Understand the Game-Changing Benefits of Routine Turf Cleaning

Understand the Game-Changing Benefits of Routine Turf Cleaning 

Artificial turf is a durable, versatile, and convenient playing surface for athletes. Although synthetic grass is known to require less traditional maintenance than natural grass, in terms of mowing, weeding, etc., it still requires some care to mitigate the elements that affect the health, safety, and longevity of turf. A once-a-year deep cleaning may not offer a full year of disinfection coverage, considering the abundance of bacteria brought by adults, children, and even pets. 

 

Think about the average day on your synthetic turf. The morning may consist of warmups and training, including players involved in strenuous exercises across the turf. With the afternoons dedicated to drills and scrimmages, ensuring optimal player performance. After one day, the field has a significant amount of sweat, scuffs, and debris and is a host to multiple health risks, including harmful bacteria like E. Coli, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Candida Albicans, Aspergillus Brasiliensis, and more. 

Consider all the close contact players, coaches, and crew have had with the artificial turf! This can include dirt, body fluids, and even residues from athletic gear. Neglecting routine cleaning can lead to the buildup of harmful pathogens like MRSA, E. coli, and fungi, posing serious health risks. Furthermore, accumulated debris can affect the playing surface, leading to decreased traction and potential injuries. Regular cleaning is essential, not only for health and safety but also for maintaining the performance and longevity of the turf. 

Risks of Neglecting a Routine Cleaning and Maintenance Solution: 

Health and Safety of Players:  

Athletic fields and equipment are hotspots for various bacteria and viruses. Athletes are in constant contact with these surfaces, making them susceptible to infections that affect their health and performance.  

A leading example of common turf infection risks is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly referred to as MRSA. A 2020 study discovered that turf burns result in a 7-fold increase in MRSA infection risks compared with those who didn’t have scrapes. MRSA infections among high school and professional football players is as many as 160 and 400 times more than the general population. This bacterium can post a risk to athletes, especially if they have open wounds or cuts. 

Regular cleaning and disinfection are necessary to reduce the spread of harmful pathogens and ensure a safe playing environment. Heavily used turfs should be cleaned more frequently than 1-2 times per year. It is recommended an artificial turf cleaning solution cleans your turf once a month for every 100 people who step on it daily. When implementing the cleaning solution most fit for turf needs, consider the frequency of application cross referenced with the number of pathogen reduction. This is preferably done with a disinfectant cleaning while checking for safety precautions such as uneven surfaces. This should be in addition to your regular removal of debris and grooming to remove dust. 

 Longevity of the Field: 

Artificial turf is designed to be a resilient playing surface, lasting up to 20 years with average use. However, with the heavier use accounted with sporting facilities, the lifespan can be reduced to ten years. Synthetic turf is a significant investment that should be utilized to its fullest extent. Turf that’s not maintained correctly is subject to ruining to the point of replacing it entirely, due to factors such as matted turf, mildew, molding, split blades, and other problems. Routine cleaning ensures turf will last longer and prevent it from rapidly breaking down.  

Studies have shown that as turf becomes older, it is more susceptible to harmful bacteria. Taking preventative measures earlier and establishing proper maintenance, cleaning, and disinfection will be the best way to extend the lifespan.  

Recommendations: 

Considering how many people practice, play, and visit your artificial turf, it is challenging to determine what bacteria, visible or invisible, may be on your turf. Ensure your cleaning solution employs continuous action lasting between applications.  

We recommend Athletic Turf Wash’s proprietary NMSO/H2O2 solution, which is a combination of nano-metallic silver oxide hydrogen peroxide solution, tested at a major university and an FDA-approved lab. It ensures effectiveness in under 10 minutes and lasts for 5 weeks, with an easy monthly application process. 

When considering purchasing a turf wash solution: 

• Use appropriate cleaning solutions and equipment to avoid damage, discoloration and odors.  

• Use a disinfecting solution, preferably a nanoparticle solution that can penetrate deeper into surfaces to sterilize, limiting viral transmission and improving environmental safety.  

• Find a solution that fits your schedule and has an easy application process.  

• Keep your players safe. Soap-based cleaners leave a slick or sticky residue, upsetting players' natural traction. 

• Find a solution that is non-damaging to equipment. A solution that does not require PPE for application emphasizes user and environmental safety. 

About Athletic Turf Wash LLC 

Athletic Turf Wash LLC is a leading provider of advanced turf maintenance solutions, specializing in the use of cutting-edge Nano-Silver and H2O2 technology. Their products are proven on university artificial turf fields in a multiple year study to keep fields clean and safe for up to 5 weeks (even with heavy use) with just one application, helping to ensure safe and pristine athletic fields. Athletic Turf Wash serves sports teams and venues by enhancing the quality and safety of their playing surfaces, as part of their goal to support athlete performance and well-being. For more information, visit www.athleticturfwash.com or contact info@athleticturfwash.com.