2-3 WORKING DAY DELIVERY   |   FREE DELIVERY ON SELECTED ORDERS OVER £65*

logo

Can You Use a Carpet Cleaner on Artificial Grass?

July 16, 2025 / Inbound Pursuit
Share:Share on FacebookShare on XShare on PinterestShare on LinkedIn

Home > Blog > Can You Use a Carpet Cleaner on Artificial Grass?

For so many UK homeowners and businesses, the appeal of artificial grass is its low-maintenance nature. But that doesn’t mean maintenance-free. 

You still need to give your turf a bit of care every now and then to keep it looking pristine, prevent odour buildup, and of course, protect your investment and avoid premature replacement. 

Figuring out what to clean your synthetic turf with can lead you down a rabbit hole filled with uncertainty and misconceptions, though. People are constantly looking for DIY solutions they already have lying around the house, like carpet cleaning chemicals.

It makes sense if you think about it. Your carpet and turf are both made from synthetic fibres. So, can you use a carpet cleaner on artificial grass? The short answer: no! It could cause discolouration, residue build-up that traps dirt and makes matters worse, and strange odours.

But the good news is you won’t have to look far for a safe, effective artificial grass cleaner. Our formulation here at Jennychem works wonders on Astroturf, synthetic lawns, tennis courts, and artificial bowling greens.

It’s a powerful 3-in-1 solution for disinfecting, cleaning, and deodorising. You won’t find another UK formula that does all that at a price this low! Order today and keep your outdoor space stunning and inviting with Jennychem.

Why You Need to Keep Artificial Grass Clean

Artificial grass may be low-maintenance compared to a natural lawn, but that doesn’t mean you can neglect it completely. At least, not if you want it to look good and smell fresh for years to come. The right cleaning method can make all the difference.

Aesthetic Appeal

Debris, dust, and organic matter can dull the colour of your turf, leaving it patchy and tired-looking. That’s not to mention seasonal leaf fall or your pet’s potty habits - these can also create discolouration and matted fibres if left unchecked.

Routine cleaning helps keep your artificial grass bright, vibrant, and evenly textured, preserving the “freshly laid” look you enjoyed on day one for as long as possible.

Hygiene and Odour Control

Pet urine, faeces, and spilled food or drink don’t just vanish. These things build up in the fibres, fostering bacteria and unpleasant odours over the course of time - especially during summer with less rainfall and higher temperatures.

A good artificial grass cleaner sanitises and deodorises at the same time, so your turf doesn’t just look clean - it IS clean. Pet owners in particular need the best artificial grass cleaner for dog urine.

Investment Longevity

Artificial turf is designed to last a decade or more, so it’s great value for the money - but we probably don’t have to remind you that it’s not a cheap investment. 

Dirt build-up can flatten blades and promote moss or algae growth, which traps moisture and damages the backing. It’s worth a bit of preventative maintenance to keep it looking great for the long haul. So, can you use a carpet cleaner on artificial grass or not? 

Can You Use a Carpet Cleaner on Artificial Grass?

We see this question circulating forums and social media, and our customer service reps field it quite often as well. Can you use a carpet cleaner on artificial grass? After all, you might already have one in your arsenal of supplies and both surfaces are “fibre-based.”

Carpet cleaners are formulated to deep clean soft pile and deodorise. That should translate over to your synthetic turf as well, right? Some even use household carpet foam sprays to spot-treat pet accidents or muddy patches, assuming the detergents are mild enough to be safe on synthetic materials.

The truth is, though, what works well on indoor textiles doesn’t necessarily translate outdoors. On the contrary - using a carpet cleaner on synthetic turf could cause more harm than good. Here’s why:

  • Chemical incompatibility: Carpet cleaners have detergents, surfactants, or optical brighteners that are safe for wool and nylon but too harsh for polyethylene and polypropylene turf fibres. These chemicals can cause discolouration, leave sticky residues that attract more dirt, or degrade the protective UV coating on your turf.
  • Foaming and rinsing issues: Carpet cleaners are designed for surfaces that can be extracted or vacuumed afterwards. Artificial grass, however, has drainage holes rather than suction, so excess foam or detergent can linger in the backing. This attracts bacteria and leaves the turf feeling slippery or sticky.
  • Hygiene concerns: While carpet cleaners deodorise and lift dirt, they’re not formulated to kill bacteria or neutralise the types of outdoor-specific contaminants (like moss spores or algae) that artificial grass is exposed to.

