to shift, which can negatively impact the turf’s cushion and stability.
- Consider Blowers and Power Brooms: Instead of vacuuming, consider using a leaf blower or a power broom to keep your turf clean. These tools are more gentle on the synthetic blades and are highly effective at removing debris without damaging the surface. A leaf blower is the best option if you just have leaves that you want to get off the surface. Super quick and easy.
Power Broom vs. Manual Brushing: Which is Better?
A common question homeowners have is whether a power broom is better than manual brushing. Here are some key differences:
- Efficiency: Power brooms are much faster and more effective at cleaning and maintaining synthetic turf than manual brushing.
- Effort: Manual brushing requires a lot of physical effort, especially if you have a large area to cover. Power brooms, on the other hand, do the hard work for you.
- Cost: Manual brushing is cheaper as it doesn’t require an investment in equipment. However, the time and effort saved by using a power broom often outweigh the initial cost.
Should You Get a Power Broom for Synthetic Turf?
This choice is yours, and yours alone but hopefully this was a helpful guide of things to look at. A power broom can make a significant difference in maintaining synthetic turf, especially if you have a large area or want to keep your turf looking its best with minimal effort. It provides a thorough cleaning, lifts the fibers, and ensures an even distribution of infill, hoping to increase the life of your synthetic grass.
Whether you have a backyard putting green, a pet area, a playground, or turf around your pool, power brooming is a great way to keep the surface clean, fresh, and safe. While a power broom is an investment, its benefits in terms of time-saving, efficiency, and maintaining the appearance of your synthetic turf make it worth considering for many homeowners.
