Rubber Grass Mat Maintenance Guide (Seasonal Checklist + Cleaning Tips)

Rubber grass mats are a robust, cost-effective solution for ground protection, but their performance depends entirely on the health of the ecosystem they sit on. This guide outlines the specific maintenance cycles and technical standards required to maximize the lifespan of your installation.

Maintenance & Inspection Schedule

To ensure safety and durability, follow this frequency guide:

Task	Frequency	Focus
Visual Safety Check	Monthly	Look for loose pegs, snapped cable ties, or "mat creep."
Deep Cleaning	Quarterly	Remove silt and organic biofilm to maintain slip resistance.
Hardware Tightening	Bi-Annually	Hammer down pegs shifted by "frost heave" or heavy traffic.
Soil Aeration	Annually	Relieve soil compaction through the mat holes (best done in Spring).

Advanced Cleaning: Technical Standards

Rain alone will not prevent the buildup of slippery algae or silt. When performing a deep clean, adhere to these specifications:

Pressure Washing (The PSI Limit)

⚠️ Important: Using the wrong setting can strip the rubber or destroy the grass roots.

• Ideal Setting: 1,200 to 1,500 PSI.
• The Technique: Use a 40-degree wide-spray nozzle (usually color-coded white). Keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the surface.
• Warning: Avoid "Turbo" or "0-degree" nozzles, as these can exert over 3,000 PSI and may slice the rubber.

Chemical Care & Product Recommendations

⚠️ Critical: Standard detergents or bleach can cause "blooming" (white discoloration) and structural brittleness. Always use pH-Neutral cleaners.

Top Recommendations:

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
Highly effective and biodegradable/safe for grass.
Zep Neutral Floor Cleaner
Designed specifically for rubber and synthetic surfaces.
Method or Ecover Dish Soap
Readily available options that are gentle enough for the underlying turf.

Application Method: Dilute the cleaner in a bucket of warm water, scrub with a stiff-bristled broom, and rinse thoroughly.

The Seasonal Maintenance Calendar

🌱 Spring: The Rejuvenation Phase

✓ Inspect Hardware: Check every peg. If a peg is protruding more than 5mm, hammer it flush to prevent mower damage.
✓ Overseed: Sprinkle a hard-wearing seed (like Perennial Ryegrass) directly through the holes.

☀️ Summer: Growth & Usage

✓ Mowing Height: Set your deck to 60mm – 75mm (2.5 – 3 inches).
✓ Hydration: If the ground cracks during a heatwave, the mats will shift. Water the area to keep the soil volume stable.

🍂 Autumn: Drainage Management

✓ Bio-Debris: Use a leaf blower or rake monthly. Rotting leaves create a slick "sludge" that is the #1 cause of slips.
✓ Cable Ties: Check every 1–2 meters. Replace any ties that have become brittle from UV exposure.

❄️ Winter: Safety First

✓ Ice Care: Avoid rock salt. For traction, use Kiln-Dried Sand. It provides grip and can be brushed into the mat holes to help with drainage later.

Grass Health: Mowing & Soil Care

Best Practices for Grass Maintenance

Mower Entry:
Always approach the mat area straight-on. Never turn the mower's front wheels while they are resting on the mat, as the "scuffing" motion can tear the rubber rings.
Aeration:
Using a manual spike aerator, aim for 3–4 holes per mat "cell" once a year to ensure the soil doesn't become a hard, impermeable crust.

Storage & Longevity

If Removing Mats for the Winter:

Pressure Wash at 1,500 PSI to remove all mud.
Dry Completely to prevent "black spot" mold.
Roll Tight: Secure with a bungee cord. Never stack mats flat for long-term storage, as the weight can compress the bottom mats, making them wavy and uneven when redeployed.

Troubleshooting FAQ

Q: Why have my mats become slippery?

A: This is "Biofilm" (algae/bacteria). Use a 1,500 PSI wash with a pH-neutral cleaner. If the area is permanently shaded, consider a specialized "Wet & Forget" moss killer that is safe for rubber.

Q: My pegs keep popping out; what should I do?

A: This usually happens in sandy or very soft soil. Switch to longer 250mm ribbed pegs or use galvanized steel J-pins for a more permanent anchor.

Q: Is it okay to use a snow blower?

A: Only if the snow blower has plastic skids or a "rubber shave plate." Metal augers will destroy the mats instantly.