Following a regular turf cleaning regime will help keep your outdoor spaces looking fresh and inviting for your whole family. That said, having artificial turf is not the same as natural grass, so it’s important to understand the differences when it comes to maintenance frequency.
How often should turf be cleaned?
In this article, we’ll answer this burning question, discuss why cleaning artificial turf is essential, and go over the process you should follow to keep this type of outdoor space in great condition.
How Often Should Turf Be Cleaned?
As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to follow a monthly artificial turf cleaning routine. In other words, your turf should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected once per month as this will help prevent matting, accumulation of water, and excessive wear and tear.
With that said, each property is unique so it’s important to assess the condition of your outdoor spaces before deciding how often you should hire a professional turf cleaning company. It’s always a good idea to contact a turf maintenance specialist and inspect your property to determine the best cleaning frequency.
Turf Cleaning Process
Besides regular maintenance, it’s also important to take the appropriate steps when cleaning turf grass. Let’s take a closer look at the cleaning and maintenance process.
1. Debris Removal
The first step is to remove all visible debris using a soft-bristled brush as this will help prevent damage caused by large dirt and grime deposits.
2. Elimination of Stains and Spots
Next, it’s time to remove stains and spots. Some stains will require gentle blotting, while more stubborn markings may require turf detergent, brushing, and rinsing.
3. Turf Cleaner Application and Deep Washing
Now you should apply a turf cleaning solution that protects your synthetic grass and keeps it in top condition.
4. Final Brushing
Once you’ve rinsed out the turf-cleaning product, it’s time to brush out your artificial grass. This will help remove product residue as well as remaining dirt pockets.
5. Weed Removal, Grooming and Final Detail
The last steps in your synthetic turf cleaning process are the removal of weeds, grooming, and final detailing. During this step, you should remove all weeds popping from the edges of the turf and perform a final inspection to ensure all areas are clean and pristine.
Mistakes to Avoid During Turf Cleaning
Keeping your outdoors in great shape creates an inviting atmosphere for your whole family. However, there are a few mistakes you should avoid while cleaning your turf to help keep it in good condition. These include:
Don’t Wait Too Long
One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is waiting too long between cleaning sessions. In most cases, it’s recommended to clean artificial turf once per month, but the longer you wait then the more wear it will experience.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to ask your turf maintenance provider about the best cleaning schedule as they can evaluate the amount of debris, weather conditions, and other factors that impact your maintenance schedule.
Avoid Metal Rakes
Metal and other hard materials can puncture through the different layers and membranes that make up artificial turf.
As such, it’s essential to avoid metal rakes and similar tools that can actually damage your turf in the long run. Instead, you should opt for soft-bristled takes and brushes that remove debris without causing unnecessary damage.
Be Careful with Pressure Washers
Pressure washers may seem like a great idea. However, the high pressure can actually dislodge the infill and damage the backing of the turf, eventually leading to foul odors and similar issues.
If you want to use a pressure washer, your best bet is to keep it at its lowest settings and maintain the nozzle at a distance during the wash. As an alternative, it’s also a good idea to use a standard garden hose that won’t risk unnecessary damage.
Get Your Turf Cleaned By Professionals
Turf cleaning can help keep your outdoor spaces looking great and prevent issues like bad odors. It’s possible to perform your own cleaning and maintenance, but it’s always a good idea to have a professional service and inspect your turf at the same time.
At Sta-Built, our team of exterior contractors has extensive hands-on experience installing, cleaning, and maintaining turfs in all types of yards. Contact us today to learn more about getting your turf cleaned and maintained by a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Turf Cleaning
What is the Best Thing to Clean Turf with?
It’s necessary to regularly clean and maintain your turf because this will help maintain its appearance and functionality. With that said, the best type of cleaning supplies and approach depending on your specific case. For example, if you have a lot of debris on your turf then the best approach is to use a leaf blower, rake with non-metal bristles, or even a garden hose to remove embedded dirt. Likewise, if you have a tougher mess to clean up, it may be necessary to use a brush, non-toxic chemicals, and special detergent.
Each turf is exposed to unique conditions, so contact us today to find out more about the best cleaning regime for your turf.
Is Turf Hard to Clean?
Cleaning and maintaining your turf requires specific steps as well as the use of products that protect your outdoor spaces. While the process is straightforward, you have to take the time to complete the different stages like removing debris, applying products, and brushing out certain areas to help rejuvenate the appearance of your turf.
The good news is that you don’t have to handle your turf maintenance by yourself. Simply contact Sta-Built and our team of turf maintenance specialists will be glad to help.
Does Turf get Smelly?
If your turf is installed and maintained properly, the chances of developing foul odors are slim. That said, if water seeps beneath your turf due to poor installation or a lack of maintenance, it’s possible for it to get trapped, leading to the growth of mold and bacteria. This can cause your turf to get smelly and release foul odors that can only be removed through proper maintenance and drainage installation.