For many in Portland, Oregon, having a natural grass lawn that stays green and beautiful year-round is a pipe dream. If you’re not dealing with the hot summer sun, you might be fighting standing water that turns your yard into a mud bath. But thanks to synthetic grass, enjoying a lovely garden that feels just like one with natural grass is possible, and it really is going to look great all year. However, even though the care and maintenance of such lawns involve half the amount of work needed for natural grass lawns, many homeowners are worried about the type of care synthetic grass needs.

So here’s everything you need to keep your artificial grass lawn looking beautiful 12 months of the year.

Keep Brushing

Lightly brushing the lawn can help maintain the bouncy look and fresh-cut-grass effect. It will also get rid of dust, dirt, and leaves that may have accumulated over time.

Always use a plastic rake or brush, as a metal rake can damage the grass. It’s also important to brush against the grain to retain the upright look. Areas that receive high traffic need more frequent brushing. To reduce the static build-up, you can also use fabric softeners diluted with an appropriate amount of water.

Get Rid of the Moss

Moss can completely destroy the look of your artificial lawn. Get some water-based moss cleaner and gently apply the solution on the surface of the grass. The pH of the solution shouldn’t be less than eight, as acidic cleaners are not recommended for artificial grass.

For a deep clean, use your hose to get rid of any stubborn moss, and then apply the cleaner. Follow it up with a gentle brush down using a soft-bristled brush. This will scrub away the moss without harming the surface of the grass. As a final step, rinse the grass once more using your hose to get rid of any leftover cleaner and allow it to dry out completely.

Don’t Delay Cleaning Stains or Spillage

In case of any accidental spillage or stains from liquids, take a damp cloth or paper towel and gently blot the stain. Make sure not to rub the grass. If the stain refuses to fade, you can also mix a tablespoon of lukewarm water with a scoop f laundry detergent and dampen the cloth in the solution. A vinegar and water mixture will also work. After the removal of the stain, you can hose the area down to get rid of any detergent residue.

Use Enzyme Cleaner for Bird Droppings

Getting rid of bird droppings is not as straightforward as removing other debris off the grass. First, scoop up any solid droppings that you may spot on the grass. Make sure to wear protective gloves while doing so to reduce the chances of contracting any infection.

Next, pour specially formulated bird-droppings enzyme agent or homemade artificial grass cleaner made by mixing warm water, white vinegar, and soap into a spray bottle. You will need a couple of spritzes to disinfect the area thoroughly. Alternatively, you can apply the solution to a damp sponge and gently dab it over the grass blades.

Take Appropriate Measures for Cleaning Snow and Ice

Salt residue from leftover snow and ice can create a layer over the grass and prevent the turf from correctly draining. Even though Portland doesn’t experience heavy snowfall very often, you cannot rule out the possibility of potential damage to your artificial lawn.

If you notice any such residue, use a plastic shovel to get rid of as much snow and salt as you can manually. Never use a metal shovel, as that may damage the grass. If you are unable to get rid of it completely, reach out to the experts so that they can clean up the area using special cleaning devices.

Give Special Attention to Molds

While the chance of experiencing mold in artificial grass is not very high, due to inhabitable living conditions for bacteria, it is possible that the moisture trapped in fallen leaves or debris can create mold. Start by removing all the leaves, fallen branches, and so forth with a plastic rake in the autumn. Then look closely for any mold growth.

If you find any, use a mixture of water and essential oils, such as clove oil or tea tree oil, and spray it on the affected area. You can also use a damp sponge soaked in the solution and gently dab on the grass blade. To get rid of any oily residue, use vinegar or warm soapy water for a final rinse.

There’s a Fix for Cleaning Grass After Pets

Your four-legged companions will need to relieve themselves on your artificial lawn. But don’t worry—it is possible to eliminate the odor and keep your lawn clean.

Make sure to wash the area where your pet tends to go regularly. If you can smell pet pee, spray the affected area with a mixture of vinegar and water. If you notice old urine stains, use a damp sponge soaked in specially formulated artificial turf cleaner and gently dab on the grass.

How Often Should You Clean Synthetic Grass?

It’s ideal to plan on quick weekly cleaning sessions to get rid of any loose dirt or debris. Deep cleaning is recommended every month. As a rule of thumb, remove dead leaves or excess mud as soon as you notice them. This will avoid any issues with the drainage system.

And in case you are carrying out any outdoor renovations after installing astroturf, always cover the synthetic grass with a plastic sheet. Otherwise, the grass may get paint stains, which are a real pain to get rid of.

All Set to Clean Synthetic Grass in Your Yard?

Even though your synthetic grass is a lot less work than natural grass, you can’t simply abandon cleaning and maintenance. Proper care will ensure that it remains as good as new even after years of use. If you have any questions about installing and maintaining artificial grass, get in touch with the dedicated and experienced professionals at Sportech for a consultation. Our experts have completely overhauled several residential and business premises in Portland, Oregon, by installing synthetic grass and will be happy to answer your questions.