Summer in Charleston brings long, sunny days, outdoor fun, and extra wear on your synthetic lawn. Whether you’re hosting backyard barbecues, entertaining pets, or just enjoying your yard more often, artificial turf needs extra care this season to stay fresh and functional. These expert tips from Clean Turf Club will help you keep your synthetic grass clean, vibrant, and long-lasting.
Tip 1: Brush Turf Regularly to Prevent Matting
One of the most critical turf cleaning tips for summer is brushing. According to the Synthetic Turf Council, regular maintenance — including brushing —can extend the life of artificial turf to over 15 years, even in high-traffic areas. High foot traffic from kids, pets, and guests can flatten turf fibers, making your lawn look worn or patchy. Regular brushing helps maintain the grass’s upright look and feel by redistributing infill and fluffing up matted areas.
For best results, use a soft-bristle synthetic rake or broom—never metal tools, which can damage turf fibers. Brush against the grain once or twice a month in low-use areas and weekly in high-traffic spots. Clean Turf Club’s Turf Revive service includes professional brushing to restore bounce and evenness to your artificial turf.
Tip 2: Clean Pet Waste and Debris Promptly from Turf
During summer, turf is more exposed to outdoor debris and pet activity. Leaves, dirt, pollen, and pet waste can accumulate quickly, leading to unpleasant odors and drainage issues. One of the top tips for maintaining synthetic grass is to clean up regularly.
Scoop up solid pet waste immediately and rinse down urine spots every couple of days to prevent odors and bacterial growth. A weekly hose-down helps remove dust and allergens, especially in homes with pets or trees nearby. Enzyme-based cleaners are great for breaking down lingering pet odors—and are part of Clean Turf Club’s Turf Refresh Package.
Tip 3: Rinse Turf with Water to Cool and Clean
While synthetic turf doesn’t require watering for growth, a regular rinse is essential during hot months. Dust, allergens, and heat can all affect the turf’s appearance and comfort. A light rinse once or twice a week helps remove grime and reduce surface temperature, which can climb significantly under direct sunlight.
A Penn State study found that surface temperatures on synthetic turf can reach 60-70°F hotter than ambient air temperature, making rinsing an important way to protect pets and people from burns or discomfort.Â
Watering in the morning keeps things fresh throughout the day, while a mid-afternoon rinse can cool the turf just before guests or pets go out. This is one of the simplest yet most effective turf cleaning tips for summer, especially here in the Lowcountry, where heat and humidity are high.
Tip 4: Use Safe Cleaning Products
Using the right cleaning products is key to maintaining synthetic grass. Harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, can break down the turf backing, cause discoloration, and even release harmful fumes when exposed to sunlight. Stick to turf-safe or pet-friendly enzyme cleaners for deep cleaning.
For sticky spills, such as gum or juice, gently scrape the spot with a plastic tool and wash with a mild soap solution. Avoid using pressure washers and wire brushes, as they can damage your turf. Clean Turf Club utilizes safe, eco-friendly products designed explicitly for artificial turf, ensuring your lawn looks clean without compromising its integrity.
Tip 5: Schedule a Professional Deep Clean from Clean Turf Club
Even with great daily care, summer is the perfect time for a professional turf cleaning. Between the heat, humidity, pollen, and pet use, a deep clean ensures your turf stays sanitary, odor-free, and guest-ready. Clean Turf Club offers three levels of service: Turf Refresh, Turf Revive, and Turf Deep Clean—ideal for anything from light maintenance to complete restoration.
Our services include professional brushing, odor removal, infill leveling, and sanitization. For most Charleston homeowners, a single deep clean per summer, paired with monthly light maintenance, is the ideal plan to keep their lawn in top shape.
Bonus Tip: Stick to a Simple Turf Care Routine
The best artificial turf summer care tip? Stay consistent. Light, routine maintenance goes a long way in preserving the look and feel of your turf. Brushing, rinsing, and occasional cleaning not only extend the life of your investment but also make your outdoor space more enjoyable throughout the year.
Whether you’re managing pet odors, prepping for guests, or just maintaining a neat backyard, these tips for maintaining synthetic grass will help you get through summer with a lawn that looks and smells great.
Based in Charleston, SC, Clean Turf Club offers customized artificial turf maintenance for homeowners and pet owners. Our expert services take the stress out of turf upkeep—so you can enjoy your yard without worrying about matting, mess, or odor. Contact Clean Turf Club today to schedule your service and take advantage of our seasonal turf cleaning tips in action.