When it comes to artificial turf fields, cleaning and maintenance are especially important. These fields are made of plastic and rubber instead of natural grass, which requires a little extra TLC.
If you manage or own an artificial turf field, you know how important regular cleanings are. Neglecting your field can result in contamination, discoloration, foul odors, and even damage to the surface itself. If you own or manage an artificial turf field, it’s time to put your preparation skills to the test!
Cleaning and maintaining an artificial turf field is no easy feat. However, with the correct information and prep work beforehand, you can keep your field looking its best all year long. Here are things you should avoid when cleaning an artificial turf field.
1. Do Not Use Harsh Chemicals
You might be tempted to use strong chemicals when cleaning your field. However, artificial turf fields are made from synthetic materials sensitive to harsh chemicals. Strong chemicals can strip away the turf’s color, dulling the surface.
If left on the field for extended periods, they can also leach out, potentially polluting the surrounding area. This is why you should always read the cleaning instructions on your field. These will indicate the right cleaning products to use.
2. Avoid Using Power Washers Or High-Pressure Hoses
While power washers and high-pressure hoses are excellent cleaning tools, they can wreak havoc when used on an artificial turf field. These tools have high enough pressures to potentially strip away the turf’s color or even cause tears or holes in the surface.
If you need to use these cleaning tools, test them on an inconspicuous part of your field first to ensure they are strong enough for the surface. If you can avoid using these tools, your field will thank you.
A leaf blower and a garden hose are better alternatives too. The turf manufacturer will also have specific recommendations for what types of cleaning tools to use.
3. Do Not Use Metal Blades Or Rakes
One of the most common mistakes made when cleaning artificial turf fields is using metal blades or rakes. This can damage the turf's surface and lead to holes and tears.
If you need to remove excess dirt from your field, use a broom or other soft material. Raking can be beneficial for natural grass fields. However, it is best to avoid this method altogether for artificial turf fields.
4. Avoid Walking Or Running When Wet
Foot traffic is one of the leading causes of damage to artificial turf fields. When the turf is wet, it is even more susceptible to damage.
A turf system can be slippery when wet, which is why you should avoid walking or running on the surface when it is wet. Walking or running on an artificial turf field when it is wet can cause severe damage.
The water combined with the force of your foot can potentially lead to severe tears on the surface. If you have just cleaned your field and are planning to host a soccer tournament, you must let it dry first.
5. Do Not Allow Animals To Urinate On Your Artificial Turf Field
Artificial turf fields are great for sports that involve lots of contacts. Soccer, rugby, and football are a few examples of sports that are best played on artificial turf fields.
Urinating on an artificial turf field is a common mistake that is easy to avoid. When you notice that one of your animals is urinating on the field, correct them promptly.
6. Do Not Allow Garbage Or Other Debris To Accumulate
Artificial turf fields are designed to be easy to clean. However, they can become clogged with dirt, grass, and other debris if not cleaned regularly. If you notice garbage or other debris accumulating on your field, clean it off as quickly as possible.
Your synthetic turf field is an investment that will last for years to come. Chewing gum, cigarette butts, and other trash not only makes your field look bad but can also be a pain to clean up.
7. Avoid Smoking
Smoking is harmful to your health. It is also detrimental to your artificial turf field. When cleaning your field, avoid smoking anywhere near the surface. Smoke can build up on the surface and leave a foul odor.
Synthetic turf is a durable, low-maintenance surface that can provide years of use. However, it is essential to avoid these common mistakes when cleaning.
8. Do Not Use Grills Or Other Open Flames
Unless you are hosting a cookout on your field, make sure to avoid using grills or other open flames on your field. If you use these items, clean them afterward to prevent ash from getting on the surface of the field.
Synthetic grass can burn quickly and is not flame-retardant. For this reason, avoiding using grills or other open flames on your field is essential. Turf blades can be easily damaged by heat, so be sure to consider this when cleaning your field.
9. Do Not Allow Vehicles To Drive On Your Artificial Turf Field
Vehicles can drive on artificial turf fields if they are designated as such. However, they can cause severe damage to the surface if they are driven on non-gravel portions of the field. If you must drive a vehicle on your field, use the designated gravel portion.
If you avoid these things when cleaning an artificial turf field, your field will look great and last longer. Cleaning your field can be a breeze with the right cleaning tools, maintenance schedule, and products.
Tips To Maintain An Artificial Turf Field To Keep It In Its Best Shape
Artificial grass is an attractive investment for any home. Not only does it save you time and energy in lawn care, but it also looks great all year round. Artificial turf maintenance is key to keeping your lawn looking its best.
Rotate Your Turf
Cleaning and Sanitizing Part of caring for your turf is keeping it clean and sanitized. When your turf is clean, it’ll look nicer and last longer. You may choose to clean your turf once a month or just once a season, depending on how often it gets used.
To clean your turf correctly, you can use a pressure washer or a hot water solution with a mild detergent. You can also use a wet vacuum if you don’t want to use chemicals. You can also choose to use a sand-blasting machine if your field has a lot of rough areas.
This will help you remove scuff marks and build-up that may be causing odors or other problems with your turf. You should always sanitize your turf after you clean it. You can use a mix of bleach and water or a commercial sanitizer to help kill off any bacteria or germs your cleaning process may have left behind.
Reseeding/Renovating
Reseeding is a process that can be used if you have an area of your turf that has been worn down or damaged and needs to be replaced. You can use this process to replace a small or large patch of turf.
If you have a large patch badly damaged, you can use this process to replace the whole area. Reseeding is when you take a small piece of turf from an area that doesn’t get used and transplant it to the worn down or damaged area, so the first turf has time to grow back.
You can also use an artificial turf replacement if you have an area that needs to be replaced but doesn’t have any turf left to transplant. You can use a renovating process to repair a small amount of damage or wear and tear, or you can use it to replace an entire area that has been worn out or damaged.
You can use a special adhesive to glue down the new turf in place, or you can use a special turf adhesive to make sure it sticks. Rubber granules may also help keep the new turf in place and give it a more realistic feel.
Repairing Stitching/Scoring And Loss Of Color
If your turf is starting to fray or has some stitching issues, you can use a special thread to stitch the area back together. You can use scissors to clip away any loose pieces of turf. If there is a large amount of damage to an area of your turf, you may need to bring in a professional to do repairs.
If your turf has started to lose its color, you can use a special chemical to help bring it back to life. If your turf has lost a lot of colors, you may need to replace it entirely. You can use a special chemical treatment to help restore the color of your turf.
Final Words
It would be best if you remembered that artificial turf is artificial. It is not natural grass and should be treated as such. Maintaining the medium is the key to creating an artificial turf field that is healthy, attractive, and lasts.
You can do several things to help keep your field healthy and looking its best. It would be best if you also took advantage of the right products that your artificial turf field needs. Extremely low maintenance, but often overlooked, part of caring for an artificial turf field is to keep it clean and sanitized.
Improperly maintained artificial turf fields can lead to a short lifespan. That being said, there are some things you can do to help ensure your artificial field stays in good condition for years to come.
By taking care of your artificial turf field and maintaining it properly, you can ensure that it will stay in great shape for years to come.
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