For a padel court, preferably choose a compact sweeper or a sweep-scrub combination with soft brushes suitable for artificial turf. Sweepers are ideal for daily maintenance to remove sand and dirt, while scrubbers clean deeper without damaging the artificial turf or sand fill. Consider maneuverability, suction and compatibility with artificial turf-friendly cleaners. The limited space of a padel court requires a machine with a working width between 50 and 70 cm.
Padel courts require special maintenance because the artificial grass with sand infill has different challenges than regular floors. The sand moves due to intensive use, creating uneven spots. Dirt and dust accumulate between the synthetic fibers, which standard cleaning methods cannot properly remove.
Artificial grass on padel courts consists of synthetic fibers filled with sand. This provides proper playing conditions and cushioning. With intensive use, this sand gets displaced and mixes with dirt, dust and organic material. An ordinary broom or garden hose will not remove this dirt, as it remains between the fibers.
In addition, moisture and dirt can lead to bacteria growth and a slippery surface. This affects not only the playing experience, but also player safety. Regular and thorough cleaning with the right equipment prevents these problems and significantly extends the life of your artificial turf.
Three main types of machines are suitable for padel courts: sweepers for daily maintenance, scrubbers for deeper cleaning and sweep-scrub combinations that combine both functions. Each type has specific advantages depending on your cleaning needs and frequency of use.
Sweepers are perfect for daily removal of sand, dust and small debris from the padel court. They work with brushes that sweep the surface and collect the dirt in a dirt bin. A compact padel machine with a working width of around 51 cm and a capacity of about 2,600 m² per hour is ideal for the limited space of a padel court. The advantage is that you work quickly and efficiently without using water.
Scrubbers go a step further by using water and detergent for deeper cleaning. They remove stubborn dirt and stains that have settled between the synthetic fibers. For artificial turf, soft brushes are necessary to prevent damage. The downside is that after scrubbing, you have to wait for the court to dry before it is playable again.
Sweep-scrub combinations offer the best of both worlds. They first sweep up the loose dirt and then scrub the floor clean, while immediately vacuuming out the dirty water. This saves time and provides a more thorough result in one pass. For padel courts, compact models are most practical because of space limitations and the presence of glass walls.
The choice depends on the size of your job, frequency of use and type of artificial turf. A standard 200 m² padel court requires a compact machine with good maneuverability. For intensive use with several courts per day, a sweeper-scrub combination pays off, while for one recreational court, a simple sweeper is often sufficient.
When selecting, pay attention to the brush type. Soft brushes are necessary for artificial turf to avoid damaging the fibers and moving the sand around too much. Hard brushes suitable for concrete or tile are too aggressive for padel courts. Always ask about suitability for artificial turf surfaces.
Suction power is another important issue. It must be able to effectively vacuum out water and dirt without leaving puddles behind. This prevents players from slipping and shortens drying time. Also check that the machine is compatible with artificial turf-friendly cleaning agents, as harsh chemicals can damage the artificial turf.
Maneuverability should not be underestimated. Padel courts have limited space with glass walls and nets. A compact machine with a working width between 50 and 70 cm maneuvers more easily in corners and along edges. Storage space also comes into play: do you have enough room to store the machine between cleanings?
When choosing a new or used scrubber you can also consider leasing, which allows you to get started with a suitable machine right away and remain flexible in your investment.
Cleaning frequency depends on the intensity of play. For heavily used courts with multiple games daily, the daily superficial sweeping necessary, while recreational courts suffice with two to three times a week. In addition, schedule more thorough scrubbing weekly and perform periodic deep maintenance to keep the artificial turf in top condition.
The best approach starts with dry sweeping. First, remove all loose dirt such as sand, leaves and small debris with a sweeper. This will prevent you from smearing this dirt through the job during wet cleaning or clogging your vacuum hoses. Make sure the floor is clear of larger objects before you begin.
After dry sweeping, you can switch to wet scrubbing for deeper cleaning. Use lukewarm water with an artificial turf-friendly cleaner and set the machine on soft brushes. Work systematically from one side to the other to avoid skipping spots. The machine immediately sucks up the dirty water, making the court dry and playable again relatively quickly.
Pay extra attention to the edges and corners where dirt accumulates. More sand and dust often collects here because players don't get there as much. You can refinish these areas manually or treat them with a smaller brush. Also check regularly if the sand is still evenly distributed and level where necessary.
With periodic depth maintenance, such as monthly or quarterly, you can treat the artificial turf more intensively. This includes brushing the fibers to get them back upright and possibly refilling sand where it has subsided. This thorough approach keeps your padel court in optimal condition and significantly extends its lifespan.
A good cleaning routine ensures that players can always play on a clean, safe surface. Whether you choose a simple sweeper or a complete sweeping-scrubbing combination, at Metech we are happy to help you find the right solution for your padel court. We have a wide range of machines in stock and can deliver quickly, so you can get started on maintaining your artificial turf floor right away.
Want to learn more about the best cleaning machine for your padel court? Please contact us for personal advice and find out which solution best suits your situation. Our team is ready to answer all your questions and help you make the right choice.