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How To Clean Stucco The Right Way

A Step By Step Guide On How To Clean Stucco! Stucco has been a popular choice for homeowners whether they're looking to construct or renovate their houses. It looks attractive and doesn't cost an arm as the material usually consists of sand, limestone, or concrete.

Once the construction or renovation has been done comes the critical part: taking care of its maintenance. Understanding how to clean stucco and the correct methods to wash it without causing harm is essential.

So, if you're looking for the easiest ways to power wash a stucco house, find the methods discussed below.

How To Repair Stucco Cracks

Before we discuss the best cleaner for stucco or how to clean exterior stucco, inspect the walls and the entire house exterior thoroughly. If there is any crack appearing somewhere, fill that up or contact a professional if that seems deep.

Ignoring the cracks can leave space for water to drip inside when raining which can cause mold to grow. Follow any method discussed below that you find suitable as per the condition of the cracks.

Expand The Hole/Crack

Increase the crack's width to at least 1/4 inch using a cold chisel and hammer to clean the debris or mold stuck inside.

The crack's edges should be chiseled perpendicular to the wall. Back-cut the crack so its base is slightly broader than its top. After that, use a wire brush to remove all the loose dirt from the crack.

Clear Off Crumbling Material

Use your hands or a wire brush to remove any crumbly or falling material from the area around the crack. Additionally, keep in mind to get rid of any chalk, grime, or grease that can prevent the repair compound from adhering effectively.

Stucco Patch should be combined with water in a bucket, mixing tub, or container. Use a drill-mounted paddle to stir the mixture for a few minutes until it is smooth, consistent, and lump-free

Apply The Filling Mixture

Using a regular caulking gun, You can apply the stucco repair compound along the break. Stucco Patch should be combined with water in a bucket, mixing tub, or container. Use a drill-mounted paddle to stir the mixture for a few minutes until it is smooth, consistent, and lump-free.

Spend some time moisturizing the stucco around the crack and fill in the prepared mixture to apply inside the cracks for repair. You can also prepare the Rapid Set Stucco Patch immediately, provided you've already prepared the stucco surface.

After the repair has been cured for 24 hours, paint it with water-based paint, preferably in the house's exterior color.

How To Clean Exterior Stucco

Here we have the step-by-step procedure about how to clean the stucco.

No-one likes their stucco to look like this! Ew!

Lets get started!

Get The Cleaning Materials

It's time to clean the stucco surface thoroughly once you've finished checking for cracks and fixing any that you find. Start with a thorough water rinse of the surface, as it is necessary to rinse with water first. Doing this can clean the surface of loose dirt, dust, and debris.

It is essential to learn how to wash stucco the right way. Once you've rinsed with water, get the materials you'll need for stucco washing. The materials you need include;

Bleach (we use 12.5% industrial grade bleach at 1:1 ratio mixed with water) But you can use straight 6% homeowner grade bleach with no dilution.
Borax
Washing Detergent (Surfactant)
Bucket
Hose
Pressure Washer

Once you have grabbed all the required stuff, prepare yourself with safety goggles. When you pressure wash stucco, equip yourself with safety measures first.

Prepare A Cleaner

Now comes the second step, where you must prepare a stucco cleaner. There are a few options that you can choose from depending on your budget and preferences. You can pick any method you find suitable from the given options.

Bleach

To learn how to clean stucco with bleach, know that mold, mildew, and algae stains can be removed easily using a solution of one gallon of liquid bleach and one gallon of water.

Even though it is less successful at getting rid of dirt and grime; however, you can use it if there are mild stains. It can remove mild Stucco stains with a stiff scrub brush, diluted bleach, and water.

Start by applying mild pressure to the brush to prevent collapsing or harming the stucco. Being too forceful can harm stucco surfaces since they are porous and sensitive.

Borax

Natural mold-killing agent Borax is less harmful than bleach while yet being effective. Hot water, Borax, and dish soap are the components you'll need for this cleaning solution. Combine Borax, 1-quarter cup of liquid dish soap, and 2 gallons of warm water.

