How To Clean Stucco With A Pressure Washer

Stucco is getting popular and is a suitable replacement for the standard brick or stone wall. They can also be used in place of sidings and are good in reliability and appearance. The Stucco surface is prone to dirt and dust due to the textured design that attracts it. Stucco can get the earth pretty faster than that siding or the brick wall, and it can be a nightmare to clean them like new because of the tiny pores accumulating in the dirt.

In this article, we will discuss how to clean the Stucco with a pressure washer effectively. We shall also discuss the dos and don’ts of stucco cleaning, steps of cleaning the stucco using a pressure washer and some other related information.

How To Clean Stucco With A Pressure Washer

If you have decided to pressure wash the Stucco’s dirt and dust, these steps will help you.

Inspection

First of all, inspect the surface of the Stucco to point out any cracks or damages. This is very important as pressure on the damaged Stucco might remove it entirely or increase the damage. If the pressure washer is used on cracked Stucco, it might cause the growth of mold and mildew that can lead to water damage inside the walls.

Repair The Cracks

It is better to seal the cracks before moving to the pressure washing part. There is no need to hire a professional to do the job, and you can quickly fill the minor damage with the exterior acrylic caulks available in different colors. The caulks are readily available in any home improvement store. To resemble the stucco surface, you can use sand or any gritty material. Just press the sand on the caulk immediately after applying it.

If there is massive damage that you cannot handle, it is better to call a professional to do the job. Leave the repaired cracks at least a week before using the pressure washer.

Rinse The Surface

Now that the Stucco is free from damage and cracks, it is time to clean it with the pressure washer. Remove any visible dirt built up if the brush can easily remove it. Now attach the pressure washer to the hose and clean the surface. This will remove any removable dust or dirt built up. The recommended pressure for the stucco surface is between 1000 psi to 1300 psi. These are the tips to clean the stucco surface effectively.

Use the 40-degree nozzle on the pressure washer and the 25-degree nozzle if necessary.
Keep the pressure less than 1500 psi in all circumstances.
Use the pressure nozzle at least 2 feet away from the surface.

Use The Detergent

Using a suitable detergent is an essential part of cleaning the Stucco. If there is mold or mildew growth, it is better to use light bleach or antioxidants. Otherwise, use dish soap or any light cleaning agent for regular cleaning of dust and grime. You can also use borax, which is lighter than bleach and work well on the mold and mildew. After applying the cleaning agent utilizing the pressure washer, let the detergent sit for 5 to 10 minutes. It is essential because cleaning agents require time to react.

Scrub

If the detergent does not wear the stains off, then do not increase the pressure. Instead, use the scrub to lose the grip on colors. In this way, you would not have to risk damaging the surface. You can use any soft brush to scrub the stain. Make sure to keep a light hand while doing it.

Remove The Detergent

Now that the stains are cleaned, it is time to clean the detergent. Use the pressure washer in the up to down pattern to avoid the streaking effects. Make sure that all the detergent is removed. Use the pressure washer 2 to 3 times evenly on the surface to ensure that everything is cleaned thoroughly.

Check More: How To Clean Garage Floor With a Pressure Washer?

Conclusion

Stucco can be cleaned using the pressure washer as long as you follow the above-discussed steps. There are high chances of the growth of mold and mildew in the Stucco, so it is better to seal any cracks before using the water. The ideal pressure for cleaning the Stucco is between 1000 to 1300 psi, and you should not exceed that.

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Jose Kelly

Jose Kelly is a passionate part time blogger running multiple Pressure Washer for Rent stores and have a company providing cleaning services with pressure washers in her hometown. It was her father's business initially but later on Jose take over the business after his father's retirement. She's been in the field for 5 years now and that's how she decided to share the knowledge about Pressure Washer with other people. You can read more about her on the About Page.