How to Clean Artificial Grass

The best way to clean artificial grass is refreshingly simple: remove debris, apply cleaning solution, then rinse thoroughly. Start by clearing loose leaves and rubbish with a leaf blower or stiff broom. Next, apply your cleaning solution—mild dish soap and water works brilliantly for general cleaning. Finally, give everything a good rinse with your garden hose.

For those nasty dog urine odours that water alone won’t shift, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. This natural solution neutralises the ammonia that causes that persistent smell.

Let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the dog wee on the lawn. Simply hosing down the area isn’t enough because uric acid crystals remain trapped in the turf fibres. You need to neutralise these crystals to permanently eliminate the odour.

• Mix 1 part distilled white vinegar with 1 part water
• Perfect for fresh spots and general odour control
• Cost: Under $5

• Rinse area first, then sprinkle baking soda liberally
• Leave for an hour, then brush or vacuum
• Ideal for stubborn, lingering odours

• Purchase a turf-specific enzyme cleaner from your local hardware store
• Best for severe, set-in odours
• Worth the investment for multi-pet households

1. Remove any solids immediately – The quicker you act, the better
2. Hose down thoroughly – Use plenty of water to dilute the urine
3. Saturate with your chosen solution – Don’t be stingy; cover the affected area plus a small buffer zone
4. Let it dwell for 10-15 minutes – This gives the solution time to work its magic
5. Rinse again with clean water – Ensure all cleaning solution is washed away
6. For stubborn odours – Once dry, sprinkle baking soda, leave for an hour, then brush away

Quick Fix Tip: Keep a spray bottle of 50/50 vinegar-water solution handy. Next time your dog has an accident, you can treat it immediately—the whole process takes under 5 minutes.

Problem: The smell returns on hot days

Solution: The urine has likely soaked through to the backing or sub-base. Apply a heavier dose of enzyme cleaner and consider lifting a corner of the turf to treat underneath. In extreme cases, you might need to replace the infill material.

Not all cleaning methods are created equal. Here’s your comprehensive guide to choosing the right approach:

*Keep power washer below 1500 PSI with a fan nozzle, held at distance

For a Quick Refresh: A simple hose-down followed by brushing with a turf rake takes just 10 minutes and works wonders.

For Annual Deep Cleaning: Use a power washer on low pressure (under 1500 PSI) with a wide fan nozzle, keeping it at least 30cm from the surface. Follow up with thorough brushing to restore the pile.

To Prevent Damage: Always test new cleaning solutions on a hidden corner first. Your warranty might depend on it!

Over time, foot traffic creates worn paths and matted areas. The secret to restoration? Cross-brushing—a professional technique that’s surprisingly easy to master.

1. Clear all debris using a leaf blower or rake
2. Identify the grain by observing which way the fibres lean
3. Brush against the grain with firm, steady strokes using a stiff synthetic-bristle broom
4. Work systematically in sections, like mowing a lawn
5. Focus on high-traffic areas where matting is worst
6. Optional final rinse to wash away dislodged dirt

Success Indicators: Before brushing, you’ll see clear paths and flattened spots. After proper cross-brushing, the grass should look uniform with upright blades and evenly distributed infill. Step back and check from a distance—the transformation should be obvious.

Your cleaning frequency depends on usage:

• Light use (no pets/kids): Monthly rinse and brush
• With pets or children: Weekly spot-cleaning and rinsing
• Deep clean: Once or twice yearly

Most weeds pull out easily by hand. For stubborn ones, apply a water-based, pet-safe weed killer directly to the weed. Never use oil-based products—they’ll damage your turf’s backing and void your warranty.

Black spots indicate mould or mildew, typically caused by poor drainage and trapped organic matter. Here’s your action plan:

1. Improve drainage if possible (check for blocked drainage holes)
2. Clean thoroughly with the vinegar solution to kill mould spores
3. Establish a regular maintenance routine to prevent organic matter build-up
4. Consider installing additional drainage if the problem persists

Maintaining artificial grass is remarkably straightforward once you know the basics. Regular rinsing, prompt treatment of pet accidents, and occasional brushing will keep your synthetic lawn looking and smelling fresh for years. Remember: prevention is always easier than cure, so establish a simple routine and stick to it.

With these techniques in your arsenal, you’ll enjoy a pristine, odour-free lawn that’s the envy of the neighbourhood—without the endless mowing, watering, and fertilising that natural grass demands. Have a question? Give the friendly team at Classic Backyards a call, we’d be glad to help!