Homeowners choose artificial turf because it doesn’t change too much over time like natural grass and other plants and shrubs can do. After an artificial turf installation, they don’t need to worry about spending too much time on cleaning and maintenance to ensure that their product remains top quality and lasts its projected lifespan. They can save time and money by no longer using water to keep their lawn green or sometimes spending hours on mowing and trimming and associated tasks. That said, some regular cleaning and maintenance is necessary:  

Prevent damage

A wide range of scenarios can result in damage to your artificial turf. It’s important to remind children not to pull on the grass yarn blades or use scissors on the grass. If anyone spill coloured drinks on the grass or sticky candy or chewing gum, you should remove the material immediately to prevent stains and residue from sticking to the blades. With drinks, use warm, soapy water followed by a clear water rinse from a hose. If you need to remove gum there’s eucalyptus oil or try freezing the gum first with ice, take care to not to break the blades. Also, artificial grass isn’t fire totally resistant, so no cigarettes, open fires, fireworks or other products that could damage your grass. Although it won’t melt with exposure to regular sunlight, artificial turf can sometimes be affected when exposed to magnified light reflecting off windows and pool fencing. By installing exterior screens, shades, awnings or tall shrubs or trees in areas where this problem takes place, you can both stop reflections and create cooler outdoor spots around your home. Should this issue persist contact your local Surface-it service agent for a range of remedies.  

Treat stains

One of the biggest selling points for synthetic turf is its stain resistance. Yet, as previously mentioned, certain types of colored drinks can result in the occasional stain. Someone might spill a dark or bright coloured sugary drink, fruit juice or wine on the fake turf and then fail to clean it up. If you have pets, you might discover an accident from days before that has dried out on the surface and stained it brown or yellow. Greasy drips from barbecues, food condiments and other oil-based substances can also stain. Prevent these stains by cleaning up spills immediately, but sometimes this is not always feasible. When you find a stain, the best way to treat it is by first attempting to remove it with hot soapy water and a microfibre cloth. If this doesn’t work, spray the spot with an equal mix of vinegar and water, wait five minutes, try to rub away the mark gently again and then rinse thoroughly. If that fails, rub the area with a damp melamine foam eraser product, wash with soapy water and then rinse using a garden hose, ensuring where possible not to disturb the in-fill.  

Remove debris

Standard artificial turf maintenance merely involves the removal of dust and debris. You should remove large debris from your new lawn at least once a month with a rake that has thin, flexible, non-metal tines or prongs or with a stiff yard broom that has flexible bristles. Alternatively use a blower, but again ensure not disturb the in-fill. Rinse the lawn with water from a hose at least once a week except for weeks when it rains. A natural rain shower is enough to wash away dust and small debris. If you have trees, shrubs or other plants in the vicinity, keep in mind that you must perform debris removal more frequently during spring, summer and autumn because of pollen, dead leaves and broken branches. In winter, you should remove debris at least once a month. If you live in a cold climate, leave the snow and ice melt naturally to prevent grass blades from breaking off. If you absolutely must remove any snow buildup, never use salt or wait for the snow to pack down and harden. Shovel or blow away the snow above the tops of the grass blade when it’s still soft and then brush the rest of it away gently at the turf level.  

Repair immediately

You should also regularly check for matting and any blades of grass that are starting to crush. With your stiff broom brush the grass against the pile to return the blades to their upright position, the warmer and sunnier the day is when you decide to do this, the better, the polyurethane pile will love the heat and respond accordingly. If you’re dealing with a stubborn stain, several turf-approved acrylic spray paints exist that make it possible for you to cover any stain in a matter of minutes, but always consult your Surface-it service agent first as this could compromise your warranty. Since artificial turf damage like burn marks and tears can worsen if left untreated over time, it’s important that you always repair any such parts as soon as you find them. Although plenty of do-it-yourself guides exist online that explain how to repair small sections of turf, the best way to guarantee that the repair is a success and looks seamless for years to come is by contacting your local Surface-it office. A professional also has the knowledge, experience and tools necessary to perform the job quickly and without error. As you can see, you can enjoy your artificial turf for years without the hassles and costs involved with maintaining a natural lawn. Simply follow the regular preventative steps above, stick to a cleaning schedule and repair sections as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of further damage.