Quick Answer: To maintain artificial grass, brush the fibres every 1–2 weeks, rinse pet areas weekly, remove debris with a leaf blower, and apply weed control twice a year. A professional deep clean every 6-12 months keeps it fresh and long-lasting.
Artificial grass might be low-maintenance – but it’s not no-maintenance. With the right upkeep, your lawn will stay fresh, upright, and green for years (even decades) to come. Here’s how to care for it properly.
- Does Artificial Grass Really Need Maintenance?
- Monthly Maintenance Checklist
- Extra Tips for Dog Owners
- Best Tools for Artificial Grass
- Weed Prevention & Edge Care
- Snow, Ice & Extreme Weather
- Stains, Spills & Smells
- Seasonal Maintenance Tips
- What You Can & Can’t Use on Turf
- How to Revive a Tired-Looking Lawn
- How Often Should You Maintain It?
- How to Clean Artificial Grass
- FAQs About Artificial Grass Maintenance
- Want a Long-Lasting Lawn?
Does Artificial Grass Really Need Maintenance?
Yes – but nowhere near as much as a natural lawn.
While you won’t be mowing or fertilising it, your synthetic lawn still needs occasional brushing, cleaning, and weed control. Without it, you risk drainage issues, flattened fibres, and bad smells – especially if you’ve got pets.
Your Monthly Maintenance Checklist
A little regular care goes a long way. This simple checklist covers the key jobs to keep your artificial lawn clean, upright, and looking as good as new – without taking over your weekend.
✅ Remove Leaves, Moss & Debris
Use a leaf blower, soft rake, or stiff broom to keep the surface clear. Organic build-up blocks drainage holes and can lead to moss or weed growth.
💡 Pro Tip: Trim back overhanging trees to limit debris fall.
✅ Brush the Lawn to Lift the Pile
Brushing against the grain helps fibres stand up and keeps the turf bouncy. For small gardens, a stiff broom will do. For larger areas or sports turf, a power brush is ideal.
✅ Hose It Down
A quick rinse now and then helps wash away dust, pollen, and pet wee – especially in warmer months. For deeper cleans, use a pet-safe turf cleaner or diluted white vinegar.
Dog Owners: Extra Tips for Pet Turf
Over 60% of our customers are pet owners – so we’ve made sure our lawns are dog-friendly and easy to clean.
- Solid waste: Pick up and rinse with warm water
- Urine: Hose down regularly in summer
- Smells: Use a 1:1 mix of vinegar and water, or AGAG-recommended turf cleaner
“Remember the Rochdale job with two German Shepherds? One clean after 18 years and the turf looked brand new.” – AGAG Installer
Need turf that holds up to even the messiest paws? Check out our Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass installation service.
Best Tools for Artificial Grass Maintenance
Looking after artificial turf is much easier with the right equipment. Here are the tools we recommend:
- 🧹 Stiff-bristled broom: Best for small gardens, lifts fibres upright.
- 💨 Leaf blower: Quick way to clear leaves, moss, and debris.
- 🔋 Power brush: Ideal for larger lawns, schools, or sports areas.
- 🚫 Avoid vacuums: Household vacuums can damage turf and suck up infill.
Need bigger kit for a one-off job? We also offer power brush hire and maintenance packages.
Weed Prevention & Edge Care
Artificial turf includes a weed membrane, but airborne seeds can still settle near edges.
- Hand-pull weeds early before roots take hold
- Use water-based, pet-safe weed killers if needed
- Keep the lawn edges brushed to reduce moss
Snow, Ice & Extreme Weather
Come rain, frost or blazing sunshine – artificial grass is built to cope. But there are still a few things to know when the weather turns. Here’s how to protect your lawn year-round.
❄️ Snow
Brush lightly with a broom – never use a shovel. Leave a thin layer and let the rest melt naturally.
🧊 Ice
Don’t attempt to scrape it off. Let it melt. Artificial fibres can tear under pressure.
☀️ Heat
Never place BBQs or fire pits directly on the turf. Avoid mirrors or reflective glass nearby – they can melt synthetic fibres.
Stains, Spills & Smells — What to Do
Life happens. Whether it’s pet mess, wine spills or the odd sticky accident, artificial grass is easy to clean when you know how. Here’s how to deal with the most common issues.
| Spill Type | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Pet urine | Rinse with hose + turf cleaner or vinegar solution |
| Wine / sauces | Blot, then use warm soapy water |
| Sticky mess | Warm water + soft brush (e.g. toothbrush) |
| Oil marks | Mineral spirits (patch test first) |
| Stubborn stains | Diluted detergent + scrub + rinse |
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Artificial grass is all-weather, but a few seasonal tweaks will keep it looking its best:
- 🍂 Autumn: Clear leaves weekly to prevent moss and drainage issues.
- ❄️ Winter: Let snow and ice melt naturally — never scrape with shovels.
- 🌸 Spring: Brush more often as pollen and seeds can settle in fibres.
