Cleaning artificial grass is not as strenuous or time-consuming as caring for natural grass. Both artificial and natural grass add aesthetic value to your home. However, natural grass requires regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning. While these tasks aren’t needed for artificial lawns, keeping your artificial grass clean from stains and ice removal is still important.
Tips on Keeping Your Artificial Grass Clean
Regular Cleaning
You’ll need basic tools like a broom, a rake, and a leaf blower to clean the artificial grass. It’s important to do this consistently, about once a month. This will help maintain the grass’s green and lush appearance throughout the year. To clean the lawn, follow these four steps:
Step 1: Sweep the Lawn
Use a stiff brush or plastic rake to sweep the entire lawn. Avoid metal rakes as they can damage the turf. Start from the corner and work in sections to ensure even coverage.
Step 2: Remove Leaves and Debris
Use a leaf blower to clear away leaves and debris. If you don’t have one, a brush can also work. Collect the trash with a brush and dustpan.
Step 3: Remove Weeds
Remove any weeds or moss and treat the area with a pH-8 weed killer. Be sure to clear away any debris along with the weeds.
Step 4: Replacing Infill
Over time, the infill may erode. To refresh it, add small mounds of silica sand and sweep it evenly across the lawn. A handful of infill should be enough for minor touch-ups.
Removing Spills & Stains from Synthetic Grass
Here are some practical cleaning tips to help remove spills and stains from your artificial grass. All you’ll need is a bucket, cloth, hand brush, and paper towels. These tools are perfect for tackling spills and stains on your lawn. Follow these simple techniques:
- Prevent Stains: The best way to prevent stains from spills is to dab them up immediately with a cloth.
- Stain Removal: For stubborn stains, create a solution of water and detergent and apply it to the affected area.
- Tough Stains: Use a firm brush with tiny, fine bristles (like a toothbrush) to scrub hard-to-reach or difficult stains.
Snow and Ice Removal from Artificial Grass
An important part of cleaning artificial grass is dealing with snow and ice. If you live in an area that experiences regular snowfall and freezing temperatures, it’s crucial to keep your artificial lawn clear of moisture. Here’s how to handle snow removal based on the amount of snow you receive:
Cleaning Light Snow
This method works best for areas that get light snow or occasional snowfalls that don’t completely cover the grass. Follow these steps to remove varying amounts of snow from your synthetic lawn:
- Start by removing light snow with a brush or a plastic rake. Avoid using metal tools, as they can damage the grass.
- For larger snow accumulations, use a plastic shovel.
- Let any ice naturally thaw out over time.
- For light snowfalls, simply sweep the snow off the grass.
- If the snow is deeper, gently push it into a corner with a plastic shovel. You can then gather it up and even let your kids have some fun building a snowman with the leftover snow.
Removing Heavy Snow
In areas with heavy snowfall, removing feet of snow may take a bit more effort. Here’s how to safely clear thick snow:
- Use a plastic shovel to remove the majority of the snow, but be careful not to dig into the artificial grass, as it could damage the fibers.
- Avoid using a metal shovel for the same reason.
- Continue shoveling until the snow is about an inch from the artificial turf.
- Once you’ve cleared most of the snow, use a brush or plastic rake to remove the final layer. If it’s closer to the ground, you can either sweep it off or allow it to thaw.
Let the Ice Melt
The last bit of snow on your artificial grass must be handled carefully. The best approach is to let the ice melt on its own. Avoid using salt or a de-icer for ice removal, as the chemicals, including salt in de-icers, can erode the fibers of the artificial grass.
Installing artificial grass is a smart way to save on the expenses and time-consuming tasks of maintaining a natural lawn. But cleaning artificial grass is just as important as taking care of natural greens. Even you can use a premium quality turf deodorizer to keep the smell of pet urine or other substances away. While the cleaning routine isn’t too difficult, it’s essential to do it regularly to ensure the longevity of your artificial yard.
If your home has an artificial lawn, it’s important to keep it properly maintained. Thankfully, when you clean your artificial grass it is not as strenuous or time-consuming as caring for natural grass. Both artificial and natural grass add aesthetic value to your home. However, natural grass requires regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning. While these tasks aren’t needed for turf, cleaning your artificial grass from stains, ice and other debris is still important.