How to Clean Artificial Grass - The Complete Maintenance Guide for 2025

Artificial grass offers the perfect solution for homeowners wanting a pristine lawn without the constant mowing, watering, and weeding. However, many people assume that synthetic turf is completely maintenance-free. The reality? Your artificial lawn does require some care to keep it looking its best and to maximise its lifespan.

Whether you're dealing with mould, algae, pet waste, or general debris, this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to clean artificial grass effectively and safely.

Why Does Artificial Grass Need Cleaning?

Despite not growing like natural grass, artificial turf faces its own set of challenges. Over time, your synthetic lawn can accumulate various contaminants that affect both its appearance and longevity.

Common problems include:

• Moss and algae growth in damp, shaded areas
• Bacterial biofilms that create slippery surfaces
• Pet waste and urine odours
• Leaves, twigs, and general debris
• Dust and airborne pollutants
• Stains from spills or outdoor activities

Left untreated, these issues can reduce your artificial grass's lifespan, create unpleasant odours, and diminish the visual appeal of your outdoor space. Regular cleaning prevents these problems from becoming serious and keeps your lawn looking fresh for years to come.

Weekly Maintenance: Addressing The Basics

Before we dive into deep cleaning methods, let's cover the routine maintenance that should be part of your weekly schedule.

Remove Loose Debris

Use a leaf blower, stiff brush, or rake to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris. This prevents organic matter from decomposing on your lawn and creating conditions for moss and algae growth. A quick five-minute sweep each week makes a significant difference.

Rinse the Surface

A simple rinse with your garden hose helps wash away dust, pollen, and light dirt. This is particularly important after windy days or during pollen season. The water also helps keep the turf fibres upright and fresh-looking.

Brush the Fibres

Using a stiff-bristled brush, gently brush against the direction of the grass blades. This keeps them upright and prevents matting, maintaining that natural grass appearance. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas where the fibres tend to flatten more quickly.

How to Deep Clean Artificial Grass: Step-by-Step Guide

When routine maintenance isn't enough, or when you're dealing with biological contaminants, algae, or stubborn staining, a deep clean is necessary. Here's how to do it properly.

What You'll Need

• Garden pump sprayer, watering can, or brush for application
• Protective equipment (gloves and safety goggles)
• Stiff brush for agitation (optional)
• Garden hose for rinsing (if needed)
• Specialised artificial grass cleaner

The Cleaning Process

Step 1: Choose the Right Day

Weather conditions matter significantly when deep cleaning artificial grass. You need a dry day with temperatures above 8°C (46°F) and no rain forecast for at least four hours. This allows the cleaning solution to work effectively without being washed away prematurely.

Step 2: Prepare the Area

Sweep or brush away all loose debris, leaves, and organic matter from the surface. Remove any bulky items or furniture. If you have plants or natural grass nearby, consider covering them with a tarpaulin to prevent accidental overspray.

Step 3: Mix Your Cleaning Solution

Traditional cleaning methods designed for natural grass are not suitable for artificial turf. Harsh bleach-based products can damage the fibres and backing material, potentially voiding your warranty.

For effective cleaning without damage, use a specialised product like GK Multi-Surface Cleaner & Sanitiser. This professional-grade cleaner is specifically formulated to eliminate 99.9% of bacterial growth, algae, and lichen, and is safe for use with artificial grass.

Dilution rates depend on the level of soiling:

For heavy algae buildup: Mix 2:1 with water (2 parts water, 1 part cleaner)

For light to medium soiling: Mix 3:1 with water (3 parts water, 1 part cleaner)

Important tip: Always add water to your sprayer first, then add the concentrated cleaner. As a natural surfactant, it foams vigorously like washing-up liquid when agitated.

Step 4: Apply the Cleaner

Put on your protective gloves and safety goggles before handling the cleaning solution. Using your garden sprayer, watering can, or brush, saturate the entire surface of your artificial grass. Don't just lightly wet it, you need approximately 0.25 litres of diluted solution per square metre.

The vigorous foaming action serves as a visual guide, ensuring you've covered all areas thoroughly. This foam indicates the active cleaning process is working to break down biological contaminants.

Step 5: Let It Work

For best results, allow the cleaner to evaporate naturally on the surface. This maximises its residual cleaning effect. Most bacterial contamination becomes inactive within 15 minutes of application, and you'll notice the colour of any biological staining begins to change by the end of the day.

If you need to allow access to the area sooner (for pets or children), you can rinse the treated area with clean water after one hour. However, leaving it to dry naturally provides superior long-term protection against regrowth.

Step 6: Observe the Results

Dead biofilms, contaminants and algae will desiccate naturally through cycles of sun and rain. This weathering process typically takes up to two weeks, depending on your local climate. If there's been little rainfall after three weeks and some staining remains, you can speed things up by hosing down the surface.

Persistent staining that doesn't respond to treatment may not be biological in nature. In such cases, it's worth investigating other potential causes like rust, metal staining, or organic dyes.

Dealing with Specific Issues

Pet Waste and Odours

Artificial grass is a popular choice for dog owners, but pet waste requires prompt attention. For solid waste, simply pick it up and dispose of it as you would on natural grass. For urine, rinse the area thoroughly with water immediately if possible.

For persistent odours or to sanitise areas regularly used by pets, a treatment with a pH-neutral cleaning solution effectively eliminates bacteria causing unpleasant smells. Products such as GK Multi-Surface Cleaner & Sanitiser have a pH of 6 (virtually neutral) and are safe for pets once the area is completely dry.

