How To Maintain Stucco Walls

Stucco is an excellent material for both indoor and outdoor spaces. This material doesn't require constant maintenance. You need to clean it occasionally or patch the wall if necessary, but generally, maintenance is an easy task. Just follow these steps.

Basic Regular Cleaning

Materials:

• Nylon brush
• Microfiber cloth
• Liquid dish soap of any soft soap available.

Process:

1. ‍Evaluate the damage: stucco collects dust, like any other porous material. And it also gets a stain.
2. ‍If the stucco has dust and dirt buildup: you can tackle this with a wet cloth with water. Just scrub the dirty area.
3. ‍If the stucco has a stain: mix liquid dish soap with water, then use the nylon brush with circular motions on the damaged area. Remove the buildup with the microfiber cloth.

Heavy-Duty Cleaning

We need to bring the big stuff if you see a deep-set stain. For heavy stains, regular detergents and cleaners won't work. We recommend a solution called trisodium phosphate (TSP). TSP is a chemical solution; you must be cautious and take the proper precautions while using it.

Materials:

• TSP
• Water
• Bucket
• Nylon brush
• Microfiber cloth
• Rubber gloves
• Protective eyewear
• Long-sleeve shirt
• Fan
• Ventilated area

Process:

1. Make sure that the space is well-ventilated before starting.
2. Put on all the protective gear.
3. Mix the TSP with water in the bucket. The ratio for the mix is 15 measurements of water for 1 of TSP.
4. Apply the mixture to the damaged area and rub with the nylon brush in circular motions for 15-20 minutes.
5. Let the stucco absorb the cleaning solution.
6. After the cleaning solution has soaked the surface, rinse it thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry.

Bleach and stucco:

Suppose you have some algae or mildew in your stucco walls, especially outside. You can use bleach to get rid of it.

Materials:

• Bleach
• Water
• Bucket
• Nylon brush
• Microfiber cloth

Process:

1. Mix equal parts bleach and water.
2. Apply the mixture to the surface and rub with the nylon brush.
3. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse off the mixture.

It is essential to leave the bleach act for 15-20 min before rinsing it off. Otherwise, algae or mildew will re-occur.

How NOT to clean your stucco walls:

We have discussed what you can do to clean and maintain your stucco walls. But what about the things you SHOULD NOT do?

• Avoid using solvent-based cleaners (acetone, gasoline, or mineral oils).
• We do not recommend using steam cleaning or any high-temperature cleaning tool.
• Excessive scrubbing can damage the stucco surface; avoid stiff bristles or wire brushes.
• Only use high-pressure washing below  500 psi. But if you pressure wash it above the recommended power, ensure you're experienced with the process and have all the materials and knowledge to patch the area if it peals off.

If you need help fixing your stucco walls or power washing them, we can help you. 

Get a free quote today by calling us at (704) 507-2107.