Artificial turf maintenance may be much less demanding than a natural lawn, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need TLC every now and then.

Like a carpet, all sorts of things get trapped in it; leaves, insects, dirt, and other unwanted debris can collect and diminish your lawn’s beauty. You and your family’s feet are also at risk of injury with an unkempt backyard, not to mention the health risks of an unsanitary environment.

Sounds like something you’d rather avoid? Read on for essential measures to keep your stunning backyard in good condition for years to come.

Artificial turf maintenance and cleaning can be divided into four parts:

1. Routine cleaning: weekly and monthly 
2. Seasonal and long-term maintenance of artificial turf 
3. Artificial turf care and cleaning for pet owners
4. The dos and don’ts of caring for your synthetic grass 

Let’s get into it.

Routine Cleaning

You’ll have a lot more space in your garden shed now that you’ve made the switch from real grass, but don’t throw out everything just yet. 

These tools and supplies are essential for artificial turf maintenance: 

• A stiff-bristled broom to sweep off leaves and other surface debris. 
• A garden hose to rinse off dirt and mud. Make sure it extends far enough to reach all corners of your lawn. 
• A leaf blower to remove leaves, twigs, and other large particles in the turf. 
• Turf-friendly cleaning solution for pet messes and occasional surface spraying.

Weekly Cleaning

Every few days, take a brush or leaf blower to your turf to remove the leaves and debris on your lawn. Remember to sweep against the natural direction of the turf fibers to maintain the blades’ integrity. Then, if necessary, hose down the lawn to remove mud.

Rinsing off your lawn also helps to keep it cool in the hot season. US Family Turf’s artificial grass comes with a unique cooling infill that holds 100% of its size in water. This cools the surface lush and cool as the water evaporates, so you won’t ever have to worry about your grass getting too hot.

Monthly Cleaning

Monthly cleaning requires more attention to detail, but there shouldn’t be much to do if you’ve been consistent with your weekly artificial turf care. 

Go over the turf to remove any missed dirt and contaminants, paying special attention to high-traffic areas: 

• Dry spills: Use an artificial turf vacuum to suck up dry debris, being careful to hold the end of the hose off the turf surface so that it doesn’t suck up the infill. Hosing down the area is a good alternative if you do not have a vacuum. 
• Stains: Spray stains down with your garden hose as soon as they occur. Use a water-soluble solution for spills like paint. 
• Sticky substances: Remove sticky substances like food by hand and spray the turf with water after. An ice cube and a plastic putty knife can help remove stuck chewing gum. 

The main focus of ongoing artificial turf maintenance is the removal of dirt and debris which can build up with time and cause poor drainage and hard patches. This brings up our next section…

Seasonal and Long-Term Maintenance

Like routine artificial turf care, seasonal cleaning and care involves debris removal and lawn watering. 

Spring cleaning involves the removal of all the leaves, twigs, and other matter collected in the turf during fall and winter. On the other hand, summer requires you to water down the turf more often than usual to keep it cool.

Inspect your lawn for wear and tear as the seasons pass. Likewise, check whether there are any slow drainage spots, hard patches, and worn-down areas.

You may have to replace some areas of your lawn with new grass, decompact the infill, or add infill to the turf.

Fortunately, high-quality synthetic grass is durable and resilient to heavy use, high temperatures, or long-term sun exposure. With the appropriate artificial turf maintenance, your US Family Turf lawn can last up to 25 years without needing replacement—we even give customers a warranty to back that!

Artificial Turf Care and Cleaning With Pets

Cleaning up after your pet is no different than with a natural lawn, only artificial turf makes it easier because you can rinse down the area to remove any residue.

Dogs especially are a creature of habit, so they likely have a preferred spot they like to go on. When this happens:

1. Scoop up the waste immediately and dispose of it appropriately. 
2. Spray the surface with a pet-friendly and turf-friendly cleaning solution. 
3. Hose down the area to remove any residue. 
4. Leave the spot to dry before allowing your pet to play on it.

Using a cleaning solution is optional in artificial turf maintenance as fake grass for dogs and other pets is designed with special infills and infused with antimicrobial technology. This ensures proper drainage and eliminates bacteria, mold, and fungus growth, eliminating unwanted odors while keeping the grass sanitary.

The Dos and Don’ts of Artificial Turf Care

Artificial turf maintenance is straightforward, but you can damage your grass if you’re not careful. Here are some things to watch out for: 

• Do: Hire professionals to install and replace your infill where necessary. They have the experience to do the job correctly. 
• Do: Brush off pet hairs from your turf. Accumulation can hamper infill drainage and cause bacteria to grow. 
• Do: Use turf-friendly detergents or a solution of equal parts vinegar and water on your grass. 
• Do: Replace sections with large burns or discolorations. 

• Don’t: Neglect artificial turf care because it’s synthetic and low maintenance. 
• Don’t: Leave pet waste to dry. While it may not discolor synthetic grass, it will stick to the blades and be a pain to remove. 
• Don’t: Use harsh chemicals or solvents like acetone or petroleum-based products to remove spills or sticky substances. 
• Don’t: Use sharp-edged tools like rakes or shovels on fake grass.

Artificial Turf Care Made Easy

Following these artificial turf maintenance tips should keep your lawn lush and beautiful for years to come.

US Family Turf is dedicated to helping families get more out of their outdoor space with the best artificial turf available. Contact us today if you have any questions about artificial turf care or installation. We’re always happy to help!