An artificial turf lawn can make your life a lot easier because turf doesn’t require much care to maintain its beautiful, manicured appearance. But you will still need to be on the lookout for mold, mildew, and other bacteria that could create a health hazard if allowed to linger on your lawn, particularly if you have small children. Keeping the outdoor space at your home safe and hygienic means cleaning mold and mildew on artificial turf as soon as you spot it.
Continue reading to learn what causes mold and mildew on artificial turf, as well as the steps you can take to protect against bacteria.
What Causes Mold, Mildew, Fungus, and Bacteria on Artificial Grass?
The main causes of mold, mildew, and other bacteria on artificial grass include the following:
- Too much shade / not enough sunlight.
- High humidity.
- Pet waste and urine.
- Overwatering and rain.
The best way to avoid mold and mildew on an artificial grass lawn is to make sure that the lawn is installed by experts who know how to set up an effective drainage system so that water and excess moisture do not accumulate or get trapped just below the surface. Beyond that, you will want to do occasional spot cleaning of any affected areas of the artificial turf.
Lack of Sunlight Can Cause Mold on Artificial Turf
Mold and mildew are more likely to grow in shaded areas. If certain sections of the artificial lawn are blocked off from sunlight, bacteria can become a problem. So, you need to be aware of any large accessories or objects that have been placed on the lawn, such as tables, chairs, sports equipment, children’s toys, pet play toys, etc. From time to time, move these objects around so that they are not always in the same place on the grass.
Additionally, you should make sure that trees or bushes near the lawn are adequately trimmed so that sufficient sunlight can get through.
High Humidity in Colorado Causes Mold to Grow on Artificial Grass
Another reason mold and mildew might grow on artificial grass is too much moisture. Colorado typically has a dry climate, but the air can still get extremely humid in the summer when temperatures rise. If you live in a part of the state with high humidity during hotter months, your artificial turf lawn is more vulnerable to mold and mildew growth.
Pet Waste Can Trigger Mold and Bacterial Growth on Artificial Grass
If you have dogs or other pets that play on your artificial grass lawn or on pet turf installed in your backyard, it is important for you to clean up any waste or urine soon after the animals relieve themselves. You can use a hose or liberally apply water to the affected area of the turf and then confirm that the surface has dried. This will ensure that the turf is sanitized, protect against bacterial growth, and eliminate offensive odors.
Too Much Water Can Produce Harmful Bacteria on Synthetic Turf
Don’t overwater your artificial grass lawn. Artificial grass does not require much if any water to maintain its stunning appearance, but you may still occasionally want to use water to clean the surface and clear away dirt. Of course, it is important not to use too much water because that can lead to mildew and mold. On a related note, make sure that any nearby sprinklers or hoses aren’t accidentally causing water to accumulate on the surface of your artificial lawn.
Additionally, after heavy rainfall, you should make sure that any water that has accumulated on your artificial lawn evaporates. In some cases, you may want to use a leaf blower or a strong fan to accelerate the process of drying out the turf.
How to Clean Mold on Artificial Grass
One of the best ways to clean mold is with either hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar mixed with water. You should use one (1) part of hydrogen peroxide for every 10 parts of water. If you use white vinegar to clean mold from the turf, you should mix the vinegar and water into equal parts. After applying the cleaning solution to the surface, allow it to sit and soak for 10-20 minutes before rinsing. If necessary for unusually difficult-to-clean areas, repeat the process.
If common household cleaning products don’t completely remove the mold, you might need to use commercial mold removal products. These bleach-based products are extremely powerful, which is why they are often utilized by professionals to quickly kill mold and mildew.
Drainage Protects Against Mold and Mildew on Synthetic Turf
The best way to protect against mold and mildew on synthetic turf is to be proactive and make sure the turf is installed with a good drainage system: it should have a fully permeable backing to provide stability, as well as textured thatch that makes it easy for water to flow down from the surface. Effective drainage will also ensure that the turf gets good airflow, which can keep moisture from getting trapped in tight areas just under the surface.
Talk to the Artificial Turf Experts at Artificial Grasscapes of Castle Rock
The synthetic turf experts at Artificial Grasscapes of Castle Rock can answer any questions you might have about artificial grass installation, cleaning, or products. We are the #1 provider of artificial grass services throughout Colorado.
Call 720-425-6437 or fill out the online contact form below.
