Artificial grass has been used across the UK for decades (although the quality and realism have definitely improved!) and it continues to grow in popularity. One of the reasons artificial grass is loved by homeowners and commercial premises is that it is a low-maintenance landscaping that requires level little time and effort once installed.
Whilst this means that you won’t need to spend your weekends mowing and watering your garden, a little bit of maintenance will go a long way in ensuring the longevity of your artificial turf. We have put together a few simple steps on how to clean artificial grass to help keep your garden looking lush and fresh.
The natural approach
Gardens are meant to be enjoyed, which means drinks may be spilt, or perhaps a bit of ketchup from that family summer barbecue. Using the wrong materials and products when cleaning artificial grass can result in damage, either to how it looks, or its functionality in terms of drainage. But fear not – this is exactly why our knowledgeable team has put together this handy article on how to clean artificial grass.
The artificial fibres of artificial grass are stain resistant, which makes cleaning up spills and other accidents easy. For the most part, you should be able to clean your artificial grass with water, which will then drain away through the optimised system of drainage holes – leaving your grass clean and dry. If you find this hasn’t offered enough of a clean, or perhaps your turf is a little bit smelly, there are other natural methods you can try which are easily made at home.
The first method is to mix a small amount of natural, liquid soap with water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you could try making a half-and-half mixture of distilled white vinegar and water. White vinegar is a natural deodoriser and is great at breaking down dirt enzymes.
Both of these homemade solutions can be sprayed on the grass, and then rinsed away with a garden hose. Offering a natural and non-toxic approach, which is much safer all around, particularly if you have children or pets who use the lawn as a play area.
A heavy duty clean
If you would prefer a more thorough clean or have found that the natural method is just not working quite as well as you would like, then artificial grass cleaners or deodorisers may be an option. You can find these cleaners online and in some garden centres or home improvement stores.
If you choose to go this route when cleaning artificial grass, we recommend using natural, non-toxic options, to protect the environment and those who use the grass. There is no need to laden your garden with chemicals and artificial fragrances. Be sure to check the products are suitable for artificial grass too!
For dog and pet owners
For homes with a furry friend, you might need to clean your artificial grass a little more often, particularly if they like to use it as a toilet! But don’t worry, it is very straight forward, and our pet-friendly ranges are specially designed for this.
SayGrass.co.uk pet-friendly ranges feature slightly larger drainage holes to allow your pet’s business to drain away. The drainage holes are not visible once installed, yet the perfect size for urine to pass through, like rainwater. This smart design is also what makes artificial grass dry much quicker than regular grass. However, dog faeces cannot pass through, so we recommend letting them dry and then picking them up and disposing of them, as you would with natural turf.
You may find that sometimes all the extra dirt and dust your pets produce builds up in the grass fibres. The best way to clean artificial grass in this instance is to simply brush and hose it down. Regular washing will also help carry away any odours, keeping your grass sanitised and pleasant for everyone.
A little bit of maintenance goes a long way
When it comes to looking after your artificial grass, a little bit of maintenance goes a long way. A few extra steps that you can include as part of your routine are:
- Regular brushing of your grass will help to keep the fibres straight and even.
- Removing leaves and other dirt, to prevent a build up and clogging the drainage system.
- Safely removing weeds when they pop up, this will help avoid damage to the turf.
Maintenance of your grass doesn’t require any fancy equipment, brushing with a stiff-bristled broom is enough to get your artificial grass looking its best in no time at all. But please – don’t use a vacuum cleaner!
If you are lucky enough to have a particularly large grass area or need to maintain artificial grass on a commercial premise, then a power brush might come in handy and will be much quicker than a normal broom. Other than that, keep your lawn free of debris and enjoy all your time saved!
Conclusion
When it comes to the best way to clean artificial grass, it isn’t rocket science. High-quality artificial turf is simple and easy to clean, saving you time and money in comparison to caring for real grass. As long as you maintain your grass regularly, and clean up any pet mess, debris and weeds, you shouldn’t have any problems.
If you are still in doubt about the best approach how to clean artificial grass, you are always welcome to contact our friendly team who can walk you through the care instructions for our different artificial grass products.