Aside from all this, we’ve seen people encounter long-term damage to the infill and drainage system of their fake lawn if liquids are over-applied or clog the drainage holes with soap residue. This can promote mould growth and compromise the turf’s performance.

Long story short, do not attempt to use carpet cleaner on artificial grass!

What to Use Instead to Keep Your Artificial Grass Pristine

Artificial grass is a unique material designed for outdoor conditions, and it requires cleaning products specifically formulated to care for it properly. So, let’s talk about what you should use instead - starting with our very own 3-in-1 artificial grass cleaner

Our Dedicated Artificial Turf Cleaner at Jennychem

Jennychem’s Artificial Grass Cleaner cleans, disinfects, and deodorises synthetic turf all in one step, saving time while breathing fresh life into your turf. 

The best part? You never have to stress about causing more harm than good. It’s specifically designed for use on artificial lawns, Astroturf, tennis courts, and bowling greens.

It destroys bacteria, eliminates odours (especially from pets), and kills moss. It’s also child- and pet-friendly once dry, giving you peace of mind as well as a pristine lawn.

It’s so easy to use, too, as you’ll learn below. You just need to apply the diluted solution evenly using a pump sprayer or watering can, scrub any stubborn patches with a soft-bristle brush, allow 10-15 minutes for it to work, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Regular Brushing and Rinsing

If you don’t have a dedicated artificial grass cleaner on hand but have company coming over and need to quickly clean your turf, don’t mess around with DIY approaches. 

Instead, just rinse it and brush it with a stiff-bristle broom to remove leaves, dust, and debris. Even just rinsing the turf can help wash away pollen, dust, and pet residues. You should get in the habit of doing this fairly regularly to prevent organic matter from embedding deeply.

Speaking of prevention…

Preventative Measures to Keep the Turf Clean

Prevention saves time and keeps your lawn looking better for longer. Here are some practical tips:

  • Place entrance mats near patio doors to catch dirt before it reaches the grass.
  • Avoid placing compost bins, soil bags, or plant pots directly on the turf as they can stain and trap moisture.
  • Train pets to use specific areas of the garden, if possible, to minimise concentrated mess.
  • Trim surrounding hedges and trees regularly to reduce leaf litter and moss spores falling onto the lawn.

Taking care to prevent problems is always quicker and less costly than fixing them after they appear. We’ll share a more detailed guide on how to clean artificial grass below.

Quick Tips on Cleaning Artificial Grass

You don’t have to stress about proper application, as the directions included with Jennychem’s artificial turf cleaner are very straightforward. Here’s a quick overview:

  1. Remove loose dirt and debris by sweeping or using a leaf blower.
  2. Apply Jennychem’s diluted cleaner evenly with a sprayer or watering can.
  3. Gently scrub stubborn spots or moss growth with a soft-bristle brush.
  4. Let the cleaner sit for 10-15 minutes to disinfect and deodorise effectively.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with a hose to remove product and loosened grime.

It’s that easy. You can enjoy a clean, fresh-smelling artificial lawn that stays beautiful year after year with the right products and a little regular maintenance. Take the next step at Jennychem today!

Closing Thoughts on Applying Carpet Cleaner on Artificial Grass

So can you use a carpet cleaner on artificial grass? We hope this quick guide has left you with a clear understanding of why this is a poor idea. Although it seems like a quick, convenient solution, it could cause more harm than good. 

Using the wrong product can damage fibres, leave residues, and fail to tackle odours effectively. Instead, regular brushing, rinsing, and a dedicated turf cleaner are the smarter, safer methods for keeping your lawn looking fresh and lasting longer.

From the best artificial grass cleaner to weed killer for artificial grass, Jennychem has everything you need to maintain impeccable outdoor spaces. Browse all outdoor cleaning solutions and stock up for the season ahead!



