In brief
You should clean artificial grass in three steps: regularly remove leaves and coarse dirt with a leaf blower or rake, monthly brush the blades against the grain, and once a year perform a thorough cleaning – for heavily used areas, sports fields, or with pets, use machinery. Treat stains with water and mild soapy water; solvents, acids, and open flames are prohibited.
Artificial grass requires significantly less maintenance than natural grass – but it needs the right kind. Leaves, pollen, moss, and fine dust settle between the blades, compacting the infill and making the surface appear dull and flat. Regular cleaning maintains its appearance, water permeability, and lifespan. Here, we explain which methods and products have proven effective in our cleaning practice.
How often should artificial grass be cleaned?
| Interval | What to do | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly or as needed | Remove leaves, blossoms, twigs, and toys | Leaf blower, plastic rake |
| Monthly | Brush blades against the grain | Hard broom or artificial grass brush |
| As needed | Remove stains and animal waste | Water, mild soapy water, enzyme cleaner |
| Annually (spring) | Thorough cleaning, remove moss and weeds, loosen infill | Brushing machine or specialist company |
| Sports fields | Regular maintenance and periodic deep cleaning according to manufacturer specifications | Maintenance and cleaning machines |
Overview of the most important cleaning methods
Removing leaves and coarse dirt
A leaf blower is the most effective tool for regular maintenance. Alternatively, a rake with plastic tines works well. Metal rakes can damage the blades. Remove leaves as soon as possible: if left, they decompose and create a breeding ground for moss and weeds.
Brushing up
Due to use, the blades tend to lie in one direction over time. Therefore, regularly brush the surface against the grain. This helps the fibers stand upright, maintains their resilience, and loosens embedded dirt. For larger areas, there are battery-powered brushing machines like our TOP GREEN Artificial Grass Brush.
Cleaning with water
Dust and pollen can be easily rinsed off with a garden hose. This also cools the surface in summer. A high-pressure cleaner should only be used at a large distance, low pressure, and with a surface attachment – a sharp point jet can damage blades and the backing and wash out infill.
Deep cleaning
During mechanical deep cleaning, the infill is loosened, vacuumed, sieved, and then reintroduced clean. This also removes fine particles, germs, and organic deposits that cannot be reached with brooms and water. For sports fields, regular, professional maintenance is a prerequisite for the surface to retain its properties permanently – further information can be found in the lexicon under DIN 18035-7.
Removing stains: What helps against what?
| Contamination | How to remove it |
|---|---|
| Drinks, juice, ice cream | Wash out with lukewarm water and a little mild soapy water, rinse thoroughly. |
| Grease, oil, sunscreen | Blot excess, treat with dish soap solution, rinse with clear water. |
| Chewing gum, resin | Freeze with ice spray or ice cubes and carefully lift off. |
| Bird droppings | Let dry, lift off, rinse remaining residue with water. |
| Dog urine and feces | Remove feces, rinse the area thoroughly with water; an enzymatic cleaner helps against odors. |
| Moss and algae | Brush out, eliminate the cause (shade, waterlogging, leaves); for heavy infestation, deep cleaning. |
What you should avoid
- Solvents, acids, bleaches, and undiluted disinfectants
- Grills, fire bowls, cigarettes, and fireworks directly on the surface
- Strong light reflection from windows or mirrors, which can locally overheat the plastic
- Metal rakes and sharp tools
- Weed killers not explicitly suitable for artificial grass
Artificial Grass with Dogs: Managing Hygiene
Artificial grass is well-suited for dogs but requires a little more attention. Feces should be removed immediately and the area rinsed with water. A permeable sub-base ensures that urine does not pool. For regularly used dog areas, we recommend more frequent rinsing and having the area professionally deep cleaned once a year.
Weeds and Moss on Artificial Grass
Weeds on artificial grass usually germinate from above: seeds are blown in and settle in the infill or organic deposits. A weed membrane only prevents growth from below. The best prevention is therefore to regularly remove leaves and dirt. Pull out individual plants by hand, including the root.
Clean it yourself or have it cleaned?
Ongoing maintenance can be easily done yourself. Professional cleaning is worthwhile if the area is heavily soiled, compacted, or mossy, if odors occur, or if it involves playgrounds and sports facilities where hygiene and safety are paramount.
Our Offer
We clean artificial grass in gardens, playgrounds, and sports facilities with our own screening and suction technology – nationwide. More about artificial grass cleaning. For those who wish to maintain it themselves, our battery-powered cleaning machine is available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cleaning Artificial Grass
How often does artificial grass need to be cleaned?
Leaves and coarse dirt should be removed regularly, and it should be brushed up about once a month. We recommend a thorough cleaning once a year, ideally in spring. Heavily used areas and sports fields require more frequent maintenance.
What can be used to clean artificial grass?
For ongoing maintenance, a leaf blower, plastic rake, and a hard broom are sufficient. Remove stains with water and mild soapy water, and odors from pet urine with an enzymatic cleaner. Solvents and acids are unsuitable.
Can artificial grass be cleaned with a high-pressure cleaner?
Only very carefully: with a large distance, low pressure, and a surface attachment. A sharp point jet can damage blades and the backing and wash out infill. When in doubt, a garden hose is the better choice.
Can artificial grass be vacuumed?
A leaf vacuum or wet/dry vacuum can help with small areas like balconies. However, with artificial grass that has sand infill, you can quickly vacuum up the infill. For garden areas, leaf blowers and brushes are usually more suitable.
What to do about moss on artificial grass?
Moss primarily forms in shady, damp areas with accumulated leaves. Brush it out, remove organic deposits, and, if possible, improve light and water drainage. For heavy infestations, mechanical deep cleaning helps.