How to Maintain Artificial Grass When it Rains

Living in the UK with an artificial lawn means having to deal with the unpredictability of the weather. From heavy rainfall to sun showers and scorching summer days, it can be (understandably) difficult to keep track of how to maintain artificial grass in the UK and keep it in top condition throughout the seasons. 

We understand there can be some confusion on how to manage your fake grass with all these factors to consider, but there’s no need to panic – we’ve got you covered. In this simple guide, we’ll answer some common questions about cleaning artificial grass, break down what rain does to your artificial lawn, and how to make sure you’re prepared for all scenarios – rain or shine… or pet messes!

Why Rain Isn’t Always a Blessing

It may seem like a pointless question on the surface, but asking yourself what happens to artificial grass when it rains is the first step to preventing inconveniences down the line. 

Artificial grass gathers up dust and dirt over time, often aggravated by heavier foot traffic and pets. But the good news is:  

When it rains, a lot of the buildup of dirt and other debris is rinsed away with the rainfall, essentially serving as a natural artificial grass cleaner!

The bad news is:

Rain can cause urine and other lingering waste to spread over a larger area of your lawn.

Rain can also activate any hidden odours, especially if you have pets. While fake grass is a low-maintenance, stylish alternative to natural turf, any odour from pet waste, if not immediately cleaned, can linger in your lawn.

If you don’t have an artificial grass drainage system, water can pool and promote algae growth and damage the turf over time.  

So, while rain can be a friend to your artificial lawn, it needs to be paired with some simple but regular artificial grass cleaning habits. This includes some essential cleaning tools. 

Must-Have Turf Cleaning Tools (Rain Edition)

If rainfall is already washing away dirt and debris, should you water artificial grass? You won’t have to deal with the hassle of regularly watering your turf to help it grow, but you now know that rain alone isn’t enough to keep your lawn fully clean. You need to pair it with some essential tools. 

Artificial Grass Cleaning Essentials

• Hose (ideally with a spray nozzle)
• Artificial grass rake
• Enzyme cleaners – deodorisers and sanitisers 

Check out our full range of artificial grass accessories for underlay, grass pins, and more. 

To keep your lawn fresher for longer: 

• Give your lawn a quick rinse with your hose after your pets have done their business. This will keep the odours at bay when it rains. If you need a bit more, add some of our LawnClenZ PeeClenz Artificial Grass Deodoriser to completely remove odours left behind from urine. For number 2s, try our LawnClenZ PoopClenz Artificial Grass Sanitiser.
• Occasionally rinse your artificial grass to wash away dirt and debris. You can do this once a week or more depending on usage.
• Use our Telescopic Artificial Grass Rake to remove tougher debris like moss and leaves. We recommend this rake because the soft bristles effectively remove debris without damaging the turf, unlike metal rakes. It even helps lift the blades to make it look even fresher. 

Weekly Turf Maintenance Checklist

After Rainfall

• Inspect for puddling – Check for areas where water may be pooling. This could signal a drainage issue or flattened infill.
• Brush fibres upward – Rain can flatten grass blades. You can use the Telescopic Artificial Grass Rake to fluff up the pile and encourage airflow for drying.
• Sniff check – If you notice any musty or urine smells after rain, lightly treat with enzyme cleaner or a vinegar solution.

Daily (for Pet Owners)

• Remove solid waste – Scoop and bin any pet mess as soon as possible to avoid staining and smell.
• Rinse urine spots – Quickly rinse down with water or a diluted enzyme of your choosing. You can also use the LawnClenZ PeeClenz Artificial Grass Deodoriser.

Weekly

• Light brushing – Use a stiff brush or power broom to redistribute infill, lift fibres, and remove surface debris like leaves or twigs.
• Quick rinse – Hose down the entire turf if it's dry, or post-rain if it smells. Helps dislodge dust, pollen, and hidden residues.
• Odour control – If you have pets, apply an enzyme-based deodoriser to prevent ammonia build-up.