- 🌞 Summer: Hose down regularly, especially in pet areas, to keep odours at bay.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Artificial grass is all-weather, but a few seasonal tweaks will keep it looking its best:
- 🍂 Autumn: Clear leaves weekly to prevent moss and drainage issues.
- ❄️ Winter: Let snow and ice melt naturally — never scrape with shovels.
- 🌸 Spring: Brush more often as pollen and seeds can settle in fibres.
- 🌞 Summer: Hose down regularly, especially in pet areas, to keep odours at bay.
Can You Use These on Artificial Grass?
Some things are turf-safe. Some things definitely aren’t. Here’s a quick-fire guide to what you can and can’t use on your artificial lawn – from leaf blowers to BBQs.
| Question | Safe? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure washer? | ❌ No | Too harsh – can lift seams or damage fibres |
| Vacuum cleaner? | ❌ No | Not designed for outdoor turf |
| Power brush? | ✅ Yes | Best for large or high-traffic lawns |
| Leaf blower? | ✅ Yes | Ideal for weekly upkeep |
| Weed killer? | ✅ Yes | Must be water-based and non-toxic |
| Mirrors / Reflective panels? | ❌ No | Can cause heat damage |
| BBQ directly on turf? | ❌ No | Always use on a patio or hard surface |
Prefer to fit it yourself? Explore our range of Artificial Grass Rolls and Accessories for DIY Installation — delivered direct to your door, nationwide.
How to Revive a Tired-Looking Lawn
If your turf’s looking a bit sad – flat, dirty, or patchy – don’t panic. Most artificial lawns just need a bit of attention to bounce back. Here’s how to bring yours back to life without replacing a thing.
- Brush fibres in multiple directions to restore lift
- Rinse thoroughly to remove dirt and dust
- Consider our turf maintenance service – we’ll deep-clean, power brush, and revive your lawn
Just one professional clean can bring a tired lawn back to life.
If your turf needs more than a brush-up, you can always book a Professional Artificial Grass Maintenance visit from the team.
How Often Should You…
Not sure what “regular maintenance” actually means? Here’s a quick guide to how often each job needs doing – whether you’re a keen gardener or just want your lawn to look good with minimal fuss.
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Brush the lawn | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Rinse pet areas | Weekly (summer) |
| Apply weed killer | Twice a year |
| Deep clean / power brush | Every 6–12 months |
| Book AGAG Pro Clean | Once a year minimum |
How to Clean Artificial Grass
Cleaning artificial turf is simple and quick:
- Rinse weekly with a garden hose to remove dust and pollen.
- Pick up pet mess and rinse the spot with water.
- Use a vinegar mix or pet-friendly cleaner for odours.
- Deep clean annually with a professional power brush service.
This routine stops smells, stains, and weeds before they start.
FAQs About Maintaining Artificial Grass
These are the questions we get asked all the time – from brushing tips to dealing with dog wee. Whether it’s your first install or you’ve had turf for years, this section covers the little things that help keep it looking its best.
How often should I brush artificial grass?
We recommend brushing your lawn every couple of weeks – or more often if it’s had heavy footfall or pets running across it. A stiff broom or power brush will help lift the fibres and keep it looking fresh.
Can I use a pressure washer on my artificial grass?
Yes – but gently. Keep the pressure low and use a wide fan spray to avoid damaging the fibres or disturbing the infill. For regular cleaning, a hose is usually all you need.
Is it okay to vacuum artificial grass?
We wouldn’t recommend it. Standard vacuums can pull up infill or damage the turf. A leaf blower or stiff brush is safer and more effective.
How do I get rid of pet smells?
A quick hose-down does the trick for day-to-day use. For lingering odours, use a diluted vinegar solution or pet-friendly turf cleaner. We’re happy to recommend the right product for your lawn – just ask.
Does artificial grass get waterlogged?
Not if it’s installed properly. All our lawns are fitted over a free-draining sub-base with built-in drainage holes – so water runs straight through.
Should I water artificial grass in hot weather?
It’s not necessary, but a quick rinse can help cool the surface and remove dust or pollen buildup – especially during dry spells or heatwaves.
How long does artificial grass last with proper care?
With light maintenance, our lawns last well over a decade. We back every turf installation with a 10-year guarantee – and many customers see even longer lifespans with simple upkeep.
Do weeds grow through artificial grass?
Very rarely. If they do, it’s usually from airborne seeds. A twice-yearly spray with pet-safe weed killer keeps things clear. Any strays are easy to pluck out.
What’s the best brush for artificial grass?
A stiff, synthetic bristle broom is ideal. For larger gardens, a mechanical power brush speeds things up — we even offer a maintenance service if you’d rather leave it to the pros.
Can snow or ice damage my fake grass?
Nope – but don’t try to force it off. Let it melt naturally, or brush off light snow with a broom. Avoid sharp tools that could catch the fibres.
Want Your Lawn Looking Brand New Again?
From quick brushes to full deep cleans, our professional artificial grass maintenance service keeps your lawn in top condition. We’ll remove odours, lift flattened fibres, and restore that just-installed look.
