Power Washing Stucco

Stucco serves as an excellent alternative to standard siding, brick, or stone walls. However, its textured surface is notorious for accumulating dust and dirt over time. This can turn a once-beautiful wall into a collection of dirt streaks and mildew growth. Fortunately, the power of a pressure washer can blast these stains away, making the walls look new again. 

Repair Any Cracks 

Before power washing, ensure there are no cracks or chips in the stucco. If present, water can seep through them, potentially leading to structural damage. All cracks and chips should be patched and given enough time to dry; it is recommended to let patches dry for approximately one week to be certain. 

Apply Detergent to Loosen Dirt 

When washing stucco, it is best to divide the project into sections. A proper detergent is required to restore the stucco to its original shine. The detergent should be applied from the bottom up, overlapping slightly to ensure no spots are missed. It should be allowed to settle for 5–10 minutes to fully work and remove all embedded dirt. 

Because the detergent needs to be wet to remain effective, fresh detergent water should be added as needed while the solution is working. 

Scrub Heavy Stains 

When cleaning heavily stained areas, a rotating scrub brush attachment should be used to ensure the stains are properly removed. A quality rotating pressure washer brush makes cleaning these difficult stains a breeze, completing the task faster than manual methods. 

Rust can be particularly tough to remove. Rust stains should be treated with a specific rust-removal detergent and, in some cases, may require hand scrubbing. 

Spray It All Away 

When rinsing, use a low-pressure spray pattern, hitting the wall at a 45-degree angle. Because stucco is delicate, the spray nozzle must be held at least 24 inches from the surface. 

The rinsing process should start from the same point as the detergent application and move in the same direction. Cleaning one section at a time with slight overlaps ensures nothing is missed. Unlike the bottom-up approach used for applying detergent, rinsing should start from the top and work downward. As the dirt and detergent run down the wall, a downward rinse keeps the soapy filth moving in the desired direction. Once finished, the surrounding foliage should be gently rinsed with clean water to dilute and flush away any lingering detergent.