Turf Maintenance Guidelines

 
 

Introduction to Maintenance

 

Following these simple suggestions will significantly extend the life and performance of your product:

• Keep your turf clean

• No vehicle traffic, no heavy static loads, etc.

• Make all minor repairs to your surface promptly

• Clean surface regularly

 

 

Cleaning Products

 

Enzyme Cleaners-  SCOE 10X. Odormute, Odoban, PET Stain-Off! and others.  Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application.  These cleaners can be purchased from many online sources.
 
Vinegar- Use 5% white distilled vinegar and irrigate it through the surface.
 
Green Cleaners- Shaw R2X, Turf Renu or any type of cleaner that does not contain alcohol and is biodegradable, non-foaming, low suds products are best.
 
Degreasers and soapy cleaners- These can be used, however you must completely rinse these cleaners out of the turf. 
 
Dishwashing Liquid/household detergent- Dilute dishwashing liquid (1 teaspoon/gallon) with water.  Detergent (1 teaspoon/gallon) for spot cleaning.
 

 

Stains

 

Polypropylene or Polyethylene fibers are amongst the most stain resistant fibers known to man.  Therefore, most “stains” on Shaw Turf are not true stains but rather residues of foreign matter which must be promptly and thoroughly removed.
 
Most stains on polypropylene or polyethylene turf can be removed with water or soap and water.  The first rule is promptness.  It is much easier to clean up a fresh spill before it has time to harden.  Remove any solid or paste-like deposit promptly using a dull knife or spatula-like tool.  Blot up excess liquids with towels  

 

Water Borne Residues

 

Most “stains” commonly associated with polypropylene or polyethylene turf can be classified as “water borne” stains.  These stains are best removed using a warm mild solution of common household detergent and water. 

• Brush the residue with a stiff brush (not a wire brush).

• Scrub the area with soap and water

• Rinse the area thoroughly with clear water to remove all traces of soap.

• Dry with absorbent towels, if necessary.

 
A (3) three percent solution of ammonia in water may be used in lieu of household detergent for more stubborn residues or stains.
 
There are differences in maintenance between indoor and outdoor turf. 

 

Outdoor Maintenance Care

 

Daily care is on-going care, it does not necessarily mean care each and every day.  The amount and frequency of daily care is dependant on traffic volume and type of use. 

• Use a leaf blower to remove fallen leaves and pine straw and debris regularly.  These can trap moisture and prevent the turf from drying.

• Sanitize and deodorize as needed. 

• Hose down liquid contaminants with clean water. 

• During winter months and rainy seasons, irrigating is not necessary.  During dry summer months, irrigate surface periodically to wash away any contamination. 

• Substrates, such as concrete or wood, should be cleaned as needed.  Avoid cleaners with alcohol or harsh acids as these can damage the turf blades.  (Glue down installations should be cleaned and rinsed periodically).

 

Indoor Maintenance Care

 

As you can imagine, indoor care of PET turf will be slightly different than outdoor care.  You cannot flood the indoor turf with water.  Treat indoor turf the same as carpet. 

 

Daily Care

 

• Remove large debris by hand or with appropriate vacuum. 

• Depending on location, may be able to use a leaf blower.

• Spot clean as necessary using cleaning chemicals mentioned under the stain removal section above.

• Always rinse with water and extract remaining moisture using an appropriate  vacuum.

• Use air movers or fans to reduce drying time, when needed.

 

Deep Cleaning

 

• Remove large debris by hand or with appropriate vacuum. 

• Depending on location, may be able to use a leaf blower.

• Spot clean as necessary using cleaning chemicals mentioned under the stain removal section above.

• Using a pump sprayer, dilute dish washing liquid or mild detergent in water (approximately 1 teaspoon/gallon) and spray over entire area and let dwell 10 minutes. 

• A truck mount extractor may be used to rinse with water only and extract the cleaning solution and soil from turf. 

• Use air movers or fans to reduce drying time, when needed.