The exterior stucco is porous and has a textured surface.The porous surface of stucco causes it to stain quickly and the textured surface makes it easy for dirt and debris to get into crevices.Dirt, mold, and algae are some of the most common stains on exterior stucco.Proper tools and procedures can be used to remove stains.During the cleaning of stucco, care must be taken to prevent damage.
Step 1: The stucco should be inspected for cracks or chips.
You have to inspect stucco for any flaws before you clean it.Water can get into the cracks if you wash damaged stucco.If you find chips and cracks in your stucco, don't clean it until you fix the damage.Minor damage can be repaired.You.It is best to have a professional repair damage beyond that.
Step 2: caulk is used to seal the cracks and chips.
To seal minor flaws in stucco, use a color-matched exterior caulk.Most home improvement stores have this caulk.It might be hard to find a caulk that's the same color as your stucco, but buy the closest you can get.If the repairs are minor, a slightly off-color caulk won't stand out.If you want to replicate the texture of the surrounding stucco, try pressing sand or another substance into the wet caulk.If you want to clean the wall, you should give the caulk at least a week to dry.
Step 3: The problems areas should be evaluated.
What is the cause of the stains on your stucco?Is it debris or dirt?Or it could be something else?Mildew looks a lot like dirt.If you see a black stain near a place where water often drips or accumulates, it's most likely a mold problem.This is algae if you have green staining.You will need to use bleach to get rid of the micro-organisms.If you're dealing with a lot of staining on the wall, it's a good idea to have a professional clean it.
Step 4: A cleaning solution of concentrated cleaner and bleach should be used.
It's a good idea to buy a concentrated cleaner that can be used on exterior surfaces.At any home improvement store, you can find these concentrated cleaners.acetic acid and sodium o-phenylphenate are ingredients in some professional strength concentrate products.Carefully read the instructions.They will show you how to mix the cleaning solution.Add household bleach and hot water to most concentrated exterior cleaners.The bleach helps to kill micro-organisms.When using the cleaning solution, wear rubber gloves and eye protection.
Step 5: A cleaning solution of borax and dish soap should be used.
If you don't want to use bleach, try a solution made from borax.The natural substance borax is still effective at killing mold, even though it is less toxic than bleach.The three ingredients for this cleaning solution are hot water, Borax and dish soap.2 gallons (7.57 L) of warm to hot water and 2 ounces of dish soap should be put in a large bucket.
Step 6: The wall should be saturated with water with a pressure washer.
There are nozzles for different amounts of water pressure.Attach a low pressure spray tip nozzle to the pressure washer's hose.Before you apply the cleaning solution, make sure the wall is wet.The water should hit the wall at a 45 degree angle.The nozzle needs to be at least 24 inches away from the wall.The water should be applied in an even stream.If you don't own a pressure washer, you can rent one from most home improvement stores.
Step 7: There is a cleaning solution.
The cleaning solution should be filled with a single pump sprayer.Divide your wall into manageable sections.The cleaning solution should be squirted on the first section of the wall.Start at the bottom and work your way up to the top until you have saturated the entire first section of the wall.There are areas with heavy stains.Home and garden stores can sell pump sprayers.You can get one with a one to two gallon tank.
Step 8: Allow the solution to sit for a bit.
This will make the cleaning solution penetrate the stains deeper.While it soaks in the cleaning solution, spray the section lightly with water.After a few minutes, you'll need to add a little more water to keep the detergent from working.You may need to allow the solution to sit for up to 30 minutes if you are dealing with very stubborn mold.
Step 9: The scrub brush attachment should be used on the heavily stained areas.
There may be areas that need a little more scrubbing.While the wall is still saturated in the cleaning solution, use a high quality rotating scrub brush attachment to work on the heavy stains.This will make it easier to rinse off.If you're dealing with rust, scrub it slowly and carefully.
Step 10: Take the cleaning solution off the first section.
Attach the spray tip nozzle to the pressure washer.Start at the top and work your way down to the bottom of the wall.The dirt will move down the wall once you start at the top.Make sure you follow the line of dirt with the hose and guide it to the bottom.Don't leave a cleaning solution behind if you rinse the wall thoroughly.Before beginning the next section, finish one section completely.
Step 11: The next section of the wall should be Saturate with a cleaning solution.
Allow the solution to sit for five to ten minutes before rinsing it off with the pressure washer if you repeat the same actions.Continue this way until you have completed the entire wall.To get rid of all the residuals, rinse off the cleaning solution from the top to the bottom.
Step 12: A spot check is necessary.
Carefully inspect the stucco.Check to make sure you haven't missed anything.To remove additional stains, repeat the application of cleaner and pressure rinsing.Allow the wall to dry for 24 hours.