How to Clean Common Stains from Non-Infill Artificial Turf

Different stains require different cleaning approaches. A simple principle works for most situations:

Remove solids → absorb liquids → use water or a mild cleaner → rinse thoroughly → allow the turf to drain and dry.

1. Water-Based Stains: Drinks, Juice, Coffee and Food

Water-based stains are generally among the easiest to remove when treated promptly.

Recommended procedure:

1. Remove excess liquid with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel.
2. Rinse the affected area with clean water.
3. If residue remains, use a mild, neutral-pH detergent diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Gently brush the yarn with a soft nylon brush.
5. Rinse thoroughly to remove detergent residue.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing because repeated mechanical abrasion can gradually affect the yarn surface and protective finish.

For sports facilities, cleaning frequency should be based on traffic, weather, surrounding dust, and the type of activity rather than following a single universal schedule.

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2. Oil and Grease Stains

Examples include cooking oil, sunscreen, shoe polish, and some mechanical oils.

These stains are more difficult because they do not readily dissolve in water.

A practical procedure is:

• First absorb as much surface oil as possible.
• Apply a turf-compatible degreasing product recommended by the manufacturer.
• Test the cleaning product on a small inconspicuous area first.
• Gently wipe or brush the contaminated section.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Avoid gasoline, acetone, paint thinner, and other aggressive solvents unless the turf manufacturer specifically confirms compatibility.

Certain solvents can attack PE/PP yarns, coatings, seam adhesives, or backing materials.

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3. Chewing Gum and Adhesive Residue

Chewing gum, tape residue, and similar materials should not be forcibly pulled from the turf.

A safer approach is to cool and harden the material first, then carefully remove it.

For small areas:

1. Place an ice pack over the gum.
2. Allow the material to harden.
3. Carefully lift it with a rounded plastic scraper.
4. Clean remaining residue with a turf-compatible cleaner.
5. Rinse the area afterward.

Avoid metal blades and sharp tools because they can cut the yarn or damage the backing.

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4. Pet Waste and Other Organic Contamination

Pet-friendly artificial turf requires particular attention to organic contamination.

For solid waste:

1. Remove the solid material promptly.
2. Rinse the affected area with clean water.
3. Use a turf-compatible enzymatic cleaner when odor or organic residue remains.
4. Rinse again and allow the area to drain completely.

For pet areas, good drainage is particularly important. The absence of infill makes the system easier to flush, but the underlying drainage layer and base must also be properly designed.

For commercial or sports facilities, cleaning and disinfection products should always be selected according to the turf manufacturer’s compatibility recommendations.

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5. Ink, Paint and Other Persistent Pigments

Paint, ink, hair dye, and similar substances can be much more difficult to remove once they have dried.

The general strategy is:

Act quickly → absorb excess material → mechanically remove hardened residue carefully → use a compatible specialist cleaner → rinse thoroughly.

There is no guarantee that every pigment stain can be completely removed without discoloration. For valuable sports or landscape installations, testing the cleaning agent on a hidden section first is strongly recommended.