Stucco is an eco-friendly construction material made from limestone, cement, and sand. Its distinctive texture sets it apart from common exterior building materials like vinyl siding and brick, making it a favorite for use on home walls or even as a garden wall.
Stucco needs to be cleaned and disinfected frequently because its porous composition and uneven texture encourage the growth of dirt, mold, and mildew.
In this article, we will share some tips to inspect and clean the dirty stucco and make your house look classic and decent.
1. Inspect and Repair the Stucco Surface
If your home has stucco, it’s important to inspect the surface regularly for signs of damage. Cracks, holes, and other defects can allow moisture to penetrate the stucco, leading to serious problems like mold growth and wood rot.
If you find damage, try to repair it as soon as possible. Small cracks can be filled with caulking, while larger ones may require patching with a piece of stucco or concrete. Holes can be filled with mortar or concrete.
However, you should hire a professional to fix any major damage, such as cracks or holes.
The presence of mold, mildew, or algae can help you determine which areas of the stucco to scrub more thoroughly. Stucco can become discolored in two ways:
- Black from mold and mildew
- Green from algae
Tip: Bleach or Borax can be used to kill the growths and stop them from returning.
2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution
If you’re planning to clean stucco, you’ll need to prepare a cleaning solution first. You can use a pressure washer with a detergent attachment to make things easier. You can also clean stucco by hand using a bucket, sponge, and some elbow grease.
Various cleaning products can also remove grime and dirt from stucco walls. The best course of action is to purchase a stucco cleaner that is designed for use on the exterior of a house. These solutions effectively eliminate growths like mold, mildew, and algae.
To make a cleaning solution, mix one-part bleach with four parts water. You can also add a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner to the mix if you’re dealing with tough stains.
Note: Mold, mildew, and algae stains can also be removed with one cup of liquid bleach to one gallon of water. However, this solution is less effective at getting rid of dirt and grime.
Borax is an effective cleaning agent that is gentler than bleach. You only need half a cup of Borax, two tablespoons of dish soap, and two gallons of hot water.
WARNING: Certain cleaning chemicals, when combined, can become extremely dangerous.
You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the cleaning product you’re using, and if you’re unsure, try another approach.
3. Spray the Stucco
If your stucco looks dirty, it probably needs a good cleaning. Spray the stucco with a power washer or a garden hose fitted with a spray nozzle until it is completely saturated. If you must use a power washer, ensure it is on low water pressure settings.
This step is just to wet the walls before applying the cleaning solution. It would help if you did a few things to prepare the surface for cleaning.
- Give the stucco a good spray with a hose. This will help loosen up any dirt or grime attached to the surface.
- Next, using a stiff brush, scrub the stucco in a circular motion.
- Start from the bottom and work your way up.
- Rinse the brush frequently to avoid re-depositing dirt on the stucco.
- Once you’ve given the stucco a good scrubbing, rinse it off with clean water.
Precaution: The pressure washer should be held at a 45-degree angle and at least two feet away from the stucco surface to prevent damage.
4. Apply Cleaning Solution
It would be best if you began by spraying a small area of the wall with the cleaning solution and working your way up the wall.
Once the solution has been applied, let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the area with a brush. Be sure to rinse the area well afterward.
Precaution: Don’t touch the stucco for at least 10 minutes after applying the cleaning solution.
5. Scrub Difficult Stains
Sometimes, a cleaning solution and a power washing won’t be enough to remove the stucco’s stubborn stains.
If you have tough stains on your stucco, you may need to scrub them off with a brush. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush, so you don’t damage the surface. You may also need to use a mild detergent or cleaning solution to help break up the stain.
Fill a bucket with your preferred cleaning solution and dip the brush’s bristles into the bucket. If you use enough pressure, the bristles may smooth down the stucco’s texture, so be careful not to scrub too vigorously.
Tip: Always test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first to be sure it won’t damage the finish.
6. Rinse the Stucco Surface
Start by rinsing the surface with a garden hose fitted with a spray nozzle. If there is any heavy dirt or grime build-up, you may need to use a pressure washer. Be careful not to use too much pressure, as this could damage the stucco.
The best way to clean stucco walls is to begin at the top and work your way down, spraying the entire wall with a pressure washer or hose. When rinsing the stucco with water, the cleaning solution and a good deal of dirt and grime will start sliding down the wall. Sweep the water spray horizontally back and forth until the entire surface is clean.
7. Drying the Stucco
Drying time for washed stucco is typically around 24 hours, so picking a day with no wind or rain is ideal for maintaining the stucco’s cleanliness as it dries.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Large cracks, holes, or mold infestation directly indicate that your stucco is damaged and needs immediate repair. Valet Works is here to provide its high-quality services. If you notice any damage or cracks in your stucco, you can take help from our experts to assess the problem.
FAQs
How often do you clean stucco?
Stucco is a durable material that can last for many years with the proper care. However, stucco can become stained or dirty from exposure to the elements over time.
If your stucco is starting to look dull, you may wonder how often you need to clean it. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the location of your stucco. If your stucco is in a high-traffic area, such as a busy street or sidewalk, it will likely need to be cleaned more often than stucco in a low-traffic area. To prevent dirt and grime build-up, stucco should be cleaned twice or thrice yearly.
Cleaning stucco is simple and can be done with a power washer or garden hose. Be sure to use a mild detergent and avoid too much pressure, damaging the stucco. Once you’ve finished cleaning, allow the stucco to dry completely before applying any sealants or paints.
What are the tips to keep your stucco clean longer?
If you have stucco in your home, it’s important to inspect it regularly and clean it when necessary.
Here are some tips to help keep your stucco clean and in good condition:
- Inspect your stucco regularly for any cracks or damage. If you find any, repair them as soon as possible.
- Clean your stucco regularly with a soft brush and soapy water. Rinse it off with a hose afterward.
- If you notice any tiny cracks, give that area a good cleaning, wait for it to dry, and then caulk it.
- Keeping painted stucco clean regularly will prevent it from deteriorating in appearance over time.
- Seal your stucco every few years to help protect it from the elements and keep it looking its best.
How much does it cost to fix a hole in a stucco?
Stucco repair labor costs vary from company to company. Some companies charge 60$ to 120$ for stucco repair per square inch, while others charge 40$ to 60$ per hour on the repair work.