Artificial grass requires far less maintenance than natural lawn, but it isn't zero. Routine rinsing, occasional brushing, leaf removal, and periodic infill top-up keep synthetic turf looking new for the full 15-year warranty period. This guide covers what to do, when, and how, based on real maintenance schedules from across our SoCal install base.
Monthly: Rinse and Visual Inspection
Rinse the turf surface with a hose for 5 to 10 minutes per 1,000 square feet. The rinse removes dust, pollen, and loose debris that accumulates between rains. Visual inspection during the rinse catches early issues: pet damage, seam lift, infill thinning, weed reemergence at the perimeter. Most homeowners build the rinse into a regular outdoor maintenance routine.
Quarterly: Brushing High-Traffic Areas
Brushing keeps fibers vertical in high-traffic areas (paths, doorway approaches, dog runways, kid play zones). Use a stiff-bristle broom or a power brush attachment. Brush against the fiber direction, then with the fiber direction to recover pile profile. Avoid metal-tine brushes which damage fibers. Quarterly brushing handles typical residential use; weekly brushing may be needed in high-impact zones.
Leaf and Debris Removal
Leaves accumulate on synthetic turf during fall. Use a leaf blower (most efficient) or a plastic-tine rake. Don't use metal-tine rakes which catch in fibers. For large debris (branches, fruit drops), pick up by hand. Heavy leaf accumulation can mat fibers if left in place for weeks; clear regularly during fall.
Infill Top-Up
Infill thins gradually over time, especially in high-traffic areas. Top-up infill (silica sand for residential, antimicrobial silica for pet) every 3 to 5 years on most installs, every 1 to 2 years on heavy-use areas. We provide infill top-up service in our annual maintenance contracts; DIY top-up is also straightforward with the right product.
Pet Turf Specific: Monthly OxyTurf
Pet-active turf needs monthly OxyTurf treatment to manage odor and bacteria. OxyTurf is a synthetic turf cleaner powered by Enhanced Hydrogen Peroxide that eliminates 99.9 percent of odor-causing contaminants. Spray on, activate, rinse through. Monthly schedule for single-dog households; bi-weekly for multi-dog. Skipping treatment for 3-plus months will eventually cause noticeable odor regardless of product specification.
Stain Removal
Most household spills (juice, food, dirt) rinse off with water. Tougher stains (oil, grease, paint) need targeted treatment: dish soap and warm water for organic stains, mineral spirits for grease (followed by thorough rinse), specialty turf cleaner for chemical spills. Avoid bleach and harsh solvents which damage fibers.
What to Avoid
- Metal-tine rakes or brushes (damages fibers)
- Power-washing on full-pressure (lifts seams and displaces infill)
- Bleach or harsh solvents (damages fiber color and structure)
- Sharp-edged objects in contact with the surface (cuts through fibers)
- Hot grills or fire pits directly on turf (melts fibers; use heat barriers)
- Heavy stationary objects long-term (compresses fibers permanently)
When to Call a Professional
Seam lift, base settlement (uneven surface), large area damage, or extensive odor issues need professional attention. We offer service-call visits for warranty and post-warranty turf issues across our SoCal install base. Annual maintenance contracts include scheduled brushing, infill top-up, OxyTurf treatment for pet households, and seam inspection.