How to Clean Artificial Turf Like a Pro

By the TurFresh Team, Published September 4, 2026, 6 min read

Learning how to clean artificial turf the right way is the difference between a lawn that stays fresh for 15 years and one that traps odor after two. Our crews have handled more than 150,000 professional turf cleanings, and this guide walks you through the same process we use, from weekly upkeep to a full deep clean.

Table of contents

• How often should you clean artificial turf?
• What do you need to clean artificial turf?
• How do you deep clean artificial turf, step by step?
• How do you keep turf fresh between cleanings?
• What mistakes should you avoid?
• Artificial turf cleaning FAQ

How often should you clean artificial turf?

For turf without pets, a quick rinse and debris removal every week or two keeps blades upright and dust down. Plan a deeper clean with a purpose made turf cleaner every month or so, more often in dusty areas or heavy foot traffic.

With dogs using the turf, step it up. Rinse pet zones a few times a week, and treat the area with an odor eliminating cleaner like TurFresh BioS+ on a regular schedule so waste residue never gets ahead of you.

What do you need to clean artificial turf?

A stiff broom or turf rake, a garden hose, and the right cleaner. That last part matters most, because household products either mask odor or damage turf.

For pet odor, choose BioS+, which digests the source of the smell instead of covering it. For deep cleaning heavily used turf, especially in hot climates, go with BioX+. The BioSiphon hose end sprayer applies either one evenly with no mixing.

How do you deep clean artificial turf, step by step?

Step 1: Clear the surface

Remove solid waste, leaves, and debris. A quick pass with a broom or turf rake also stands the blades back up.

Step 2: Rinse the turf

Hose the full area down to flush loose dirt and dust out of the blades before any cleaner goes on.

Step 3: Apply your turf cleaner

Spray the cleaner evenly across the turf, paying extra attention to pet zones and high traffic paths. Follow the coverage directions on the label.

Step 4: Let it work

Give the formula time to sit and do its job per the label directions. This dwell time is where odor actually gets eliminated, so do not rush it.

Step 5: Rinse and dry

Lightly rinse if the label calls for it, then let the turf air dry. Kids and pets can head back out once it dries.

How do you keep turf fresh between cleanings?

Odor control between cleanings comes down to what lives in your infill layer. TurFill deodorizing infill captures moisture and pet odor down where sprays cannot reach, working around the clock.

If you would rather never think about restocking, Autoship delivers your cleaner on schedule and saves 10% on every order.

What mistakes should you avoid when cleaning artificial turf?

Skip bleach and harsh household chemicals, they can discolor blades and leave residue that is unfriendly to paws and bare feet. Avoid blasting the turf with high pressure, which can disturb infill and seams.

And skip fragrance only sprays. If it smells like perfume an hour after you spray, the odor source is still in the turf, which is why our formulas digest it instead. Turf in specialty settings has its own playbook, see our guides for residential pet turf and athletic fields.

Artificial turf cleaning FAQ

Can I use dish soap on artificial turf?

A mild soap rinse can lift surface dirt, but it does not remove pet odor and can leave sticky residue that attracts more dust. A purpose made turf cleaner is the safer bet.

How soon can pets go back on the turf?

Once the turf is dry. TurFresh formulas are made to be safe around kids and pets when used as directed.

Do I need different cleaners for indoor and outdoor turf?

The formulas work in both settings. We make dedicated products for special surfaces, like TurFit for gym turf and TurFore for putting greens.

What is the best turf cleaning product for dog urine odor?

BioS+ is our pick, its formula digests urine residue at the source. Read our full guide on getting dog urine smell out of artificial turf.