The whole point of artificial grass is its low-maintenance nature. That doesn’t mean you can afford to neglect your turf entirely, though. Regular artificial grass cleaning is essential to keep it looking its best for the long haul.

Don’t worry, it’s actually quite simple. We’ll walk you through how to clean artificial grass in this detailed guide, covering the dos and don’ts along with preventative maintenance tips and more. 

But it all starts with getting your hands on the best artificial grass cleaner, and your search ends here at Jennychem. Our 3-in-1 cleaning agent disinfects, deodourises, and cleans, keeping your turf fresh and safe for pets. Learn more about how to clean fake grass below!

What Can You Clean Artificial Grass With?

Keeping artificial grass clean is much more than keeping up appearances to impress neighbors or guests. It’s about hygiene, longevity, and comfort. 

Whether you're dealing with pet mess, foot traffic, or the occasional drink spill during a barbecue, synthetic turf can collect grime just like any other surface. It can begin to smell, look tired, and even host bacteria if you’re not quick to clean it.

So, what you should you use for cleaning artificial grass? The basic tools you’ll need include:

• A broom or plastic rake for lifting matted fibres and removing surface debris. 
• A leaf blower to save time and effort on larger areas.
• A garden hose to rinse away light dirt or dust on a regular basis.

However, you also need some sort of cleaning agent that works harder than water alone - especially if you have pets or recently hosted a gathering that involved food/drink spills. 

That’s where our 3-in-1 Artificial Grass Cleaner comes in. It goes beyond surface cleaning to actively kill bacteria, deodourise lingering smells (particularly from pet urine), and eliminate moss to keep your turf looking healthy and green.

It’s safe to use on Astroturf, synthetic lawns, and even tennis courts or bowling greens. More importantly, it’s 100% safe for children and pets to return to play after drying. Add it to your arsenal today as we walk you through how to clean artificial grass below.

How to Clean Artificial Grass: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Artificial Grass

Cleaning artificial grass is actually fairly simple, whether you’re refreshing a residential lawn, school play area, or sports surface. The right process can make it a quick and stress-free project. Here’s how to clean fake grass, step by step.

Step 1: Remove Surface Debris

Begin by clearing away leaves, twigs, and any loose rubbish that’s accumulated on the surface. A plastic leaf rake, stiff broom, or leaf blower all work well here - just avoid using metal rakes, as they may damage the turf fibres or backing.

You might need to take your time and repeat this step for heavily used lawns or areas beneath trees, as these types of lawns take on a lot more organic build-up which can trap moisture and lead to unwanted smells or moss growth.

Step 2: Rinse With a Hose

With the turf surface free from any obstructions you can now use a standard garden hose to rinse off dust, pollen, and fine particles that aren’t visible but still affect cleanliness.

Focus on high-traffic zones, areas frequented by pets, and places where grime tends to accumulate (like corners or near fences). We do not recommend using a pressure washer here as the aggressive force can damage fibres.

A light, steady stream of water is typically enough. If your lawn is on a slope, start at the top and work downward to encourage proper drainage and avoid pooling.

Step 3: Spot Clean Pet Waste and Spills

Artificial turf is pet-friendly, but it needs regular attention to remain hygienic. Remove solid waste with a scoop or bag as you would on natural grass. Get in the habit of doing this at least once every few days.

For urine spots or accidental spills - be it food, drinks, or mud - rinse the area immediately with water to dilute any residue. The sooner you act, the less time the mess has to wreak havoc on the turf fibres.

Apply a diluted turf cleaner or dedicated solution like Jennychem’s Artificial Grass Cleaner to take your artificial grass spot cleaning efforts even further. It helps neutralise odours, sanitise the area, and prevent any lingering smells from developing. 

Always allow cleaned areas to dry completely before allowing pets or children to return.

Step 4: Deep Clean With a Turf Cleaner

We’ve talked about how to clean artificial grass as far as light-duty maintenance goes. But we also recommend you plan a deeper clean using a turf-safe solution every few weeks (or monthly, depending on use).

This is where you can put our Artificial Grass Cleaner to the test. It works well with a garden sprayer for even coverage. Let it sit according to the product instructions, as this gives the active ingredients a chance to break down bacteria, neutralise smells, and lift embedded grime.

Then, finish up with a thorough rinse with clean water to flush out any loosened contaminants. It’s really that easy! In addition to monthly cleaning, you can follow this step after wet spells, prolonged pet use, or heavy foot traffic from gatherings or events.

