How to Clean Common Spills and Stains Off Outdoor Artificial Grass
More homeowners are flocking to outdoor artificial grass because it barely needs any maintenance versus natural grass.
Mowing? Never again.
Watering? Nada.
Pests, weeds, ugly brown spots on your lawn? Not anymore!
If you want to save a lot of time and effort while still enjoying a lush lawn for your outdoor space, synthetic turf is hands-down your best option.
But, while it looks pristine all the time, artificial grass is still subject to spills and stains. Here's how to remove some of the most common ones from your new turf:
Grease/Cooking Oil
With how many parties and BBQs you're about to host on your synthetic lawn, this type of spill is bound to happen sooner or later.
The first thing you should do is to absorb as much as you can with paper towels or rags. Don't scrub because this might push the oil further into your outdoor turf.
Once you've blotted most of the oil spill, mix dishwashing detergent or baby shampoo with warm water. Use a spray bottle to apply the mixture on the affected area.
After letting it soak for about five minutes, blot again and rinse thoroughly to remove all residue. Let it air dry completely before using or walking on your lawn.
Wine
Another common type of spill you might experience is spilling red wine on the grass. Just get a clean rag and soak the stain with cold water. Then, apply diluted white vinegar to remove any remaining coloring on the surface of your turf. Rinse and let the spot dry completely.
Sauces/Dressings
The same kind of thing goes for spills of ketchup, gravy and creamy dressings.
Simply blot the spill with a paper towel or rag to absorb as much as you can. Then, mix baking soda and water into a paste and apply on the stain. Use a clean sponge or rag to brush it gently on the stained area.
Let it sit for a minute, then use clean water to rinse and let dry completely before walking or playing on your lawn.
Dog urine
Your dog is going to love outdoor artificial grass as much as you do! However, cleaning up their pee and poop comes with the territory.
The key here is to act as fast as you can. The sooner you can clean up the mess, the less chance for unpleasant odors to develop.
Pick up solid waste and dispose of it as usual. Then, hose down urine and use pet enzyme cleaners to break down the pee further. This is especially useful if you're trying to train your pup to go potty in a specific place, because enzyme cleaners completely remove all traces of their pee.
Chewing gum
Cleaning chewing gum from your artificial grass might seem a bit tricky, but it isn't that hard.
Place ice cubes on the spot and let them sit for around 10 minutes. This will harden the gum and make it brittle and easy to pick off. Once you're done, use a flat-edged object like a butter knife and gently scrape the surface of your grass's fibers until it's clean.
Do's and Don'ts for Cleaning Artificial Grass
- Don't use harsh chemicals like bleach on synthetic turf.
It can wear away the fibers and cause premature fading.
- Do use a mild detergent when cleaning artificial grass to remove stains and odors.
You can also use homemade solutions like baking soda and vinegar to get rid of stains without damaging the fibers.
- Do act as quickly as possible when your artificial grass is exposed to a spill or an accident.
If you try to clean the area before it sets in, you will be able to remove the stain with minimal potential damage.
- Do try to soak up oil and sticky spills first before hosing down the area.
This can prevent the substances from sinking into the fibers undiluted and clogging the drainage system.
- Do use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to effectively rinse the area.
Make sure you don't use too much pressure or spray too close to the fibers as this can damage them.
More Tips for Artificial Grass Maintenance
There are a number of simple things that can be done to prolong the life and beauty of your synthetic lawn. Here are some tips:
Avoid parking cars over artificial grass.
For one, the sheer weight of cars can pull and rip the backing. Next, this leaves artificial grass vulnerable to motor oil drippings, which can clog and damage the fibers.
This doesn't mean you can't beautify your driveway with synthetic turf! Instead, "interplant" it with hardscaping. For instance, use concrete and artificial grass to create geometric patterns on your driveway. Feel free to get creative with it!
Keep your synthetic lawn free from clutter.
Leaves and twigs may look harmless on artificial grass, but left to rot, they can cause serious issues for your lawn. Rotting organic matter can create foul odors and attract pests to your backyard. To avoid this, pick up debris as soon as you spot them. This can be done manually or with a leaf blower set on low.
Brush the turf occasionally.
To maintain that lush and soft texture, brush your artificial grass a couple of times a year. Use a brush with synthetic bristles (never metal) to protect the fibers.
Use only mild, pH-balanced cleaning solutions on your lawn.
Stronger cleaners can strip the UV protection and color pigmentation of synthetic grass fibers. For best results, use a solution of warm water and dish soap.
Got More Questions About Artificial Turf?
As long as you keep a few cleaning tips in mind, artificial grass is a great option for those looking to achieve the perfect lawn without all of the work.
Give Heavenly Greens a call today at 844-287-5876 or send us a message to learn more about our wide selection of indoor and outdoor grass, synthetic turf products and installation services. We'll answer all your questions with no pressure - just friendly advice from an experienced company who knows this product inside out!
