Artificial grass will drastically reduce the amount of time and money you spend on keeping your turf green. But that doesn’t mean you completely “set it and forget it.” Following these simple suggestions will significantly extend the life and performance of your product:

• Clean surface regularly (debris and contaminant removal)
• No vehicle traffic, no heavy static loads, etc.
• ​Make sure that minor repairs to your surface are made promptly

 

Cleaning Products Safe For Artificial Grass

Enzyme Cleaners: SCOE 10X. Odormute, Odoban, PET Stain-Off! and others. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. These cleaners can be purchased from many online sources.

Vinegar: Use 5% white distilled vinegar and irrigate it through the surface.

Green Cleaners: Shaw R2X, Turf Renu, or any type of cleaner that does not contain alcohol, is biodegradable, non-foaming, and products that cause the least amount of suds are best.

Degreasers or Mineral Spirits: These can be used for paint or petroleum-based stains. However, you must completely rinse these cleaners out of the turf. If you don’t it can cause issues down the road.

Dishwashing Liquid/Household Detergent: Dilute dishwashing liquid or detergent with water (one teaspoon/gallon) for spot cleaning.

Bleach: Used to kill moss and algae prior to cleaning. Dilute bleach (one part bleach to 10 parts water solution). Be sure to completely rinse the bleach solution out of the turf with water.

Ammonia: A 3% solution of ammonia in water may be used in lieu of household detergent for more stubborn residues or stains.

How to Handle Stains

Synthetic turf fibers are among the most stain-resistant fibers. Therefore, most stains on Shawgrass are not true stains but residues of foreign matter that must be promptly and thoroughly removed. Most stains on synthetic turf can be removed with water or soap and water. The first rule is promptness. It is much easier to clean up a fresh spill before it has time to harden.

1. Remove any solid or paste-like deposit promptly using a dull knife or spatula-like tool
2. Brush the residue with a stiff brush (not a wire brush)
3. Scrub the area with soap and water

4. Rinse the area thoroughly with clear water to remove all traces of soap

Maintenance Care

• Regular care is required but is dependent on the volume and type of use.
• Use a leaf blower to remove fallen leaves and pine straw from trees regularly. These can trap moisture and not allow the turf to dry out. Blow in a side-to-side motion across the surface to avoid disturbing the infill.
• ​In areas prone to moss/algae growth, a periodic application of bleach solution is recommended. Dilute bleach (one part bleach to 10 parts water solution).
• In areas prone to infill erosion or heavy traffic areas, additional grooming and infill may be required (professional grooming is recommended).
• ​Heavily soiled areas may require professional power washing.

 

Pet Care

1. Scoop and dispose of waste materials promptly. Irrigate the area locally but do not hose solid waste away. This just spreads the waste over a larger area.
2. In dry weather, it is okay to leave solid waste to harden before removing it. During wet weather, remove all waste immediately to prevent the solids from breaking down.
3. ​You must assume animals are urinating and treat the entire surface when sanitizing and deodorizing. Most sanitizing products require one gallon per 500 square feet of turf to achieve proper saturation. Use the sprinkler setting on most hose nozzles to drizzle water over the site to drive the treatments down through the turf.
4. The volume of waste and use of the area determines how often the area should be groomed. A single dog may only require weekly sanitation, while many dogs may require daily sanitation.
5. ​Hose down any liquid contaminants with clean water. The backing is porous, so water and pet urine will be absorbed into the ground.
6. During winter and rainy seasons, irrigation is not necessary. During the summer months, the area should be irrigated weekly with full-strength cleaners to wash treatments deeply into the turf.
7. Substrates, such as concrete or wood, should be cleaned as needed. Avoid cleaners with alcohol or harsh acids, as these can damage the turf blades. (Glue-down installations should be cleaned and rinsed periodically).

 

Always Use Caution

• When working with any chemicals or even vinegar, it’s important to use proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). 

• Heat and open flame exposure will require replacement of the affected area! Always use caution with flames around artificial grass.