You Paid £££ For Fake Grass To AVOID Maintenance…
So why are you spending weekends scrubbing moss off it? You installed artificial grass to eliminate lawn work, not create new problems. Yet here you are, on your hands and knees with a brush and bucket of vinegar, wondering if this is just life now.
The artificial grass moss trap:
- X Vinegar solutions need reapplying every few weeks
- X Manual scrubbing damages the turf fibres over time
- X DIY methods don’t stop moss coming back
- X You’re spending more time maintaining fake grass than you ever did real grass
- X That £2,000+ investment is looking green and slimy
Professional Solution = Zero Ongoing Hassle
Artificial grass installers use professional moss treatments that work in 24-48 hours and prevent regrowth for months. One application. No scrubbing. No recurring maintenance. Just clean, pristine turf like the day it was installed.
Get your weekends back:
CHECK Works in 24-48 hours (one treatment)
CHECK Safe for artificial grass fibres and backing
CHECK Prevents regrowth for months
CHECK No scrubbing, no damage, no weekly maintenance
*Stop the cycle. One treatment. Done.*
Want to try DIY methods first? Read the full guide below…
Why Is There Moss On My Artificial Grass?
You invested in artificial grass to avoid lawn maintenance headaches. So discovering green, slimy moss patches on your fake lawn feels like a betrayal, right?
Here’s the truth: moss doesn’t care whether your grass is real or fake. It just needs three things: moisture, shade, and something to cling to. Your artificial turf provides all three in the right conditions.
The good news? Moss on artificial grass is actually EASIER to deal with than moss on natural lawns. No soil to worry about, no grass to damage, and the cleaning process is straightforward once you know what you’re doing.
The Simple 3-Step Process to Remove Moss from Artificial Grass
Step 1: Remove the Bulk (5 minutes)
Start by manually pulling away any thick moss growth you can see. Don’t worry about being gentle – artificial grass is tougher than it looks.
What you need:
- Stiff brush or plastic rake
- Garden gloves (moss is slimy!)
What to do: Brush vigorously in different directions to loosen the moss from between the turf blades. Rake up the loose moss and bin it.
Step 2: Kill What’s Left (10 minutes active time)
Now you need to kill the moss that’s embedded in the turf backing and between the fibres.
Best option – Professional moss killer: Apply a non-oil-based artificial grass cleaner according to the bottle instructions. These are specifically formulated not to damage synthetic fibres and work in 24-48 hours.
Budget option – Vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray liberally over the affected areas. Let it sit for 2-3 hours before rinsing. (While vinegar does kill moss, professional products work faster and more thoroughly.)
Why NOT to use: Bleach (damages UV coating), oil-based products (makes grass slippery), or salt (doesn’t rinse away properly).
Step 3: Rinse and Dry (15 minutes)
After the moss killer has done its job, you need to wash everything away.
Use a pressure washer (low setting) or garden hose to thoroughly rinse the entire area. Pay extra attention to corners and edges where moss loves to hide.
Important: Let the grass dry completely before using it again. This usually takes 2-4 hours depending on weather.
How to Stop Moss Coming Back
Cleaning moss is one thing. Stopping it from returning is another. Here’s what actually works:
Fix Your Drainage
Moss needs moisture. If water pools on your artificial grass, moss will return no matter how many times you clean it.
Quick check: After rain, does water sit on the surface for hours? If yes, you have drainage issues.
The fix: Most artificial grass installations include a drainage layer underneath. If water isn’t draining, the issue is usually poor installation or compacted sub-base. You might need to lift a corner and check the base layer is still allowing water through.
Let in More Light
Moss thrives in shade. If your artificial grass is under trees or next to buildings that block sunlight, you’re fighting an uphill battle.
Quick wins:
- Trim back overhanging branches
- Remove any garden furniture or planters that create permanent shade spots
- Consider repositioning pots or other decorative items
Brush It Weekly
A 5-minute brush once a week prevents moss from getting established. Use a stiff broom or plastic rake and brush against the direction of the fibres to lift them up and remove debris.
Think of it like vacuuming your carpet – regular light maintenance beats occasional deep cleaning.
Clear Debris Immediately
Fallen leaves, pet hair, and organic matter create the perfect environment for moss spores to settle and grow.
After autumn storms: Use a leaf blower to clear the turf.
If you have pets: Rinse off solid waste immediately and hose down urine spots to prevent buildup.
What If The Moss Keeps Coming Back?
If you’ve cleaned, treated, and followed all the prevention steps but moss keeps returning, you likely have one of these underlying issues:
Poor quality artificial grass: Cheap turf often has inadequate drainage holes or backing material that traps moisture.
Installation problems: If the membrane beneath wasn’t installed correctly, water can’t escape properly.
Extreme shade: Some locations are just too shady for artificial grass to stay moss-free without constant maintenance.
In these cases, you might need to consider professional re-installation or choosing a more shaded-area-friendly product. The same principles that apply to killing moss and algae on other surfaces apply here – you need to address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Quick Troubleshooting
Q: Can I use a pressure washer?
A: Yes, but keep it on low setting (under 1500 PSI) and hold the nozzle at least 30cm away. High pressure can damage the turf backing.
Q: Is moss harmful to artificial grass?
A: Not directly, but it makes surfaces slippery and if left unchecked, can work its way into the backing material and cause deterioration over time.
Q: How often should I clean my artificial grass?
A: Light brush weekly, deep clean (with moss treatment) only when needed – usually 1-2 times per year for most installations.
Q: Will moss treatment harm pets?
A: Most artificial grass cleaners are pet-safe once dry (check the label). Vinegar solution is safe immediately after rinsing. Always keep pets off during treatment and drying.
The Bottom Line
Moss on artificial grass is annoying but fixable. The key is acting fast when you first spot it – a small patch takes 20 minutes to sort out, while a lawn covered in moss can take hours.
Follow the three-step process (remove, kill, rinse), then commit to the prevention basics (drainage, light, weekly brushing), and your artificial lawn will stay looking showroom-fresh for years.
And remember: if DIY methods aren’t cutting it or the moss keeps returning despite your best efforts, there’s no shame in calling in professionals or using a proper professional-grade moss killer designed for synthetic surfaces.
