Synthetic Turf Maintenance Guide
Golden Vale Synthetic Turf lawns require minimal maintenance compared to natural grass, and with a few simple practices, you can preserve their appearance and extend their longevity.
Our synthetic lawns deliver exceptional performance, backed by a 15 year manufacturer’s warranty and an expected lifespan of up to 20 years. In addition, you’ll enjoy substantial savings on water bills while contributing to long-term water conservation for future generations.
SPILLS AND STAINS
Synthetic fibers are highly resistant to staining. However, it’s important to recognize that they are just one part of a complex system with various components designed for overall performance. Some cleaning agents that are safe for the fibers may be harmful to other parts of the turf system.
Prompt Action
It’s always easier to clean a spill while it’s fresh rather than after it has dried. Gently scrape away any solid or paste-like material with a spatula or dull knife, then blot any excess liquid with paper towels or a clean cloth.
Recommended Cleaners
• Most Stains: A warm, mild solution of granular household detergent or a low-sudsing detergent for fine fabrics works well.
• Water-Based Stains: Mix 1 teaspoon of detergent per pint of water. This will effectively remove most stains such as coffee, milk, ice cream, fruit juice, ketchup, glue, dye, latex, and paint.
• Tougher Stains: Use a 3% household ammonia solution.
• After cleaning, rinse the area thoroughly with clean, cold water to remove any residue, then blot up excess liquid with a clean cloth or paper towels.
Cleaners to Use with Caution
• Oil-Based Stains: such as suntan oil, cooking oil, nail polish, paraffin wax, motor oil, or shoe polish, use mineral spirits or a grease spot remover like perchloroethylene (dry-cleaning solution).
• Apply sparingly to prevent the solution from penetrating beneath the turf.
SAFETY NOTE: Mineral spirits and petroleum-based solvents are highly flammable. Always work in a well-ventilated area and keep them away from smoking, sparks, or open flames.
AVOID using cleaners that contain chlorine bleach, caustic cleaners (pH above 9), or highly acidic cleaners (pH below 5)
FUNGUS OR MOLD SPOTS
• Sponge on a 1% solution of hydrogen peroxide in water to the affected area.
• Flush thoroughly with clean water after application.
CHEWING GUM OR TREE SAP
• Use dry cleaning fluid or freeze the gum/sap using aerosol refrigerant packs available from carpet cleaning suppliers or dry ice.
• After freezing, carefully scrape off with a knife.
PAINTS
If water-based paint gets on your artificial grass, a power washer can usually rinse it away.
For oil-based paint, use caution — some paint removers may be too abrasive and could damage the turf fibers. Always read the product instructions carefully or consult the manufacturer before applying any chemical cleaner.
Since artificial grass is made from non-porous plastic materials, paint sitting on the surface won’t make it toxic or cause lasting harm. However, we recommend using only non-toxic paints for your projects to ensure safety and peace of mind.
MINTERAL DEPOSITS
• Mix white distilled vinegar with an equal amount of water, apply to the affected area, and lightly brush.
• Flush thoroughly with clean water after application.
WEEDS
While weeds can grow almost anywhere, it’s very uncommon for them to appear on the surface of artificial grass, since the turf itself doesn’t provide a natural habitat. Occasionally, weeds may sprout through drainage holes or along the edges of the installation, but even then, the issue is far less severe than with natural lawns.
To help prevent and control weeds:
• Install a weed barrier beneath the
turf during installation.
• Remove any weeds by hand or apply an appropriate weed killer. If using chemical products, always wear
gloves and a face mask to avoid contact or inhalation.
• For a natural option, spray affected areas with a high-concentration
saline water solution.
PETS AND ODOR NEUTRALIZERS
All of our artificial turf products are pet-friendly and designed with pets in mind. The fibers are strong and resilient, and most drainage systems are built to handle dog urine effectively.
Cleaning is simple – just remove solid waste promptly and rinse the area with water.
