Avoiding Common Mistakes When Maintaining Artificial Grass

 Let me say this— fake grass may seem easy, but if you're not looking after it well, you might end up with a sad, flat mess (and believe me, no one wants that). No matter if you paid a lot for high-end turf from Artificial Grass Wholesale or got a nice lawn from Artificial Grass Bradford, taking care of it is key to keep it looking full, green, and great for photos. But here's the thing: many folks slip up without even knowing! In this blog, I'll let you in on the most common slip-ups I've seen and tell you my top tips to keep your fake grass looking fresh and cool all year. Let's jump in! 

 

1. Not Cleaning Up Messes: 

 

The Mistake: 

Not picking up leaves, small sticks, and trash causes clogs in drains, mould to form, and grass to get smashed. 

 

The Solution: 

• Clean Every Week: Use a leaf blower in gentle mode or a hard plastic rake to clear away messes. 

• Sweeping: For tiny areas, just a hand broom does the job well. 

 

Pro-Tip: Have a thin tarp ready. Place it under trees or when it's windy, gather up and shake out the mess before it falls on your lawn. 

 

2. Not Brushing Often: 

 

The Mistake: 

Fake grass gets flat from walking, pets, and chairs, making thin spots if not picked up again. 

 

The Solution: 

• Brush Each Month: Use a hard, man-made hair brush to raise the grass, sweeping in all ways to make it even. 

• Brush Some Spots: Pay more mind to busy places- near doors, where pets walk, and where people sit. 

 

Pro-Tip: Brush when the grass is not wet and in the early day- the cool time helps tiny bits inside the grass settle as the blades stand up. 

 

3. Using Bad Cleaning Stuff: 

 

The Mistake: 

Strong stuff like bleach or oil cleaners can take off UV protection and hurt the threads. 

 

The Solution: 

• Mild, pH-Neutral Detergent: Mix with water for simple cleaning—okay for grass and pets. 

• No Solvents: Keep away from bleach, oil, or any rough scrubbing powders. 

 

Pro-Tip: For pet spills, use a cleaner made with enzymes. It takes apart organic stuff without ruining the grass or filling. 

 

4. Not Cleaning Pet Pee & Smells: 

 

The Mistake: 

Not washing away pee quickly can make salt gather, make smells stay, and may make the turf hard. 

 

The Solution: 

• Fast Rinse: Hose down the spots your pets like right away, getting rid of the salt. 

• Spray with Enzymes: Use a spray every week that kills smells deep down. 

 

Pro-Tip: Set up a small "pee area" with a tray of garden sand. Teach your pets to go there, so you only have one main spot to clean. 

 

5. Too Much or Too Little Watering: 

 

The Mistake: 

Too much water can wash away the infill; not enough makes dust and pollen stick to the grass bits. 

 

The Solution: 

• Monthly Wash: Use a soft spray to get rid of dust and pollen, but keep the sand or rubber infill in place. 

• Don't Soak It: Let it run for no more than 10 minutes at a time to stop the infill from washing out. 

 

Pro-Tip: Get a sprinkler that you can set to change how it sprays—light mist for dust, easy flow for small trash. It saves water and keeps the grass green. 

 

6. Avoiding Drainage Troubles: 

 

The Mistake: 

Water that stays put can make mould and green stuff grow, and hurt the layer under the grass, turning it into a slick mess. 

 

The Solution: 

• Look at Edge Lines: Clean out leaves from flat drains and make sure the layer below slopes so water runs off away from places you sit or buildings. 

• Do a Percolation Test: Make a 12-inch deep hole, and pour water in—if it goes away in less than 15 minutes, your drainage is okay. 

 

Pro-Tip: Put in a basic French drain on one side: dig a ditch, fill it with rocks and a hole-filled pipe in filter cloth. It's cheap and works well. 

 

7. Overlooking Weed Control: 

 

The Mistake: 

Weeds can grow through seams and edges, making it hard to keep the turf down. 

 

The Solution: 

• Weed Barrier: Put a layer under the lawn from the start; if you forgot, use a weed killer that is safe for your grass and does not stay in the soil. 

• Edge Care: Every month, check around the edges and seams, and pull out any new weed sprouts you find. 

 

Pro-Tip: Put a small amount of baking soda along the borders. It’s safe for the grass but stops weeds from growing without using harsh stuff. 

 

8. Letting Furniture Get Damaged: 

 

The Mistake: 

Big pots, parts of chairs, and sharp sides can press down hard or rip the threads and move the stuffing out of place. 

 

The Solution: 

• Cushioning Pads: Put soft felt or rubber pads under big plants and seats. 

• Move Chairs Around: Every couple of months, change how the chairs and tables are set up to even out how they get used. 

 

Pro-Tip: For weighty things like benches, lay flat boards under them to share out the weight—no more holes or stuffing moving around. 

 

9. Not Using Power Washers Right: 

 

The Mistake: 

Strong jets can wear away the fill, rip the back, and loosen seams. 

 

The Solution: 

• Only Use Low-Pressure Hose: Hold a garden hose at a mild pressure. Use a broad-fan tip to spread water softly. 

• Rub Stains by Hand: Use a soft brush with mild soap—focus on spots, not with hard water jets. 

 

Pro-Tip: If you need to use bug spray or moss killer, put it on by hand and just wash it off with a soft hose—no need for a power washer. 

 

FAQs: 

1. How much should I brush my fake grass? 

Try to brush it all over once a month and do quick brushes in busy or flat spots every week—more often if you've had lots of people over or big use. 

 

2. Can I clean my fake grass with normal bleach? 

No—bleach harms its threads and bottom. Use cleaners with enzymes and gentle soaps with a balanced pH for a safe and good clean. 

 

3. What’s the best way to get rid of pet hair from fake turf? 

Use a hard-bristle brush or a leaf blower in a soft setting. For tough fur, use a vacuum with a brush add-on—but skip the beater bar.