Artificial Grass Cleaning
Most of the time a hose does the job. For spills, stains, pet odours and moss, a few straightforward methods and the right products get an artificial lawn properly clean.
Keeping artificial grass clean is rarely hard work, but knowing the right method for each problem saves a lot of scrubbing. Everyday freshening is just a rinse; it is spills, pet mess, stubborn stains and the occasional bout of moss or algae that call for a specific approach.
This page covers cleaning methods and how to deal with particular stains and odours. For the routine upkeep that keeps a healthy lawn plush, such as brushing and topping up infill, see our separate page on maintenance.
A hose goes far
Most dust, pollen and light soiling rinses away with plain water, with no chemicals needed.
Pet-odour friendly
Free-draining grass lets urine pass through; an enzyme cleaner breaks down what causes the smell.
Right product, right stain
Warm soapy water for most spills, specialist cleaners for grease, moss or stubborn marks.
Everyday cleaning and spills
Day-to-day cleaning is simple. A hose-down clears dust, pollen and loose dirt, while most spills lift easily if you deal with them reasonably promptly:
- Food and drink spills: blot up the excess, then clean the area with warm water and a little mild washing-up liquid, and rinse.
- Grease or oily marks: a small amount of mild household degreaser or a dedicated artificial grass cleaner, worked in gently and rinsed thoroughly.
- Sticky residues (chewing gum, wax): harden with an ice cube or a freezer pack, then pick off once brittle rather than smearing it in.
Use mild products and always rinse well. Harsh solvents, bleach and strong acids can damage the fibres or backing, so avoid them.
Pet urine and odour
Artificial grass is a popular choice for dog owners because urine drains straight through a free-draining base rather than killing the grass as it would a natural lawn. To keep it fresh:
- Hose solid areas down regularly, particularly a favourite spot, so nothing builds up.
- For odour, use an enzyme-based cleaner made for artificial grass or pet use. Enzymes break down the compounds in urine that cause the smell rather than just masking it, which ordinary detergents cannot do.
- Pick up solids promptly and rinse the area afterwards.
If you are choosing grass specifically with dogs in mind, our pet-friendly grass and grass for dogs pages cover the right products and base build-up for easy cleaning and drainage.
Deep cleaning and stubborn stains
Every so often a deeper clean is worthwhile, perhaps before an event or after a neglected spell. You can do this yourself or ask us to handle it. That usually means a thorough brush to lift the pile and loosen trapped dirt, a wash with a diluted artificial grass cleaner across the whole area, and a good rinse. For stubborn or ground-in stains, treat the spot directly, give the cleaner time to work, then agitate gently with a soft brush before rinsing. Avoid pressure washers on a close setting or held too near the surface, as they can displace infill and disturb the pile; if you do use one, keep it on a wide, gentle spray at a sensible distance.
Treating moss and algae
Moss and algae tend to appear on damp, shaded lawns where leaves and debris have been left to rot down. Keeping the surface clear is the best prevention, but once growth has taken hold it needs treating:
- Brush off as much loose growth as you can once it is dry.
- Apply a moss and algae remover that is safe for artificial grass. Check the label, as some natural-lawn products contain iron or other ingredients that can stain or harm the fibres.
- Leave it to work as directed, then brush and rinse the area thoroughly.
For a full walkthrough, see our guide on how to clean artificial grass. Keeping on top of leaf clearing, covered on our maintenance page, stops most moss returning.
Benefits and considerations
Benefits
- Most cleaning is just a rinse with plain water
- Spills lift easily with warm, mildly soapy water
- Enzyme cleaners tackle pet odour at the source, not just the smell
- Free-draining grass means urine and rinse water clear away quickly
- Deep cleaning restores a tired lawn without replacing it
- Safe moss and algae treatments clear shaded-lawn growth
Worth considering
- Avoid bleach, strong solvents and acids, as they can damage fibres and backing
- Not all natural-lawn moss killers are safe on artificial grass; check the label
- Pressure washers held too close can displace infill and disturb the pile
- Persistent pet odour usually points to infrequent rinsing rather than the grass itself
Dealing with a stain or spill
A simple order of work handles the vast majority of marks and messes.
Act promptly
Blot up liquids and lift solids before they dry in or soak through.
Rinse first
A good rinse with plain water clears a surprising amount on its own.
Treat the spot
Use warm soapy water for most spills, or a suitable specialist cleaner for grease, odour or moss.
Let it work
Give the cleaner time to break the stain or odour down rather than scrubbing hard straight away.
Rinse and brush
Rinse the area thoroughly and brush the pile back up as it dries.
What does cleaning cost?
Everyday cleaning costs nothing beyond water and the odd bottle of mild cleaner or enzyme treatment. Costs only come into it if you buy specialist products for pets or moss, or bring in a professional deep clean for a large or badly neglected lawn.
Key cost factors
- Whether you clean it yourself or hire a professional deep clean
- The size of the lawn and how soiled or neglected it is
- Specialist products such as enzyme pet cleaners and safe moss removers
- How many pets use the lawn and how often it is rinsed
- Tree cover and shade, which drive leaf litter and moss
- Whether equipment such as a power brush is bought or hired
Frequently asked questions
Rinse the area regularly with water and treat it with an enzyme-based cleaner made for pet use or artificial grass. Enzymes break down the compounds in urine that cause the odour; ordinary detergents only mask it. Frequent rinsing of favourite spots is the real key.
With care. Keep it on a wide, gentle spray and well back from the surface. Held too close or on a narrow setting, a pressure washer can blast out infill and disturb the pile, so a hose is usually the safer choice.
Avoid bleach, strong solvents, white spirit and acidic cleaners, which can damage the fibres or backing. Also steer clear of natural-lawn moss killers that contain iron, as they can stain. Mild washing-up liquid or a dedicated artificial grass cleaner is best.
Brush off the loose growth when dry, apply a moss and algae remover labelled safe for artificial grass, let it work, then brush and rinse. Keeping the lawn clear of leaves and debris, as covered on our maintenance page, stops most of it returning.
Only as needed. A rinse now and then keeps dust down, spills are dealt with as they happen, and a deeper clean once or twice a year suits most lawns. Homes with pets or heavy use will rinse more often.
Related services and guides
Need a hand getting it clean?
If a stain, odour or moss problem will not shift, get in touch and we can advise on the right treatment or a professional deep clean.