Before you begin applying the cleaning solution, thoroughly wet the wall. Ensure the water strikes the wall at a 45 ° angle to avoid damage. Put the cleaning solution in a pump sprayer after dividing your wall into manageable parts.

Apply the cleaning solution to the first portion of the wall using the pump sprayer and rinse it off after the required time has passed.

Vinegar

Cleaning stucco with vinegar is also an excellent option for creating an influential homemade power wash stucco. Vinegar is known for its beneficial properties in cleaning grout and mold.

Using vinegar and baking soda solution is one of the best homemade stucco cleaners to help power wash stucco without strenuous efforts. Prepare a standard solution neither too thick that is nor too runny to clean stucco if there is efflorescence on your home exterior.

Cleaning Detergent

Can you pressure wash stucco safely without any issues with pressure wash? You can complete this task with a pressure washer instead of an ordinary garden hose and an attachment. Cleaning stucco can be a hassle-free process if you follow the correct method.

Before you power wash, apply any cleaner (detergent or homemade solution) over the stains with the help of a sponge on the stained stucco. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes before pressure washing the stucco.

Moreover, you can easily remove grime and debris from stucco surfaces using a variety of cleaning agents. The best course of action is to spend money on an outside cleaner that is concentrated and designed exclusively for cleansing the outside of houses.

Also, always adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for correctly mixing concentrated exterior cleaning.

Brush Strong Stains

Stucco pressure washing can be the right option for solid stains and mold on stucco but you must use a low pressure around 100psi. Also, the procedure of stucco stain removal must be done so that it doesn't cause damage to the walls' interior.

Where you find tough stains, brush any robust solution recommended by a professional and leave it to rest for some time. Let it soak for long enough until brushing can remove the stains easily.

Rinse Thoroughly

After brushing, use a pressure washer stucco to clean the exterior. Stucco cleaning can be easy with the proper equipment and the best quality material. After applying the solution according to the condition of your stucco, rinse it thoroughly as a final step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is stucco easy to clean?

If the entire exterior of your house is designed with stucco, then it would be best to get the house inspected by a professional. If there are cracks or holes, get them repaired and then follow any method you find suitable to clean the exterior.

How To Clean Stucco Walls And Interior

Use your vacuum's wand extension and brush attachment to clean stucco walls and ceilings. Scrub gently after dipping the brush into the cleaning solution. Use a smooth cleaning brush to remove stains and fingerprints.

How do you soft wash a stucco house?

You can use any high-quality stucco stain remover and apply that on the stains for the time mentioned by the manufacturer. Once done, brush off the stains and rinse with a pressure washer at low pressure as a final step.

Should you pressure wash Stucco?

Yes, you can power wash, and power washing stucco house is one of the best methods for cleaning stucco in minimum time without any strenuous effort. However, be careful to keep the nozzle far enough away from the surface to stay safe. Soft Washing stucco is preferable to pressure washing as it uses less pressure.

What Is The Best Way To Clean Stucco?

Baking soda is one of the best exterior stucco cleaners that you can use an effective cleaning solution and combine baking soda to create a mixture. It multiplies the intensity of the cleaning agent and is not harsh, unlike many other chemicals.

How To Clean Green Algae On Stucco?

You can use a cleaning solution made of water, bleach, and dish soap to remove green algae from the stucco. Before washing it with water, brush the stains with a soft-bristle brush.

How do you get black stains out of stucco?

Black stains can cause due to rotten wood or rainwater dripping inside. It can eliminate this kind of stain by mixing water and washing detergent.

How Often Should You Clean The Stucco?

Wash your stucco at least once in two to three years and get it professionally inspected every three to four years.

The Bottom Line

Stucco is one of the most popular choices when constructing a house. The traditional material requires little maintenance, whether internal wall finishing or outside siding. Any homeowner may do the task with the proper supplies and equipment.

Before applying any chemicals or cleaning solution, check if there are any holes or cracks in the walls or exterior. Fill in the minor cracks using any high-quality crack-filler; however, consult a professional for severe cracks and holes.

Once you have the equipment and have prepared the cleaning solution, apply it over the stains and pressure wash for the best results.