Algae Growth

Shaded areas or spots with poor drainage are particularly susceptible to algae. These organisms not only look unsightly but also create slippery, potentially hazardous surfaces.

An effective algae remover specifically designed for artificial grass breaks down these biological growths safely. Unlike harsh bleach solutions, quality products won't discolour your turf or damage the backing material.

Chewing Gum and Sticky Substances

For sticky substances like chewing gum, try freezing them with ice cubes before carefully scraping away with a plastic scraper. Never use sharp metal objects that could damage the turf fibres.

General Stains (Food, Drinks, Oil)

Blot spills immediately with an absorbent cloth. For tougher stains, use a mild detergent solution (a few drops in warm water) and gently work it into the affected area with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

What NOT to Use When Cleaning Artificial Grass

Protecting your investment means avoiding products that can cause irreversible damage.

Never use:

Bleach or bleach-based cleaners: These oxidise and discolour synthetic fibres, potentially leaving permanent white patches or weakening the turf structure.

Acidic or caustic chemicals: Strong acids or alkalines can degrade the backing material and deteriorate the drainage system underneath.

Pressure washers on high settings: Excessive pressure can dislodge infill, separate backing seams, or damage the turf fibres. If you must use a pressure washer, keep it on the lowest setting and maintain a safe distance.

Harsh abrasive brushes: Wire brushes or stiff metal bristles can tear and damage synthetic grass fibres. Stick to stiff nylon or natural bristle brushes.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

The best cleaning strategy is preventing problems before they start. Here are professional tips to keep your artificial grass in prime condition:

Improve drainage: Ensure proper drainage beneath your artificial turf. Poor drainage creates standing water where algae and moss thrive. If you notice persistent damp patches, consult an installer about improving the base layer.

Trim overhanging vegetation: Trees and shrubs create shade and drop organic debris onto your lawn. Trimming back branches improves air circulation and sunlight exposure, reducing moss and algae growth.

Regular treatment cycles: After your initial deep clean, maintenance becomes much easier. A preventative treatment every few months (depending on your local conditions) keeps biological growth at bay. A 5L concentrated bottle typically makes up to 25L of cleaning solution, covering approximately 100-125 square metres.

Address pet areas promptly: If you have dogs, rinse areas where they regularly urinate. This prevents urine salts from building up and causing odours or damaging the turf over time.

Maintain proper brushing: Regularly brush high-traffic areas to prevent fibre compaction. This keeps the grass looking natural and helps prevent infill displacement.

How Often Should You Clean Artificial Grass?

The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, including foot traffic, weather conditions, proximity to trees, and whether you have pets.

Weekly: Light brushing and debris removal

Monthly: Thorough rinse and brushing

Quarterly: Deep clean with specialised cleaner (more frequently in damp, shaded areas)

Annually: Professional inspection and comprehensive maintenance

Why Choose the Right Cleaning Product

Not all cleaning products are created equal, and using the wrong one can void your artificial grass warranty or cause expensive damage. When selecting a cleaner for your synthetic lawn, look for these essential characteristics:

HSE licensed for DIY biocide treatment: This ensures the product is safe and effective for eliminating biological contamination when used as directed.

pH-neutral formulation: Products with a pH around 6 are safe for the long-term health of your turf, pets, and children. They won't degrade backing materials or damage the synthetic fibres.

Free from bleach and harsh chemicals: Gentle yet effective formulas clean thoroughly without oxidising or discolouring your artificial turf.

Surfactant-based cleaning action: Natural surfactants provide excellent cleaning power and create foam that helps you see which areas you've treated.

Suitable for multiple surfaces: A versatile cleaner that works on various hard surfaces (decking, patios, driveways) offers better value and convenience.

The GK Multi-Surface Cleaner & Sanitiser meets all these criteria and is specifically licensed for artificial grass treatment, providing professional results without requiring specialist equipment or expertise.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

When cleaning artificial grass, environmental responsibility and safety should be top priorities. Here's what you need to know:

Aquatic life protection: Never spray cleaning products into ponds, streams, or water features. Many products, even environmentally conscious ones, can harm aquatic life.

Children and pets: Keep children and pets away from treated areas until completely dry. Once dry, pH-neutral products pose no risk to family members or pets.

Proper protective equipment: Always wear gloves and safety goggles when handling concentrated cleaning solutions. Even mild products can irritate skin and eyes during application.

Wind conditions: Avoid spraying on windy days to prevent drift onto unintended areas like plants, water features, or neighbouring properties.

Surrounding Plants: Cleaners can scorch plants and leaves, so don’t apply it directly to plants. Protect plants with a tarpaulin to prevent damage.

Conclusion: Maintaining Your Artificial Grass Investment

Learning how to clean artificial grass properly protects your investment and ensures years of enjoyment from your synthetic lawn. While artificial turf requires far less maintenance than natural grass, the cleaning and care it does need shouldn't be neglected.

By implementing a regular maintenance schedule, using the right products, and addressing issues promptly, your artificial grass will continue looking pristine and performing well for many years. Remember that prevention is always easier than correction. A few minutes of weekly maintenance saves hours of deep cleaning later.

Whether you're dealing with everyday dirt, stubborn algae, or pet-related challenges, the right approach and proper products make all the difference. Your artificial lawn represents a significant investment in your home's outdoor space. Treat it with the care it deserves, and it will reward you with a beautiful, low-maintenance garden for decades to come.

Ready to deep clean your artificial grass? Visit GK Products UK to find everything you need for professional-grade outdoor cleaning and maintenance.