Removing Stains from Artificial Turf: A Stain by Stain Chart

This page is for anyone facing a fresh or dried stain on turf. It gives a quick chart by stain type, then a method for each, plus the general rules that keep cleaning from doing more harm than the stain. For sticky messes such as gum, sap and motor oil, see gum, sap and oil.

Why do stains come out of turf more easily than carpet?

Most residential turf fibers are polyethylene, a non-porous plastic that resists absorbing liquids. Stains usually sit on the surface of the fibers or soak into the infill and backing rather than dyeing the fibers themselves. That is good news: many stains that would be permanent on carpet or natural grass will rinse off turf. The risk is mostly in using the wrong cleaner, which can damage fibers, backing or infill more than the stain did. See fiber types for why polyethylene and nylon behave differently.

Stain removal chart for artificial turf

What are the general rules for removing stains from turf?

Before you start, a few rules apply to almost every stain:

1. Act quickly. Fresh stains are easier than dried ones, and liquids soak into infill over time.
2. Remove excess first. Scrape solids with a plastic spatula or blot liquids with paper towels. Do not rub; it spreads the stain.
3. Start mild. Try water, then a dish soap solution, before anything stronger.
4. Test strong cleaners. Try alcohol, vinegar or mineral spirits on a small hidden area first.
5. Rinse thoroughly. Residue from any cleaner attracts dirt or can harm backing and infill.
6. Work from outside in. This stops a stain from spreading as you clean.

What to avoid on any stain: acetone, bleach at full strength, strong acids, paint strippers, and heat sources such as heat guns. Our products to avoid page explains why.

How do you remove food and drink stains?

Food: Scrape off solids with a plastic utensil. Spray or pour a dish soap solution, scrub gently with a soft brush, and rinse. Greasy foods may need a second round.

Wine, coffee, tea and juice: Blot as much as possible immediately. Flush with cold water. Apply dish soap solution, scrub, and rinse. For lingering color, a solution of about one part white vinegar to two parts water applied for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinsed often lifts tannin stains. Repeat if needed.

How do you remove blood stains from turf?

Blood is a protein stain. Hot water cooks proteins and makes them bind more firmly, so always use cold water.

1. Blot excess.
2. Flush with cold water.
3. Apply an enzyme cleaner (protease enzymes break down blood proteins) or a cold dish soap solution.
4. Let dwell 10 to 15 minutes, then gently brush.
5. Rinse with cold water. Repeat if needed.

If the blood came from an injury or illness, a disinfecting step afterward may be appropriate. See disinfecting and bacteria. Enzyme cleaners are covered in enzyme cleaners.

How do you remove paint from artificial turf?

Paint is the stain most likely to be permanent, so speed matters.

Water-based paint (latex, acrylic, poster paint): While wet, wipe off excess and rinse with lots of water and dish soap. Dried water-based paint can sometimes be loosened with soaking and gentle scraping using a plastic scraper. If small areas of fiber tip remain coated, carefully trimming the tips with scissors is often the cleanest fix.

Oil-based paint and spray paint: Blot excess. Apply a small amount of mineral spirits to a cloth (not directly to the turf) and dab the affected fibers. Work in small areas. Follow immediately with a dish soap wash and thorough rinse. Use mineral spirits sparingly; they can harm some backings and coated infills if they soak through. See gum, sap and oil for solvent cautions.

Field marking paints used on sports turf are formulated for turf and come off with specific removers; follow the paint manufacturer's directions.

How do you remove ink and marker from turf?

Ballpoint, felt tip and permanent markers contain dyes in solvents. Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol dissolves most of them.

1. Blot any wet ink.
2. Dampen a cloth with isopropyl alcohol (70 percent is fine).
3. Dab the stain, moving to a clean area of the cloth often.
4. Do not pour alcohol directly onto turf.
5. Wash with dish soap solution and rinse.

Test alcohol in an inconspicuous area first. It is generally safe on polyethylene fibers in small amounts, but repeated heavy use could affect some fiber coatings or colorants.

How do you remove crayon and wax?

Crayon and candle wax are mostly wax and pigment. Heat would melt them into the turf and risks melting the fibers. Instead, cool them.

1. Hold ice in a sealed bag on the wax until it is brittle.
2. Break it off with a plastic spatula or your fingers.
3. Remove any remaining residue with dish soap and a soft brush.
4. Rinse.

Never use a hair dryer, iron or heat gun to melt wax out of turf.

How do you remove grease stains from turf?

Fresh cooking oil or grease can be absorbed before it spreads.

1. Sprinkle an absorbent (unscented clay cat litter, baking soda or cornstarch) over the spot.
2. Let it sit 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Sweep or vacuum up the absorbent.
4. Wash with dish soap solution in warm water and scrub gently.
5. Rinse thoroughly.

Dish soap is designed to break down grease and is safe on turf. Barbecue areas often need regular degreasing; a grill mat under the barbecue prevents most spills. Motor oil and heavier petroleum products are covered on the gum, sap and oil page.

Our rule: escalate one step at a time

The most common way stain removal goes wrong is jumping straight to strong solvents. Our rule is a three-step ladder: water, then soap, then targeted solvent, and only move up a step after the previous one has clearly failed. Most stains stop at step two. If a stain survives step three, trimming the affected fiber tips is usually safer than stronger chemicals.

For broader cleaning, see how to clean artificial turf. For around pools, chlorine and other chemicals have their own considerations, covered in pool chemicals and turf.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a carpet stain remover on artificial turf?

Some carpet cleaners are fine, but many contain solvents, optical brighteners, or oxidizers designed for nylon or wool. Check ingredients, avoid anything with acetone, strong solvents or bleach, and test on a small hidden area. Mild, water-based, pH-neutral products are safest. Rinse well afterward, because residue left in infill can attract dirt or irritate pets.

Will rust stains come out of turf?

Rust stains from metal furniture or tools can be difficult. A diluted solution of oxalic acid or a mild rust remover labeled safe for plastics may help, applied to a small area and rinsed thoroughly. Lemon juice is a milder option. Avoid strong acids that could harm backing or infill. Prevention with furniture pads or non-rusting furniture is easier.

Do stains come out of turf infill?

Infill can hold stains, especially light-colored coated sand. Often, flushing and an appropriate cleaner will clear it. If not, the simplest fix is to remove the top layer of stained infill with a shop vacuum or small scoop and replace it with fresh infill of the same type, then brush it in. The infill calculator helps size larger replacements.

Can I bleach a stain on artificial turf?

Avoid full-strength bleach. Polyethylene fibers are fairly resistant, but bleach can fade colorants, weaken some backings and coatings, harm nearby plants, and is unsafe for pets until fully rinsed. A heavily diluted bleach solution may be used for disinfection in specific situations, but it is not an effective general stain remover for turf.