Stucco is a very popular exterior finish for many homes that is attractive on many types of materials and is known for its longevity. It acts as a great insulator and is generally easily maintained.

But don’t think that stucco never needs maintenance. In fact, stucco, because of its porous structure, can easily attract and hold dirt and other stains.

So what stucco cleaner can you use? How do you go about cleaning and maintaining your stucco? We are going to walk you through 5 tips that will help you get rid of those stubborn stains in no time.

1. Before You Clean, Check for Cracks

We already mentioned the porous structure of stucco, which is exactly why it is so important to check for cracks or chips in the stucco before you clean. If there are any cracks and you attempt to wash with water or other liquids, the stucco will basically absorb the liquid.

This can lead to all sorts of problems: mold, mildew, and even more stains! You can seal up the cracks with caulk yourself, or consult with a professional depending on the size of the damaged area.

2. Just Add Water

Water is a double-edged sword with stucco. A lot of stucco stains are caused by dirty or mineral-laden water. However, aiming a hose with gentle water pressure can actually help to clean your stucco as well.

This is a great way to try and remove some stains or dirt without having to buy anything or do anything drastic. Simply take your garden hose and aim it at the dirt or stains with a good amount of water pressure.

Be careful not to have the pressure too high and don’t use a pressure washer. This could damage the stucco, leading to even more stains and potential mold or mildew.

3. Scrub the Dirt Away

Another DIY stucco cleaner besides water would be your own manpower. With hot water, some regular dishwashing soap, and a scrubber, you can scrub away the dirt and stains on your stucco.

Keep this in mind though: stucco is somewhat delicate. Scrubbing too much or too hard can damage the stucco, which will leave it vulnerable to, you guessed it, more stains, mold, and mildew.

4. Homemade Stucco Cleaner

Another DIY solution to cleaning your stucco is to make your own chemical cleaner.

All you need to do is create a solution with a 1:1 ratio of bleach and water. Apply it to the mold, mildew, or stain on your stucco and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Once you’ve left it for a little while, you should rinse it again with some water.

Another thing to keep in mind about these tips is that you can combine them all. Sometimes a stubborn stain won’t come out with just water. You might have to try all of these tips in order to rid yourself of a certain stain.

5. Consult a Professional

If the stain is very large, or you think that you have a serious mold or mildew problem, it might be best to consult a stucco contractor instead of trying to DIY. The last thing you want is to accidentally damage your home even more while trying to remove a stain.

Wrapping Up

You don’t have to be stuck with your stucco stains. Hopefully, you can follow these 5 stucco cleaner tips so you can get rid of the dirt and stains on your stucco.

If you have any questions or would like some more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.