Although they require considerably less maintenance than real grass lawns, artificial lawns still need to be cared for. You can ditch the lawn mower for sure, but keeping your faux grass clean does require a bit of elbow grease, or at least have you reaching for your trusty watering can. Artificial lawns can, on average, last for between seven to 15 years, so during that period, a fair few thorough cleans will be necessary.
The easiest way to keep your artificial lawn clean is with a specialist cleaning product. With a fifth of homeowners across the UK having already replaced their grass with an artificial lawn, and a further 19% planning to in the near future, there's a robust marketplace for the best artificial grass cleaner. One of the top reasons people want to clean their artificial lawns is due to their pets, with odour from dog and cat waste a big issue that manufacturers of cleaning products try to tackle with scented solutions.
Best artificial grass cleaners at a glance:
The most popular type of artificial grass cleaner comes in multi-litre bottles of a concentrated solution that you dilute and then apply using a specialist garden sprayer or a watering can. There are also options that you can hook up to your garden hose and more convenient ready-to-use solutions that come in a spray bottle. We have a selection of all of the above in our round-up of the best artificial grass cleaners currently available.
Best artificial grass cleaners
Best overall artificial grass cleaner
This Pro-Kleen option is a super concentrated solution that can be diluted at a ratio of 10:1, meaning you get 10 litres worth of cleaner per bottle. Once diluted, it can be applied with a sprayer or watering can. Reviewers do note, though, that for areas that are heavily soiled, it's advised to use this neat and agitate with a stiff brush for best results.
It can be used on any kind of synthetic grass and starts working straight away, replacing any unpleasant pet odours with the more pleasant scent of freshly cut grass. Once this has dried completely, it's safe for pets and children to play on your newly cleaned artificial grass.
Pros
- Adds a fresh-cut grass fragrance to your lawn
- Super concentrated formula makes 10 litres
Cons
- Need to keep pets and children off the lawn until it's dried
Best artificial grass cleaner to tackle urine
This BUGALUGS cleaner is another option that you can dilute to end up with 10 litres of product. This is a powerful three-in-one disinfectant, deodoriser, and cleaner that starts working instantly to remove harmful bacteria, tackle deep stains and, as the company states, neutralise odours specific to your 'pet's little surprises.'
It is available in two different fragrances: fresh-cut grass and lavender. Reviewers rate both scents highly for creating a pleasant smell that is particularly effective in eliminating urine odour. In addition to being used on artificial grass, this cleaner can be sprayed or watered onto patios and decks before being scrubbed with a stiff brush.
Pros
- Made in the UK using Lake District water
- Can also be used on patios, decking, paths, and driveways
Cons
- Harmful to aquatic life, so don't use it close to garden ponds
Best artificial grass cleaner for use with a hose
Envii's artificial grass cleaner can be diluted in a watering can, but it is really designed to be used in conjunction with your garden hose for an effective and efficient application method. This cleaner is 100% natural, using naturally occurring, beneficial bacteria rather than harsh, dangerous chemicals that can harm pets or damage artificial grass.
Reviews vary as to how often you need to use this product to keep your artificial grass clean, with some reviewers advising a monthly application and others suggesting that every six to eight weeks is adequate. Once applied, this cleaner leaves a fresh floral scent to add a natural-smelling fragrance to your back garden.
Pros
- Effective application using your existing garden hose
- 100% natural, using beneficial bacteria
Cons
- Needs to be left for two hours before the grass can be used
Best artificial grass cleaner for choice of fragrance
This budget-friendly cleaner from Trade Chemicals comes in a five-litre bottle that can be diluted to a ratio of 100:1, making it a great choice for larger lawns. It is another three-in-one solution that cleans, disinfects, and deodorises synthetic grass.
This artificial grass cleaner is notable for the impressive range of fragrances it's available in. There's nature-inspired scents such as alpine fresh, eucalyptus, rose, lemon fresh, lime, lavender, and floral, as well as some you might not expect to see, such as baby powder, clean cotton, sherbet lemon, and pick'n'mix.