Can You Use a Carpet Cleaner on Artificial Grass?

July 16, 2025 / Inbound Pursuit
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on PinterestShare on LinkedIn

Home > Blog > Can You Use a Carpet Cleaner on Artificial Grass?

For so many UK homeowners and businesses, the appeal of artificial grass is its low-maintenance nature. But that doesn’t mean maintenance-free. 

You still need to give your turf a bit of care every now and then to keep it looking pristine, prevent odour buildup, and of course, protect your investment and avoid premature replacement. 

Figuring out what to clean your synthetic turf with can lead you down a rabbit hole filled with uncertainty and misconceptions, though. People are constantly looking for DIY solutions they already have lying around the house, like carpet cleaning chemicals.

It makes sense if you think about it. Your carpet and turf are both made from synthetic fibres. So, can you use a carpet cleaner on artificial grass? The short answer: no! It could cause discolouration, residue build-up that traps dirt and makes matters worse, and strange odours.

But the good news is you won’t have to look far for a safe, effective artificial grass cleaner. Our formulation here at Jennychem works wonders on Astroturf, synthetic lawns, tennis courts, and artificial bowling greens.

It’s a powerful 3-in-1 solution for disinfecting, cleaning, and deodorising. You won’t find another UK formula that does all that at a price this low! Order today and keep your outdoor space stunning and inviting with Jennychem.

Why You Need to Keep Artificial Grass Clean

Artificial grass may be low-maintenance compared to a natural lawn, but that doesn’t mean you can neglect it completely. At least, not if you want it to look good and smell fresh for years to come. The right cleaning method can make all the difference.

Aesthetic Appeal

Debris, dust, and organic matter can dull the colour of your turf, leaving it patchy and tired-looking. That’s not to mention seasonal leaf fall or your pet’s potty habits - these can also create discolouration and matted fibres if left unchecked.

Routine cleaning helps keep your artificial grass bright, vibrant, and evenly textured, preserving the “freshly laid” look you enjoyed on day one for as long as possible.

Hygiene and Odour Control

Pet urine, faeces, and spilled food or drink don’t just vanish. These things build up in the fibres, fostering bacteria and unpleasant odours over the course of time - especially during summer with less rainfall and higher temperatures.

A good artificial grass cleaner sanitises and deodorises at the same time, so your turf doesn’t just look clean - it IS clean. Pet owners in particular need the best artificial grass cleaner for dog urine.

Investment Longevity

Artificial turf is designed to last a decade or more, so it’s great value for the money - but we probably don’t have to remind you that it’s not a cheap investment. 

Dirt build-up can flatten blades and promote moss or algae growth, which traps moisture and damages the backing. It’s worth a bit of preventative maintenance to keep it looking great for the long haul. So, can you use a carpet cleaner on artificial grass or not? 

Can You Use a Carpet Cleaner on Artificial Grass?

We see this question circulating forums and social media, and our customer service reps field it quite often as well. Can you use a carpet cleaner on artificial grass? After all, you might already have one in your arsenal of supplies and both surfaces are “fibre-based.”

Carpet cleaners are formulated to deep clean soft pile and deodorise. That should translate over to your synthetic turf as well, right? Some even use household carpet foam sprays to spot-treat pet accidents or muddy patches, assuming the detergents are mild enough to be safe on synthetic materials.

The truth is, though, what works well on indoor textiles doesn’t necessarily translate outdoors. On the contrary - using a carpet cleaner on synthetic turf could cause more harm than good. Here’s why:

  • Chemical incompatibility: Carpet cleaners have detergents, surfactants, or optical brighteners that are safe for wool and nylon but too harsh for polyethylene and polypropylene turf fibres. These chemicals can cause discolouration, leave sticky residues that attract more dirt, or degrade the protective UV coating on your turf.
  • Foaming and rinsing issues: Carpet cleaners are designed for surfaces that can be extracted or vacuumed afterwards. Artificial grass, however, has drainage holes rather than suction, so excess foam or detergent can linger in the backing. This attracts bacteria and leaves the turf feeling slippery or sticky.
  • Hygiene concerns: While carpet cleaners deodorise and lift dirt, they’re not formulated to kill bacteria or neutralise the types of outdoor-specific contaminants (like moss spores or algae) that artificial grass is exposed to.

