How to clean artificial turf – 5 simple steps to keep your faux lawn looking and smelling fresh this spring, even with pets

Artificial turf can be a great low-maintenance option for yards if you don't want to, or can't devote time and energy to mowing and caretaking lawns regularly. That being said, artificial turf still needs gentle cleaning to keep it looking and smelling its best.

Luckily, landscapers assure us this task is quite straightforward, and share how to tackle stain removal and do a seasonal refresh this spring as we venture outside more with the milder weather.

Here, our lawn experts break how to clean artificial turf down in five simple steps, and reveal what to avoid when cleaning a backyard to keep your faux-lawn looking its best for longer.

How to clean your artificial grass without damaging it

Before cleaning artificial turf, you will need the following tools:

• A rake or leaf blower, such as the top-rated DeWALT Cordless Powered Blower, from The Home Depot.
• A gentle laundry soap, such as Dawn, from Walmart.
• Microfiber cloths, also from Walmart, or a soft-bristled scrubbing brush, from Target.
• Optional: A dedicated artificial turf cleanser, such as Stuart Pet Supply Artificial Turf Cleaner from Walmart.
• A rubber bristled broom, from The Home Depot, to lift the fibers.

1. Remove loose debris

Much like pressure washing a patio, the best place to start when cleaning artificial turf is by removing any loose debris such as leaves, twigs, and dust with a leaf blower or leaf rake, available at The Home Depot, begins Michael Clarke, landscape architect, horticulturist, and founder of Yardwork.

He says, ‘A leaf blower works well because it can blow away dirt and small debris without disturbing the turf, but a rake is a good budget-friendly option.’

If you do not own a leaf blower but want to speed the task up without risking damage to your fake lawn, you can hire tools from The Home Depot to reduce costs and alleviate pressure on your shed organization or garage shelving ideas.

2. Treat stains

If your artificial turf is showing any stains, it is best to pre-treat these before cleaning the rest, following the golden rules of stain removal as you would with laundry, says Tammy Sons, plant expert, CEO and founder of Tn Nursery.

She explains, ‘Stains need to be spot treated with a mild detergent and water, and then rinsed thoroughly to avoid any build-up. Afterward, the fibers need to be brushed upright if they've been flattened to avoid them sticking that way.’

3. Use a specialized cleaner

Michael continues, ‘For regular cleaning and light stains, a diluted solution of mild dish soap or laundry detergent and water can do the trick. However, specialized cleaners like Simple Green, available at The Home Depot, can help maintain the turf's appearance and remove stains without causing damage. Use these according to the packet instructions for the best results.

‘While rinsing the turf is important, you don’t want to saturate it with too much water, as this can affect the drainage system, especially if the turf is on a hard surface or doesn’t have proper drainage.

‘Finally, to keep a home clean when you have pets, you can use an enzymatic cleaner like Nature’s Miracle, from Walmart, to neutralize odors and break down pet waste.’

4. Avoid harsh chemicals

Expert cleaners have revealed that you don't need harsh chemicals to clean well inside your home, and this extends to your yard. Tammy warns, ‘You should avoid using harsh chemicals like solvents or bleach or brushes with metal bristles. These can only damage the turf, not clean it!

‘While artificial turf is one thing you can clean with a pressure washer, I recommend avoiding it as much as possible to avoid damaging the fibers.’

5. Brush the fibers back up

To avoid your no-grass front yard ideas or backyard seating spots from looking worn-down, you will need to brush the fibers back up into place after cleaning, reminds Michael.

He suggests, ‘Using a synthetic turf brush, available at Lowes, or a stiff-bristled broom to brush the turf fibers against the grain. This helps lift the fibers and restore the turf’s upright position. Brushing also helps break up compacted areas, especially around heavy traffic zones.

‘Most importantly,’ he adds, ‘avoid excessive brushing, which can wear down the turf fibers or cause them to fray.’

Meet the experts

Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke is the founder of Yardwork and Pulled, the online platforms for everything home and garden. He has a degree in landscape architecture and horticulture from the University of California Davis. He was previously the founder of a landscape development and maintenance company, where he provided complete landscape services to homeowners and commercial property owners.

Tammy Sons

Tammy Sons is a horticulture plant expert, garden writer, and educator. Tammy is the CEO and founder of TN Nursery, a thriving online plant nursery based in Altamont, Tennessee.

FAQs

How often should you clean artificial turf?

Artificial turf should be brushed about once per month to keep the fibers fluffy and remove dirt and debris before they become embedded. It should then be carefully rinsed or cleaned once a year, usually after winter, to prepare it for the summer. Use this time to check the turf for any damage, too.

What should you not put on artificial grass?

There are several things you should not put on artificial grass for safety and to protect your faux lawn. Any heavy items, for example, heavy furniture or pop-up pools can damage the fibers. Hot metal such as barbeques, fire pits, and power tools should also be kept away to prevent melting.

Before you can even think about cleaning your artificial turf, you should always start by decluttering a backyard, getting rid of old tools and furniture that have broken or you no longer use, prepping the space for increased use, and hosting over the summer.