Artificial turf is durable, resilient and easy to care for compared with natural grass. If you suspect your turf needs to be cleaned, it will probably show signs that it’s time to spruce it up a bit. Here are some of the most common signs of turf needing cleaning or professional attention:
- The turf is matted down – the grass blades no longer stand up
- The turf has an unpleasant odor – this could be due to pet waste, mold or mildew
- There is a buildup of debris on the turf – pollen and dust are two common issues
- The turf has drainage problems – water backing up onto the turf is a major sign
- The turf is showing other signs of damage – look for discoloration or tears
If any of the above signs are present with your artificial grass, an experienced turf cleaning and installation company can restore your turf to a clean and usable condition.
Five Signs That it’s Time to Clean Your Artificial
If you see (or smell) any of the following on your artificial grass, it’s time to schedule turf cleaning services:
Turf matting or uneven texture
Over time, foot traffic and weather will cause the artificial grass to become matted or flattened. Turf matting is obvious to the eye and obvious to the touch, as it will alter the grass’s appearance and texture. Modern turfs are designed to bounce back after being stepped on, with sturdier blade designs that resist compressive force.
However, even high-quality turfs will experience some degree of matting over time. If you notice that your grass blades aren’t standing up like they used to, it is likely time for a round of cleaning.
Unpleasant odors
Unpleasant odors are a clear sign that your turf needs to be cleaned. Synthetic grass doesn’t produce odors on its own, but it can pick up odors if exposed to pet waste or if mold (or mildew) growth has set in. Synthetic grasses resist mold growth better than natural grasses, but it can still appear with time and wet weather. Fortunately, there are formulated cleaning solutions designed to eliminate mold.
Visible debris
Any kind of visible debris, including dust and dirt, is a threat to your turf’s durability. It can also accelerate mold growth or attract pests, so if you notice any solids settling on your turf’s surface, it’s time to give the grass a cleaning.
Pooling or backing up water
If water is backing up onto the turf, it’s a sign that your turf needs cleaning. It’s also a potential risk factor for your artificial grass, as pooling water will cause additional issues, like attracting pests and producing odors.
When water pools, it may be due to debris clogging up the perforations in the turf backing. Cleaning the artificial grass will often resolve this issue.
Discoloration, tears or other forms of damage
Discolored turf may indicate a chemical attack, which may be due to pet waste or other harsh substances. Cleaning the artificial grass will remove anything causing the discoloration.
Other signs of damage, like tears, also indicate potential issues with debris or other problems, which may also be resolved with a round of turf cleaning.
A proven turf cleaning company can address all of these issues, and if necessary, repair or replace parts of the turf that need more than a thorough cleaning.
Why Regular Turf Cleaning is Important
Synthetic grass is a low-maintenance surface that doesn’t require the daily upkeep of natural grass. That’s one of its primary advantages. However, it’s still recommended that turf owners schedule turf cleaning services every so often, and here’s why that is so important:
- Turf cleaning minimizes the risk of damage – Clean turf is durable turf, so if dirt, dust, pebbles, leaves, pollen and other solid particulates sit on your turf for too long, they will accelerate wear to grass blades and, eventually, to the turf backing itself. This is because solid debris is abrasive, acting like sandpaper against the turf’s surface. Cleaning your synthetic grass will minimize this abrasive effect.
- Turf cleaning eliminates unwanted odors or stains – No turf owner wants their artificial grass to look unsightly or smell unpleasant. If your turf sees a lot of traffic – especially pet traffic – stains and odors are inevitable. Turf cleaning services will effectively remove both and ensure your synthetic grass is ready for action.
- Turf cleaning protects other parts of your property – Artificial turf that is clean will facilitate efficient drainage, which will minimize the risk of water damage to pavement, foundations and other elements on your property. Cleaning the turf will also slow weed growth and prevent pests or insects from settling in, which will improve your property’s overall usability.
- Turf cleaning improves texture, feel and utility – Your synthetic grass is supposed to be comfortable and a pleasure to entertain on. To ensure it always provides the ideal play and lounging surface, prioritize keeping it clean. This will impart the desired texture and feel into your turf and improve its aesthetics.
Does Your Turf Need a Good Cleaning? Call the Turf Cleaning Experts
Artificial turf is easy to maintain, especially compared to natural grasses. Periodic cleaning and the occasional repair are all that is required. However, it’s important to stay on top of your turf’s condition, and that includes investing in professional turf cleaning services when necessary. On-time turf cleaning will not only improve your synthetic grass’s appearance and texture, it will also extend the turf’s lifespan, ensuring you get maximum value from your investment.
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