Artificial grass is meant to be the easy option. No mowing, no muddy patches, green all year round. It still needs a little love, though, because dust, pollen, spills and pet mess build up on the surface over time, and that is usually what is behind a lawn that looks dull or smells a bit off in warm weather. The good news is that keeping it fresh is quick, simple and gentle on the grass. This guide walks you through how to clean artificial grass the pet-safe way, how to tackle odour, and how often to do it so your garden stays green, soft and smellalicious.
How to Clean Artificial Grass in 6 Steps
Short on time? Here is the quick version. The full detail is further down.
1. Clear the surface. Pick up leaves, debris and any solid pet mess.
2. Brush against the pile. Use a stiff broom to lift the fibres and loosen trapped dirt.
3. Rinse with water. Hose down the whole area to flush out dust and loose grime.
4. Clean and freshen. Apply a suitable artificial grass cleaner or diluted disinfectant, following the label.
5. Rinse again. Wash the product through so nothing is left sitting on the surface.
6. Let it dry and brush up. Allow the grass to dry, then give it a final brush to restore the bounce.
Why Artificial Grass Needs Cleaning
Real grass cleans itself. Rain washes it, sunlight breaks things down and the soil does the rest. Artificial grass has none of that, so anything that lands on it stays put until you deal with it.
Over a season that means a build up of:
• Dust, pollen and general outdoor grime that dulls the colour.
• Leaves and organic debris that can trap moisture and cause a musty smell.
• Spilled food and drink from summer garden days.
• Pet urine and mess, which is the number one cause of odour on artificial lawns.
A quick regular clean keeps the pile upright, the colour bright and the whole garden smelling fresh rather than stale.
What You Will Need
• A stiff outdoor broom or a plastic rake (never a wire brush, which can damage the fibres).
• A garden hose, ideally with a spray attachment.
• An artificial grass cleaner or a garden-safe disinfectant. Our Artificial Lawn Cleaners range is made for exactly this job.
• A watering can or pump sprayer for even application.
• Rubber gloves.
How to Clean Artificial Grass, Step by Step
1. Clear the surface
Start by removing anything sitting on top of the grass. Pick up leaves, twigs and any solid pet mess, and give the whole area a light sweep. This stops you rubbing debris into the pile when you start cleaning.
2. Brush against the pile
Work your broom against the direction of the fibres. This lifts the pile back up, loosens compacted dirt and pulls out anything trapped down near the backing. High-traffic areas and pet spots usually need the most attention here.
3. Rinse with water
Hose the whole lawn down. A good rinse flushes out loose dust and grime and, on a light everyday refresh, this alone can be enough. For anything more, move on to the next step.
4. Clean and freshen
Apply your chosen artificial grass cleaner or a suitably diluted disinfectant across the surface, paying extra attention to any patches that see heavy use or pet traffic. A Fabulosa cleaner leaves the lawn fresh and lightly scented rather than smelling of chemicals. Always follow the dilution and usage directions on the label, and always read the label before use.
5. Rinse it through
Give the grass a second rinse so no product is left sitting on the fibres. This matters most if you have pets or children who use the lawn, and it keeps the surface soft underfoot.
6. Dry and brush up
Let the grass dry naturally, then finish with a final brush against the pile. That last brush is the secret to a lawn that looks freshly laid, with the fibres standing tall and even.
Dealing with Pet Mess and Odour
If you have a dog, odour is almost always the real reason you are cleaning. Urine soaks through the pile to the backing, and in warm weather that is where the smell comes from. Here is how to stay on top of it.
• Rinse pet spots regularly. A quick daily hose down of the areas your dog uses stops odour building up in the first place.
• Clean and freshen weekly. Use a pet-friendly cleaner or garden-safe disinfectant across those areas, then rinse well.
• Let it dry before pets return. Give the lawn time to dry after cleaning and allow your pet back on once it has.
Fabulosa cleaning products are popular with pet owners, but pets are individuals, so introduce anything new gradually and keep them off the treated area until it has dried and been rinsed. For the full picture, see our separate guide on cleaning around pets. Always follow the label.
How Often Should You Clean Artificial Grass?
It depends on how the lawn is used, but a simple rhythm keeps things easy:
• Every few days: a quick rinse of pet areas and a pick-up of any debris.
• Weekly: a brush against the pile and a rinse of the whole lawn.
• Monthly: a full clean and freshen with a cleaner or disinfectant.
• Seasonally: a deeper clean in spring and autumn, when pollen and leaf fall are heaviest.
Homes with dogs or lots of foot traffic will want to clean and freshen more often. Everyone else can happily stretch the gaps.
Cleaner, Disinfectant or Deodoriser: Which Do You Need?
These terms get used interchangeably, but they do slightly different jobs.
• Artificial grass cleaner: lifts everyday dirt, dust and grime and leaves the lawn looking fresh. Your go-to for regular upkeep.
• Garden-safe disinfectant: cleans and freshens surfaces that see pet or heavy use. Ideal for the areas your dog favours.
• Deodoriser or freshener: focuses on scent, leaving the lawn smelling clean and pleasant after the hard work is done.
A good all-in-one product does all three at once, which is why a purpose-made artificial grass cleaner is the simplest choice for most gardens. Browse the options in our Artificial Lawn Cleaners and wider Outdoor and Garden ranges.
Mistakes to Avoid
• Using a wire brush. It looks thorough but can tear the fibres. Stick to a stiff plastic broom.
• Skipping the rinse. Product left on the pile can leave residue underfoot. Always rinse through.
• Ignoring the label. Dilution rates matter, especially with pets and children about. Always read the label before use.
• Leaving pet mess to build up. Little and often beats one big battle with odour later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use disinfectant on artificial grass?
Yes, as long as it is suitable for outdoor use and applied at the right dilution. Choose a garden-safe product, follow the directions on the label, and rinse the grass through afterwards so nothing is left sitting on the surface. This is the go-to approach for areas your pets use.
How do I stop my artificial grass smelling in summer?
Warm weather brings out any odour trapped in the pile, usually from pet urine or organic debris. Rinse pet areas often, clean and freshen the lawn weekly, and clear leaves and debris before they break down. A deodorising cleaner keeps things smelling fresh between deeper cleans.
Can I use bleach on artificial grass?
Bleach is best avoided. It can affect the colour and is harsh on the fibres and on paws. A purpose-made artificial grass cleaner or a suitably diluted garden-safe disinfectant does the job without the risk. Always read the label.
How often should I clean artificial grass?
A weekly brush and rinse plus a monthly clean and freshen suits most gardens. If you have dogs or heavy foot traffic, rinse pet areas every few days and clean and freshen more often.
Keep Your Garden Fresh with Fabulosa
A fresh, green artificial lawn is only ever a quick clean away. Whether you need a regular refresh or a proper seasonal deep clean, the right product makes it effortless and leaves your garden smelling gorgeous. Explore our Artificial Lawn Cleaners and Outdoor and Garden ranges to find your match. Boujie on a budget, smellalicious in every corner of the garden.