Aside from all this, we’ve seen people encounter long-term damage to the infill and drainage system of their fake lawn if liquids are over-applied or clog the drainage holes with soap residue. This can promote mould growth and compromise the turf’s performance.

Long story short, do not attempt to use carpet cleaner on artificial grass!

What to Use Instead to Keep Your Artificial Grass Pristine

Artificial grass is a unique material designed for outdoor conditions, and it requires cleaning products specifically formulated to care for it properly. So, let’s talk about what you should use instead - starting with our very own 3-in-1 artificial grass cleaner

Our Dedicated Artificial Turf Cleaner at Jennychem

Jennychem’s Artificial Grass Cleaner cleans, disinfects, and deodorises synthetic turf all in one step, saving time while breathing fresh life into your turf. 

The best part? You never have to stress about causing more harm than good. It’s specifically designed for use on artificial lawns, Astroturf, tennis courts, and bowling greens.

It destroys bacteria, eliminates odours (especially from pets), and kills moss. It’s also child- and pet-friendly once dry, giving you peace of mind as well as a pristine lawn.

It’s so easy to use, too, as you’ll learn below. You just need to apply the diluted solution evenly using a pump sprayer or watering can, scrub any stubborn patches with a soft-bristle brush, allow 10-15 minutes for it to work, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Regular Brushing and Rinsing

If you don’t have a dedicated artificial grass cleaner on hand but have company coming over and need to quickly clean your turf, don’t mess around with DIY approaches. 

Instead, just rinse it and brush it with a stiff-bristle broom to remove leaves, dust, and debris. Even just rinsing the turf can help wash away pollen, dust, and pet residues. You should get in the habit of doing this fairly regularly to prevent organic matter from embedding deeply.

Speaking of prevention…

Preventative Measures to Keep the Turf Clean

Prevention saves time and keeps your lawn looking better for longer. Here are some practical tips:

  • Place entrance mats near patio doors to catch dirt before it reaches the grass.
  • Avoid placing compost bins, soil bags, or plant pots directly on the turf as they can stain and trap moisture.
  • Train pets to use specific areas of the garden, if possible, to minimise concentrated mess.
  • Trim surrounding hedges and trees regularly to reduce leaf litter and moss spores falling onto the lawn.

Taking care to prevent problems is always quicker and less costly than fixing them after they appear. We’ll share a more detailed guide on how to clean artificial grass below.

Quick Tips on Cleaning Artificial Grass

You don’t have to stress about proper application, as the directions included with Jennychem’s artificial turf cleaner are very straightforward. Here’s a quick overview:

  1. Remove loose dirt and debris by sweeping or using a leaf blower.
  2. Apply Jennychem’s diluted cleaner evenly with a sprayer or watering can.
  3. Gently scrub stubborn spots or moss growth with a soft-bristle brush.
  4. Let the cleaner sit for 10-15 minutes to disinfect and deodorise effectively.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with a hose to remove product and loosened grime.

It’s that easy. You can enjoy a clean, fresh-smelling artificial lawn that stays beautiful year after year with the right products and a little regular maintenance. Take the next step at Jennychem today!

Closing Thoughts on Applying Carpet Cleaner on Artificial Grass

So can you use a carpet cleaner on artificial grass? We hope this quick guide has left you with a clear understanding of why this is a poor idea. Although it seems like a quick, convenient solution, it could cause more harm than good. 

Using the wrong product can damage fibres, leave residues, and fail to tackle odours effectively. Instead, regular brushing, rinsing, and a dedicated turf cleaner are the smarter, safer methods for keeping your lawn looking fresh and lasting longer.

From the best artificial grass cleaner to weed killer for artificial grass, Jennychem has everything you need to maintain impeccable outdoor spaces. Browse all outdoor cleaning solutions and stock up for the season ahead!