Helpful Tips in Cleaning Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is one of the best investments you can make for your yard, pet area, or athletic space. It stays green all year, reduces water use, and eliminates the constant hassle of mowing and fertilizing. But like any outdoor surface, turf needs regular care to stay fresh, odor-free, and inviting. The good news is that cleaning turf is simple once you know a few key tips. With the right routine, your turf will look great and smell clean for years to come.

Below are some practical, easy-to-follow suggestions to help you get the most out of your artificial grass.

1. Rake the Surface Regularly

Leaves, pine needles, dog hair, and everyday debris can build up quickly on turf. These layers don’t just look messy — they also block air circulation and prevent cleaning products or water from reaching the base of the turf blades.

Use a plastic leaf rake or a specialized turf brush once or twice a week to clear away this buildup. Make sure you cover the entire surface, pulling debris out of corners and along edges where it tends to collect. This also helps the turf blades stay upright and natural-looking.

Pro tip: Avoid using metal rakes or stiff-bristled tools that might damage the turf backing. Lightweight, flexible rakes are perfect.

2. Remove Pet Waste Promptly

If you have dogs, turf cleaning becomes even more important. Solid waste should be picked up as soon as possible. Leaving pet stools on turf not only creates unpleasant odors but can also stain the turf blades.

After removal, lightly rinse the area with water. For urine spots, consider using a turf-safe odor eliminator to break down ammonia before odors set in. Taking this step consistently will make a huge difference in the freshness of your turf.

3. Rinse Your Turf Weekly

Even if you don’t have pets, dust, pollen, and airborne pollutants can settle on the surface. Giving your turf a quick rinse with a garden hose once a week washes away these particles before they accumulate.

Work in sections and spray evenly so water flows through the infill and drainage system. If you live in a dusty climate or your turf gets heavy use (kids, sports, pets), you may want to rinse two or three times a week.

Pro tip: Avoid using a power washer directly on turf fibers, as the pressure may loosen infill or damage the blades. Stick with a steady, gentle hose spray.

4. Deep Clean with OxyGreen Turf Odor Eliminator

Regular rinsing is great for maintenance, but sometimes turf needs deeper cleaning to truly eliminate odors, grime and stains. That’s where OxyGreen® Turf Odor Eliminator comes in.

This professional-grade cleaner uses the power of  hydrogen peroxide to penetrate deep into the turf blades and infill. Unlike surface sprays that simply mask odors, OxyGreen actually breaks down organic waste at the molecular level. It’s especially effective for pet urine, sweat, and organic debris.

To use:

Rake the surface to remove debris and allow the cleaner to penetrate.

Lightly hose down the turf.

Mix and apply OxyGreen Turf Odor Eliminator evenly across the surface.

Allow the product to dwell for the recommended time so it can break down stains and odor-causing compounds.

Rinse again to flush contaminants through the turf’s drainage system.

With regular use, OxyGreen keeps turf smelling fresh and clean, even in high-traffic or multi-pet environments.

5. Spot Treat High-Traffic Areas

Areas where pets frequently urinate or where people gather (like near patios or sports goal lines) tend to hold onto odors more than the rest of the turf. After your weekly rinse, check these hot spots. If they smell stronger, apply a little extra turf cleaner there.

Being proactive with spot treatments can save you from larger odor problems down the line.

6. Refresh the Infill When Needed

The infill (usually sand, rubber, or a specialty product) helps support turf blades and keep them upright. Over time, infill can become compacted, which reduces drainage and makes it harder for water or cleaners to flow through.

Every few months, brush your turf with a stiff plastic turf broom to redistribute and fluff the infill. If the surface feels hard or flat, you may need to top it off with a small amount of fresh infill. Good drainage is key to keeping odors from lingering.

7. Seasonal Deep Clean

At least twice a year — especially in spring and fall — schedule a full deep clean. Rake thoroughly, rinse, apply OxyGreen, and brush out the turf. This seasonal reset ensures that pollen, pet dander, and debris don’t build up over time.

 Artificial turf is durable and low-maintenance, but it’s not completely “set it and forget it.” Just like a patio or driveway, it benefits from regular care. By raking away debris, rinsing weekly, promptly cleaning up after pets, and using a professional product like OxyGreen Turf Odor Eliminator, you’ll keep your turf looking vibrant and smelling fresh all year round.

With a little consistent effort, your turf will provide a clean, safe, and odor-free space for pets, kids, and guests to enjoy — season after season.