How to Clean Artificial Grass After a Storm: A Step-by-Step Guide

Storm season in Queensland and across much of Australia brings heavy rain, strong winds and a backyard full of debris. Artificial grass handles the weather well, but leaves, twigs, bark, seed pods and fine grit get blown in and trapped deep between the fibres. Left there, that debris holds moisture, breaks down, stains the turf and gives weeds and moss somewhere to grow.

The good news is that a proper post-storm clean-up only takes a little time. Here's how to do it.

1. Wait for the surface to dry

Wet leaves clump together and stick to the fibres, and they're much harder to lift. Give the lawn a day or so to drain and dry if you can. Artificial grass drains quickly, so you rarely have to wait long.

2. Clear the big stuff by hand

Pick up any branches, palm fronds, large sticks and anything sharp before you start sweeping. Large debris can jam a sweeper or damage the brush, and it only takes a minute to clear.

3. Sweep out the leaves and fine debris

This is where most of the work is, and where a rake or leaf blower falls short. A rake drags across the top and can flatten the fibres. A blower pushes leaves around but leaves the fine grit, crushed leaf and seed pods down in the infill.

A powered artificial lawn sweeper uses a rotating brush to lift the fibres and flick debris up into a collection bag, so you're picking it up rather than moving it around. Use it like a vacuum cleaner: push forward and pull back in overlapping strokes as you work across the lawn in rows. That forward-and-back motion is what gets the best pickup. Empty the bag as it fills.

Not sure which size suits your yard? As a rough guide:

• Small courtyards and edges (up to 75 m²): the cordless Garland 141W
• Smaller backyards (up to 150 m²): the corded Garland 302E
• Medium to large backyards (up to 350 m²): the cordless Garland 402W
• Larger lawns (up to 400 m²): the corded Garland 502E
• Schools, childcare and big open areas (above 200 m²): the cordless Garland 602W

4. Brush the fibres back upright

Heavy rain and debris can flatten the pile, especially in high-traffic areas. A few extra forward-and-back strokes over those spots helps stand the fibres back up, so the lawn looks full and even again. A powered sweeper does this as it goes.

5. Check drainage and edges

Look along fence lines, garden edges and drainage points for built-up mud or silt. Clear anything blocking water from running off, and rinse muddy patches with a hose once the debris is gone.

6. Rinse if needed

A light hose-down washes away dust and pollen and freshens the turf. Do this after sweeping, not before, so you're not turning loose debris into mud.

Make it routine through storm season

A quick sweep after each storm, rather than one big clean at the end of the season, keeps debris from breaking down into the infill. It also makes every clean-up faster. Most owners find a sweep every week or two through the stormy months keeps the lawn looking new.

Get set up before the next storm

All our Garland sweepers are stocked in Brisbane and shipped Australia-wide. Freight is calculated live at checkout from your postcode, so you see the exact cost before you pay, with no quote forms. Brisbane pickup is available by appointment.

Browse the Garland range or send us a message if you'd like help choosing the right size for your yard.