Monthly (or Biweekly for Heavy Use Areas)

• Edge inspection – Check the perimeter for any lifted seams or displaced infill due to water or traffic.
• Deep rinse – Use a hose-end cleaning attachment with diluted enzyme or turf cleaner for a thorough flush-through.
• Check drainage – Especially in the rainy UK, confirm water is draining freely. Stagnant turf can lead to moss or mould issues.

Read our full artificial grass maintenance guide for insights on the best ways to care for your lawn. 

Understanding Drainage: Rain’s Role in Turf Care

Does rainwater drain through artificial grass?

The best artificial grasses come with built-in drainage holes in the latex backing to help drain heavy rain through to the soil beneath. If you’ve installed artificial grass under concrete, the water should drain through drainage holes or specially built channels in the concrete that lead the water to a permeable layer like gravel, for example, and then into the ground. 

Good and bad drainage can be the difference between a well-functioning and fresh-looking artificial lawn and a poor one. 

If you want more information, you can read our full guide on proper drainage in wet climates. 

Your Common Questions About Artificial Grass Cleaning When it Rains

What happens to artificial grass when it rains?

Our artificial grass is designed with a permeable backing and built-in drainage holes to allow rainwater to easily pass through into the ground below. A light downpour can actually help rinse away dust and minor debris, but if there's poor drainage underneath, rain can pool, and cause pungent odours or moss to form.

Is it okay to jet wash artificial grass?

Of course, so long as it's done with care. A jet wash on a low-pressure setting can be really handy for deep cleaning, especially after storms or if you're dealing with pet odours. Just make sure the nozzle is at a slight angle and avoid blasting seams or edges directly to prevent any lifting.

How do I maintain artificial grass in rainy UK weather?

Rainy UK weather can actually help a bit! Just:

• Remove leaves and debris regularly with an especially-made rake for artificial grass
• Rinse urine spots promptly if you have pets
• Brush the grass to keep the blades upright
• Use enzyme cleaners every now and then to prevent odours
• Check your drainage is functioning and your infill isn't blocking the holes after heavy rain
• A quick 10-minute tidy-up weekly goes a long way

Does rainwater drain through artificial grass?

The best artificial grass should – absolutely. Our artificial grasses have drainage holes and a permeable backing that allows water to pass through to the sub-base below. If yours isn't draining well, check if the infill or any debris is blocking the holes. Otherwise, the issue may lie beneath the grass itself. If water pooled there before you installed your fake grass then the issue will remain after the grass is installed.

How do you dry artificial grass after rain?

In most cases, you won't need to do anything. If your artificial grass drainage system is functioning, it should dry naturally with airflow and a bit of sunshine. If you need to speed things up, give it a light brush to lift the blades and help moisture evaporate, and avoid walking on it too much when it's soaked to protect the infill.

Should you water artificial grass even when it rains?

Yes and no. One of the greatest benefits of fake grass is that it doesn't need to be consistently watered to stay healthy. That said, a light hose down can help remove dust or cool it in the hot summer months. And if you have pets, rinsing off urine areas or using a turf-safe cleaner is a good idea to keep things fresh and hygienic. The good thing about rain is that it can help wash away some of this build-up of dust and debris – and with regular but minor maintenance, this can be a huge benefit. 

Artificial Grass and Rainy UK Weather: A Match Made in Heaven? 

While rain and grass as a duo can often be associated with waterlogging, weed growth, fungal and algae growth, muddy surfaces, and a whole host of other inconveniences for garden owners – it’s very much the opposite with artificial grass, which is why it’s so suitable for UK conditions. 

Artificial grass doesn’t get muddy, and with quality artificial grass, infill, weed membranes, and artificial grass drainage systems in place, waterlogging and weed growth are an issue of the past. 

Say goodbye to muddy lawns and keep your garden or backyard in pristine condition all year round with our range of artificial grasses in a range of thicknesses and styles – all with built-in drainage holes! Plus, get your hands on up to six samples of any of our grasses to test out how it looks before committing to a style. Browse our artificial grasses today to upgrade your outdoor space without any of the hassle attached!