8 minute read -
Artificial Grass Maintenance: How to Keep Your Artificial Lawn Looking Good for Years
Artificial grass does not need mowing or feeding, but it is not maintenance-free. Clear leaves and dirt regularly, brush the fibres upright about once a month and top up the infill wherever it has sunk.
Done consistently, artificial grass maintenance keeps the lawn looking good, lets rainwater drain away properly and gives moss and weeds very little chance. It takes far less time than a real lawn, but skipping it shortens the life of the grass.
What will you learn in this article?
- Why does artificial grass need maintenance?
- How often should you maintain artificial grass?
- How do you get leaves and dirt off artificial grass?
- Which brush should you use on artificial grass?
- Can you clean artificial grass with a pressure washer?
- How do you remove moss and weeds from artificial grass?
- How do you clean stains and dog urine?
- When should you top up the infill?
- How do you repair damaged artificial grass?
- What damages artificial grass?
- Looking after artificial grass in winter
- How long does artificial grass last?
- Frequently asked questions about artificial grass maintenance
- In short: artificial grass maintenance
Why does artificial grass need maintenance?
Artificial grass is made of plastic fibres, usually polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon, tufted into a backing. Polyethylene feels soft and looks natural. Nylon is tougher and copes with heavy use. Between the fibres there is often infill: sand or rubber granules that hold the blades upright and give the lawn body.
Without maintenance, three things go wrong:
- Fibres flatten in areas that get a lot of foot traffic.
- Leaves, dust and pollen break down between the fibres into a thin layer of soil, where moss and weeds take root.
- The drainage holes in the backing get blocked, so puddles remain after rain.
The work is different from a real lawn. You do not mow, water or fertilise. Instead, you sweep or blow, brush, and check the infill and seams.
How often should you maintain artificial grass?
How often depends on use and location. A garden with trees, children playing or a dog needs more attention than a balcony. A practical schedule:
| Task | How often | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Clear leaves and coarse debris | Weekly in autumn, otherwise as needed | Stops a growing medium for moss and weeds forming |
| Brush against the grain | About monthly | Keeps fibres upright and spreads the infill |
| Rinse with water | When there is dust, pollen or pets | Keeps the grass fresh and the drainage open |
| Check the infill | In spring and after autumn | Finds flattened areas and washed-out sand |
| Check seams and edges | Once a year | Repairs small damage early |
How do you get leaves and dirt off artificial grass?
The easiest way to clear leaves is with a leaf blower. A cordless leaf blower, for example from the Maxxpack 18V range, is light and keeps cables off the grass. Blow in the direction of the fibres and work from the middle towards the edge to gather the leaves into a pile. An ordinary rake with metal tines can pull fibres out of the backing, so use a plastic rake or a stiff garden broom instead.
Rinse away small debris such as seeds and dust with a garden hose. If wet leaves are stuck to the fibres, let them dry first. Dry leaves are much easier to blow or sweep away.
Which brush should you use on artificial grass?
Use a brush with stiff synthetic bristles. It lifts the fibres without damaging them. A wire brush is too harsh: it frays the tips of the blades and can damage the backing. Brush against the grain so flattened blades stand up again.
On larger areas, a powered brush saves a lot of effort. A cleaning machine such as the Batavia Twin Brush can be used with a brush suitable for artificial grass; check the product information to see which brushes fit. Our guide to brushing artificial grass goes into the technique in more detail.
Can you clean artificial grass with a pressure washer?
You can, but carefully. A hard, narrow jet blows the infill away and can loosen fibres from the backing. Use a wide fan jet, low pressure and keep a good distance from the grass. Spray at an angle rather than straight down. After washing, brush the infill back in and top it up where sand has washed away. For routine cleaning, a garden hose with a little mild soapy water is usually enough.
How do you remove moss and weeds from artificial grass?
Weeds in artificial grass almost always grow in the layer of debris between the fibres, or come up along the edges and seams. Pull them out with the roots as soon as you see them. Remove moss by brushing firmly and clearing away the loosened material.