Step 5: Fluff and Brush the Fibres

Brushing the fibres brings everything back to life. Use a stiff, synthetic-bristled broom or dedicated turf brush to lift flattened grass and redistribute the infill evenly if present. Brushing against the grain of the fibres helps maintain an upright, natural look.

This not only improves appearance but also helps prolong the turf’s structural integrity, preventing it from matting down or developing uneven spots over time.

What Not to Do When Cleaning Artificial Grass

There you have it, how to clean artificial grass! But it’s important that you know what not to do when cleaning artificial grass as well. The last thing you want is to cause more harm than good. Here’s what to avoid:

• Don’t use metal rakes or brushes: These can tear the turf fibres or damage the backing. Stick to plastic or synthetic tools.
• Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or acetone: These can discolour or break down the synthetic materials.
• Don’t use pressure washers on high settings: Excessive pressure can dislodge infill or separate seams.
• Never let waste sit for too long: Pet waste and organic matter can lead to staining or unpleasant odours if not addressed quickly.
• Don’t ignore drainage issues: Standing water can create mould or mildew problems beneath the surface if left unresolved.

We also see people ask all the time: Can you hoover artificial grass? Some homeowners say they do it with no issue. But we personally do not recommend this. We think the suction can not only damage turf fibres but could also remove the infill sand from the grass as well.

How Often Should You Clean Synthetic Grass? 

As for how often you should make time for artificial grass cleaning, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends entirely on how the space is used and your local climate. 

Low-traffic lawns with minimal exposure to pets or trees probably only need to be cleansed monthly to keep things in order. On the other hand, turf that is regularly walked on, used by dogs, or sits under trees that drop leaves and debris could benefit from weekly cleaning.

A general schedule could look like this:

• Weekly: Light rinse and removal of visible debris.
• Fortnightly: Spot-clean pet areas and any spills.
• Monthly: Deep clean with a turf cleaner.
• Seasonally: Full brushing to lift fibres and redistribute infill, if used.

Adjust your approach based on seasonal factors - accounting for autumn leaf fall or summer gatherings, for instance. The key is to stay consistent. The more often you clean, the less labour will go into actually cleaning artificial grass! Speaking of which…

How to Keep Artificial Grass Clean in the First Place 

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, which is why knowing how to keep artificial grass clean in the first place is arguably more important than understanding how to clean fake grass! We’ve touched on some of this already, but here are some tips:

• Pick up litter and pet waste daily, especially in high-use areas.
• Encourage kids and pets to use specific zones, which localises mess.
• Trim nearby trees and bushes to minimise falling leaves and twigs.
• Install footpaths or stepping stones in common walkways to prevent over-compaction.
• Keep shoes clean before walking on the turf, especially after muddy outings.
• Store bins and outdoor equipment on hard surfaces, not directly on the grass.

These small steps can dramatically reduce the amount of debris and damage your artificial lawn experiences day to day. This way, you don’t have to spend nearly as much time on the actual artificial grass cleaning process.

Signs Your Artificial Grass May Be Due For Replacement

Artificial grass won’t last forever even with the best approach to cleaning it. You can generally expect 8-15 years of life before signs of wear become hard to ignore - depending on the quality of materials and how it’s used. Here are some signs cleaning may not be enough anymore:

• Mattified or flattened fibres that no longer bounce back, even after brushing.
• Fading or discolouration, especially in sun-exposed areas, which suggests UV degradation.
• Visible seams or lifting edges, which can pose tripping hazards and are difficult to re-secure once the adhesive fails.
• Persistent odours, particularly from pet use, that linger even after deep cleaning.
• Drainage issues or water pooling, possibly from worn-out backing or compacted infill that can’t be corrected.

It may be time for a fresh installation if your turf shows more than one of these signs, and cleaning or repairs don’t restore its function or appearance.

Final Words on How to Clean Fake Grass

That does it for our guide on how to clean artificial grass. This doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming - you just need to be consistent in how you clean! A little TLC goes a long way in preserving the appearance of your synthetic turf.

From regular debris removal to occasional deep cleans, each step plays a role in preserving the look, feel, and hygiene of your turf. Whether it’s a garden, pet area, or play zone, a well-maintained synthetic lawn looks better, lasts longer, and feels fresher underfoot.

Our blog has additional resources on topics like how to kill bamboo, how to clean oil off driveway, homemade patio cleaner recipes, and more to help keep your property looking pristine. Otherwise, it’s time to stock up on our artificial grass cleaner at Jennychem.

Discover the easiest way to protect your investment with our grass cleaning solutions now!