Pet Odor Neutralizer
To eliminate odors, use a pet odor neutralizer which typically are non-toxic, enzyme-based solutions that contain over 150 billion microorganisms per gallon and quickly break down odor-causing bacteria.
For best results, pre-wet the surface, shake the bottle well, and attach the nozzle to your garden hose. Apply at a dilution of 2 oz per gallon of water, rinsing the turf as you go.
Avoid applying in direct sunlight, and reapply as needed depending on soil levels, evaporation, and temperature conditions.
Zeolite Infills
We recommend using Zeolite infill for pet applications. Zeolite is a natural mineral that neutralizes dog urine odors while also adding weight to secure the turf and keep fibers standing upright. Its unique cation-exchange properties make it highly absorbent.
Unlike other infills, Zeodorizer’s zeolite holds more urine, extends odor-free periods,
and remains effective longer without frequent replacement.
BRUSHING OR RAKING
Although our turf is engineered for maximum resilience, regular maintenance helps it look its best. Brushing or raking the turf periodically prevents flattening and keeps the fibers upright. Low-traffic areas, such as front yards, may require little to no brushing, while high-traffic areas—like backyards, commercial spaces, dog runs, children’s play areas, or well-traveled paths—benefit from more frequent attention.
If fibers begin to lay flat, rake or brush those areas to prevent them from staying down. Adding more infill can also help restore support. For best results, perform periodic
“cross brushing”—brushing against the grain of the fibers, with a synthetic-bristle rake or brush. This technique fluffs up the turf, maintaining both its durability and aesthetic appeal.
AVOID using brushes with metal or wire bristles, as these can alter the structure of the turf fibers.
BENEFITS OF INFILL
Artificial turf installations with infill consistently perform better and last longer than non-infill surfaces. Infill provides several important benefits:
Stability: The added weight helps hold the turf in place, minimizing expansion and contraction from temperature changes. Over time, this reduces stress on seams and edges, preventing failures.
Performance: On putting greens, infill increases ball speed—the more infill, the faster the ball travels.
Appearance: Infill supports the fibers, helping them stand upright and maintain a natural look.
Sand works well as a basic infill, but upgraded options—such as green sand, antimicrobial-coated sand, zeolite, or TCool—offer enhanced performance. Our recommended infills are eco-friendly, water-efficient, and odor-neutralizing.
Maintaining the correct infill level is essential for both turf performance and safety. Infill does not break down, but it can shift over time. Regular grooming redistributes infill evenly across the surface and is usually more effective than simply adding more.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Although your turf is made from tough, durable fibers, a few precautions will help prevent damage and extend its life:
Reflective Windows: Sunlight reflecting off south- or west-facing windows can create a “magnifying glass effect” strong enough to melt turf. Applying an exterior window coating will prevent this.
Landscaping Equipment: Crews may inadvertently place hot or heavy equipment on the turf, which can cause melting or damage. Discuss this with your contractor in advance—activities like tree trimming and leaf blowing require extra care.
Gophers and Moles: To protect against burrowing animals, you may install wire mesh or specialized “gopher wire” beneath the turf. This is optional, but useful in areas where pests are a concern.
Fire Safety: Keep cigarettes, fireworks, and open flames away from the turf. While cigarettes won’t ignite it, they can fuse fiber tips together, leaving visible damage.
Furniture and Equipment: Avoid placing items with sharp or jagged edges on the turf, as they may puncture or tear the surface.
Seam Care: If you notice a seam beginning to separate, contact your local installer immediately to prevent further issues.
Stabilization Period: Turf systems require about two weeks to stabilize after installation. The timeframe may vary depending on local conditions, usage, and product specifications, and minor adjustments may be needed during this period
CONCLUSION
Synthetic turf is engineered for exceptional durability, and when installed properly, it provides lasting performance. With just a few simple steps you can easily protect and extend the life of your investment.