Do not use harsh weedkillers or bleach: they can damage the plastic and are bad for the soil underneath. A mild product suitable for artificial grass is better. Prevention works best: clear leaves in good time and keep the drainage open, and moss has little chance to establish.
How do you clean stains and dog urine?
Most food and drink stains come out with lukewarm water and a little mild soap. Scrub with a soft brush and rinse with clean water.
- Grease and oil: blot with kitchen paper, then use a degreasing soapy solution and rinse well.
- Paint: deal with it as quickly as possible, before it dries. Use water for water-based paint. Be careful with solvents and test them on an inconspicuous area first.
- Chewing gum: harden it with an ice cube, then carefully lift it off.
- Dog urine: rinse the area straight away with water. For odours, use an enzyme cleaner suitable for artificial grass. Rinse again afterwards so no residue stays in the infill.
When should you top up the infill?
Infill keeps the fibres upright, makes the grass firmer and adds some cushioning. Top it up when you see patches where the backing shows through or where the fibres stay flat. This often happens on walking routes and after washing.
How to top up:
- Clean the grass and let it dry completely.
- Spread the infill thinly and evenly over the bare patch. Use the same type that is already there.
- Brush the infill in against the grain, between the blades.
- Repeat until the fibres stand up well again.
The type and amount of infill you need depend on the type of artificial grass. Check the manufacturer's information or ask your supplier, rather than guessing.
How do you repair damaged artificial grass?
You can fix a loose seam or a small tear yourself. Fold back both edges, clean and dry the backing, and glue a strip of seaming tape under the edges with adhesive made for artificial grass. Press the edges down firmly and weigh them down until the glue has set. Make sure the fibres on both sides lie in the same direction.
For a melted patch, cut out the damaged section in a straight line and fit a matching piece of the same grass, again using seaming tape. For large tears, many burnt patches or a sunken base, get a professional installer to take a look.
What damages artificial grass?
Much of the damage comes from heat. Artificial grass melts at lower temperatures than you might expect. Do not put a barbecue, fire pit or patio heater directly on the grass, do not drop cigarettes on it, and watch out for sunlight reflected from mirrors or windows. Use a paving slab or a heat-resistant board if you want to grill nearby.
Also avoid dragging heavy furniture across the grass, using sharp tools for maintenance, or parking a car on artificial grass that is not designed for it.
Looking after artificial grass in winter
It is best to let snow melt on its own. If you want to clear a path, use a plastic snow shovel and leave a thin layer behind. Walk on frozen grass as little as possible, because cold fibres break more easily. Do not use rock salt or other chemical de-icers on the grass. Clear all leaves before winter, so wet leaves do not lie on the grass for months.
How long does artificial grass last?
Its lifespan depends on the quality of the fibres, how much sun it gets and how heavily it is used. The manufacturer usually gives an indication of the expected lifespan. Regular brushing, topping up the infill in good time and repairing damage quickly get the most out of your grass. Neglected artificial grass wears faster, because flattened fibres break and a blocked base holds water.
Frequently asked questions about artificial grass maintenance
Is artificial grass maintenance-free?
No. It takes less work than real grass, but you still need to keep it clean and brush it. On top of that, check the infill and seams a few times a year.
Can I clean artificial grass with just water?
Yes, rinsing with a garden hose is the best method for routine cleaning. For stains, use lukewarm water with mild soap. Always rinse with clean water afterwards.
Can I use a wire brush on artificial grass?
Better not. A wire brush damages the tips of the fibres and can damage the backing. Choose a brush with stiff synthetic bristles.
What should I do if water stays on my artificial grass?
The drainage holes are probably blocked by dirt or moss. Brush the grass thoroughly, clear away the loosened material and rinse. If that does not help, the base may have sunk, and it is sensible to get advice from an installer.
In short: artificial grass maintenance
Clear leaves and dirt before they start to rot, brush against the grain about once a month and keep the infill topped up. Avoid wire brushes, hard jets and harsh chemicals, and keep heat away from the grass. That way your artificial grass stays neat for years.
