If you’ve ever used Simple Green for cleaning, you might wonder, will simple green kill grass? It’s a common question for homeowners who want a clean driveway without harming their lawn. The short answer is yes, it can. Simple Green is a powerful cleaner, not a selective herbicide, and its ingredients can damage or kill grass with direct, concentrated application.
This article explains how Simple Green affects your lawn, how to use it safely outdoors, and what to do if you have a spill. We’ll cover everything you need to know to protect your grass while tackling tough outdoor cleaning jobs.
Will Simple Green Kill Grass
Understanding why Simple Green is a risk to your lawn starts with its formula. It’s an all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner designed to break down grease, grime, and oils. While “non-toxic” means it’s safer for pets and people than harsh chemicals, it doesn’t mean it’s safe for plants. The surfactants and cleaning agents that lift dirt can also strip protective coatings from grass blades and disrupt the soil balance.
When applied full-strength, it acts as a non-selective herbicide, meaning it can harm any plant it touches, including your grass, flowers, and shrubs. The effect depends on the concentration, the amount applied, and the grass type. A small splash might cause temporary yellowing, but a large, concentrated spill can lead to dead, brown patches.
How Simple Green Damages Lawn Grass
Let’s break down the specific ways Simple Green can hurt your lawn:
* Chemical Burn: The concentrated solution can literally burn grass blades and stems on contact, causing them to wilt, turn yellow, and then brown.
* Soil Contamination: Soaking into the soil, it can affect the delicate ecosystem of microbes and earthworms that keep soil healthy. This can hinder grass growth long after the initial spill.
* Moisture Loss: The surfactants can reduce the surface tension of water on grass blades, potentially leading to faster dehydration in the sun.
* pH Disruption: While relatively mild, any foreign substance can alter soil pH, stressing the grass and making it vulnerable to disease or weeds.
Safe Alternatives for Weed Control in Lawns
If your goal is to kill weeds in your lawn, Simple Green is not the right tool. It will kill the weed and the grass around it. Instead, consider these safer, targeted methods:
* Selective Herbicides: Products labeled for lawn use (like those containing 2,4-D or dicamba) target broadleaf weeds without harming grass. Always follow label instructions.
* Natural Weed Killers: A spray of diluted vinegar (acetic acid) can work for driveway cracks but is also non-selective. For lawn weeds, manual removal is often safest.
* Boiling Water: Effective for weeds in patios or walkways, but never use on your lawn as it will scald the grass.
* Proper Lawn Care: A thick, healthy lawn is the best weed deterrent. Regular mowing, feeding, and watering helps grass outcompete weeds naturally.
How to Use Simple Green Outdoors Without Hurting Your Lawn
You can use Simple Green for cleaning patios, decks, and driveways adjacent to your lawn if you take precautions. The key is preventing runoff and overspray onto grass areas.
Follow these steps for safe outdoor use:
1. Dilute the Solution: Always follow the dilution instructions on the bottle for outdoor cleaning. Using it full-strength increases the risk to plants.
2. Protect Surrounding Grass: Wet the grass along the edges of your work area with plain water. This can help dilute any accidental overspray. You can also lay down plastic sheeting or cardboard as a physical barrier.
3. Apply Carefully: Use a pump sprayer or brush for targeted application. Avoid spraying on windy days where drift can reach your lawn.
4. Control Runoff: When rinsing, try to direct the wastewater away from lawn areas and into a gravel border or drain.
5. Rinse Immediately: If any product gets on your grass, rinse the area thoroughly with a garden hose as soon as possible to dilute it.
Emergency Steps: What to Do If You Spill Simple Green on Your Lawn
Accidents happen. If you spill or spray concentrated Simple Green on your grass, quick action can minimize the damage.
1. Blot Up Excess: Use old towels or rags to gently blot up any pooled liquid. Don’t rub, as this pushes it deeper.
2. Flush the Area: Immediately soak the area with a gentle stream from your hose. Flush it for at least 10-15 minutes to dilute the cleaner and help it percolate down below the root zone.
3. Monitor the Spot: Over the next few days, the grass may show signs of stress. Continue to water the area deeply with plain water to help flush the soil.
4. Assess and Repair: If the grass dies, you’ll need to repair the patch. Remove the dead turf, loosen the soil, add some fresh topsoil, and reseed or lay new sod. Giving the area a little extra care can help it recover faster.
Cleaning Lawn Furniture and Tools Safely
What about cleaning items that sit on your lawn, like furniture or mower decks? Here’s how to do it safely:
* Move Off the Lawn: Always move items onto a driveway, patio, or gravel area before cleaning them with any product, including Simple Green.
* Contain the Runoff: Clean the item in a location where the runoff won’t pool on grass. Let it dry completely before returning it to the lawn.
* For Mower Decks: Cleaning your mower deck is important for lawn health, but do it over a hard surface. The clippings and cleaner mix that falls out can harm the grass if done on the lawn itself.
Pre-Treatment Tips for Stubborn Stains Near Grass
For oil or grease stains on an asphalt driveway near your lawn, a targeted approach is best. Apply the diluted Simple Green directly to the stain with a brush, keeping it confined. Let it sit for the recommended time without letting it puddle or run off. Then, rinse cautiously toward the street or a drain.
Long-Term Lawn Health and Chemical Exposure
Repeated, small exposures to cleaning chemicals can have a cumulative effect on your lawn’s edge. It can lead to thin, weak grass that weeds easily invade. Being consistent with your protective habits—like using barriers and diluting properly—will keep your lawn’s border as healthy as the center.
FAQ: Simple Green and Lawn Safety
Q: Is diluted Simple Green safe for grass?
A: A properly diluted rinse from cleaning your patio is unlikely to cause major harm if it briefly contacts a healthy lawn. However, direct application of even diluted solution is not recommended, as it’s not formulated for plants.
Q: Will Simple Green kill grass permanently?
A: A one-time, small spill that is rinsed quickly may only cause temporary damage. Large or repeated exposures can kill grass permanently, requiring patching or reseeding.
Q: What is in Simple Green that kills plants?
A: The primary risk comes from the surfactants (surface-active agents). They break down oils and can disrupt the protective layers on plant cells, leading to dehydration and death.
Q: Is Simple Green safer for lawns than bleach?
A: Both are harmful to grass in concentrate. Simple Green is less toxic to soil microbes than bleach, but both should be kept off your lawn whenever possible. Bleach is generally more persistant in the soil.
Q: Can I use Simple Green to kill moss on my lawn?
A: It is not effective or recommended for moss control. Moss indicates other lawn issues like shade, poor drainage, or low soil pH. Use moss-specific treatments or address the underlying conditions.
Q: How long does Simple Green stay in soil?
A: It is biodegradable and breaks down relatively quickly compared to harsher chemicals. With thorough flushing, its active impact on soil is short-term, but heavy contamination can have lingering effects.
In summary, while Simple Green is a fantastic household cleaner, it is not friendly to your lawn in its concentrated form. Treat it with the same caution you would any chemical around your grass. By using it carefully, diluting it correctly, and acting fast if spills occur, you can keep your outdoor surfaces clean and your lawn thriving. Always remember that the best way to avoid damage is prevention—protecting your grass should be the first step in any outdoor cleaning project.