Pros
- Available in a wide range of different scents
- Effective even when diluted to a ratio of 100:1
Cons
- Not plant-friendly, so can only be used on artificial grass
Best artificial grass cleaner for stain removal
From trusted household cleaning brand Dirtbusters, this cleaner offers a complete sanitising solution for your artificial lawn, including stain-removing properties. It currently enjoys the accolade of an 'Amazon's Choice' award, with several reviewers saying it worked well after the first use.
As well as immediately cleansing your synthetic grass on application, Dirtbusters' odour eliminator formula destroys bad smells at the source and then reactivates to continue to keep working. The long-term effectiveness of this cleaner can go some way to help prevent repeat marking. This five-litre bottle can be used to make 15 litres of diluted cleaner.
Pros
- One bottle can be used to make 15 litres of cleaner
- Stain-removing properties that work on trodden in dirt
Cons
- Only available in geranium and chamomile fragrance
Best probiotic artificial grass cleaner
This cleaning solution from trusted garden tools brand Spear & Jackson is a little different from the other options we're featuring. In addition to cleaning your artificial grass, it can also inhibit the regrowth of lichen, mould, and algae - which can be a real problem with artificial lawns that are prone to dampness.
As well as restoring the appearance of your grass, this cleaner's probiotic formula can help prevent uric acid burn from pet urine. Reviewers report success with using this cleaner to eliminate moss, with one reviewer happily stating it made their synthetic lawn look like new.
Pros
- Can tackle problem moss, lichen, and algae
- Protects against damage from uric acid burns
Cons
- Best used with a manual pump sprayer
Best artificial grass cleaner spray
If you only have a small patch of artificial grass, you may be able to get away with a convenient spray cleaner that doesn't require any dilution and can simply be sprayed directly on your grass. This Trade Chemicals Fresh Pet is just that and is available in a wide range of fragrances including bubblegum and linen fresh.
This cleaner is safe to use on your artificial lawn and all water-washable surfaces, including floors, walls, cages, kennels, runs, yards, drains, and even pet bowls and toys. It comes in a one-litre bottle, which reviewers say is great value for money.
Pros
- 'Paw-safe' formula that is fine to be used around pets
- Available in a wide range of fragrances that can deter marking
Cons
- Some reviewers found the scents too artificial
How we chose the best artificial grass cleaners
All of these artificial grass cleaners have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the type, effectiveness, and safety credentials in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching all types of cleaning solutions to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
How to apply an artificial grass cleaner
Most of the artificial grass cleaners we're recommending are designed to be diluted and then applied from an ordinary watering can, or with a special manual pump garden sprayer. The dilution instructions will be explained on the bottle's label. If you use your everyday watering can, be sure to rinse it thoroughly before you water any plants.
Some cleaners come with a hose end sprayer that you can connect a garden hose to for a super-efficient way to spread the cleaner. If the artificial cleaner comes in a squirty spray bottle, you simply spray it on as you would any other household cleaning product.
FAQs
Are artificial grass cleaners safe for pets and children?
All the artificial grass cleaners we're recommending are safe for use in gardens where pets and children roam, but most need to dry completely before you let animals or kids access the grass area.
Some of these cleaners are not safe for aquatic life, so should not be applied close to garden ponds or any water features that wildlife has access to.
Can I clean my artificial grass with a pressure washer?
You absolutely can use a pressure washer to clean your artificial grass, but with several caveats. Ensure the washer is set to a low pressure - a high setting can damage the grass. Hold the washer nozzle several feet above the grass so it's not too much of an intense stream of water.
If you use the nozzle at the correct angle it can help the grass fibres stand more upright, creating the impression of a fuller lawn.
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Amy-Mae Turner is a Commerce Content Writer for Modern Gardens, Yours, Take A Break Pets, and A Modern Kitchen. When she's not pottering in the garden or mucking around in the kitchen, she can be found having doggy cuddles with her two beloved cockapoochis.