The trend of people choosing to go with Stucco for their homes is steadily rising and it’s easy to see why. Stucco is a blend of Portland cement, lime, sand and water and provides a number of benefits such as being durable, low maintenance, and having a classic look. On the other hand, stucco can also be difficult to clean and getting this wrong could mean permanent damage. That’s why it’s important to learn exactly how to clean stucco and ensure that you’re doing it correctly.
How to correctly clean stucco?
This guide should help you understand exactly what you need to do to clean your stucco surfaces.
Inspect the Surface for cracks or anything that could cause damage inside the wall
The first thing to do is take a look at the surface to check for any cracks or anything else that could cause damage if water were to get inside. If there isn’t any damage or cracks then you can move on to the third step. However, if there is damage then it’s imperative to fix it first.
Repair Surface and Seal Cracks
Once you’ve inspected the surface and repaired any cracks, the next step is to seal any cracks you find and ensure that the surface is fit for washing. An exterior acrylic caulk will do the job for most minor cracks and damage but for bigger jobs it’s best to hire a professional painting company.
Spray Stucco
Once you are sure there isn’t any damage, you can begin the cleaning process. You can rinse it down manually or by using a pressure washer on a low pressure setting. You want to avoid using a high pressure setting as this could cause damage.
Apply Cleaners
The cleaner you use will vary depending on how dirty the stucco is. For general cleaning, you can use a solution of water and mild detergent will be fine. However, if there’s mildew, you may want to use bleach and possibly a concentrated stucco cleaner.
Once the cleaner is applied, you should let it sit for 5-10 minutes but don’t allow it to dry or else you’ll struggle to get it off later.
Scrub or pressure wash
Next you can scrub the surface clean with either a soft bristle brush or a gentle setting of a power washer. When using a power washer, it’s important to be very careful not to damage the stucco by either using too much pressure or improper technique. If you’re unsure about this, then stick with a brush or hire a professional team to do the pressure washing.
Final Rinse
Finally, you’ll want to give the stucco a final rinse with clean water to remove any soap residue and ensure that it’s completely clean. And there you have it, a simple guide on how to clean stucco without damaging it.
How often to clean your stucco?
We typically recommend that you clean your stucco once a year. However, this is a general rule and you may want to do spot cleaning more frequently if necessary.
Tips to Keep Stucco Clean Longer
If you’re looking to keep your stucco cleaner for longer, then a great trick is just to use your hose. Every now and then, it’s a good idea to hose your stucco down and this will help to remove any dirt or debris that’s sitting on the surface. You’ll be amazed to see how much longer it will keep your stucco clean.
Best Stucco Cleaner to use
As we mentioned before, different cleaners are best for different stucco house washing situations. For general cleaning, we recommend using a solution of water and mild detergent or perhaps even a mixture of chlorine and a good surfactant with water. However, if there’s mildew then you may want to use bleach and possibly a concentrated stucco cleaner that you can pick up at the store.
If you’re unsure about the best solutions to use, a professional cleaning team can help you out.
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Can you power wash stucco?
Yes, you can pressure wash stucco but it’s important to be very careful not to damage the stucco by either using too much pressure or failing to maintain the proper distance between the nozzle and the surface.
Can you clean painted stucco?
Absolutely! Just because your stucco is painted, it doesn’t mean you need to worry when you try to clean it. Just remember to stick to the guide we provided when cleaning your house and if you are ever unsure about what to do, get in touch with a professional.
Can you use vinegar on stucco?
Technically you can. Vinegar isn’t a harsh enough cleaner that it would damage your stucco. However, we’re not sure why you would want to. There are much better cleaners available that would do a better job.
How much is it to clean stucco?
If you want to avoid the hassle of cleaning your stucco house yourself, then you may be wondering how much it will cost to work with a professional. While some services out there will charge through the roof, Keep it Clean Florida always works to pass any savings directly to the customer which is why our prices start as low as 10 cents per square foot.
When to call a professional to clean your stucco
Hopefully now you have a better understanding of exactly how to clean a stucco house without damaging the stucco itself. However, if you’re ever unsure about what to do or how to properly clean your stucco, then it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call a professional.
At Keep it Clean Florida, we specialize in pressure washing services and our team has years of experience working with all different types of materials. We would be more than happy to help you out and answer any questions that you may have. So, if you’re interested in getting a free quote, get in touch with us today!
