Can I Damage My Stucco Home by Power Washing It?
If your stucco home in Marietta needs to be washed, rest assured you can use a power washer or pressure washer to clean it safely. Make sure you maintain a good distance between the nozzle and the surface, use 1,500 PSI and use a 25- or 40-degree nozzle. The best option is always to hire a professional – they are efficient, cost-effective and will save you valuable time.
Best Cleaning Solutions for Stucco
If you want to clean stucco ceilings, siding or other surfaces, use bleach or borax. Bleach and water solutions or bleach and concentrated cleaner solutions can be used. Mix the bleach and water with equal parts. Then, rinse the surface with clean water after allowing the mixture to sit for 10 minutes.
Borax and warm water, mixed with dish soap, can also be used. In addition, you can use a vinegar mixture to get rid of efflorescence, which is a salty coating that can form. For mildew or algae growth on stucco surfaces, a bleach solution is better.
Unpainted stucco can be cleaned using calcium lime rust cleaner, or CLR. It is best to avoid using CLR on painted stucco due to the possibility of the paint fading or cracking.
As a cleaning solution, you can use a combination of water and dish soap to remove green algae from the stucco. If the stain is not coming out, you may have to scrub with a soft-bristle brush before rinsing it off with water. This compound can also help with black stains, which are caused by a different type of algae.
Power Washing Stucco Basics
The power of an electric washer, which is about 1,200-1,500 psi, is better suited to homes made of aluminum, stucco or soft-grain wood.
First, light fixtures and air conditioner compressors should be removed or covered before you begin. Cover shrubs and plants with tarps or plastic. Tape the tarps in place. Keep an eye out for windows and electrical outlets while you are pressure washing so you do not damage them. Make sure water does not go directly into gaps or cracks in your home. Repair cracks and holes in mortar and brick.
You should keep your pressure washer wand at least six feet away from electrical wires and never spray water into outlets. Before washing, tape electrical socket covers or close covers. Then clean the exterior with a scrub brush or spray it with a garden hose to remove any dirt, debris or mildew.
The best method to remove mildew and mold from stucco is to pressure wash it, but it is best to leave it to professionals.
To get the job done right, remember the experts at Alpha Pressure Washing. They will come out for a no-cost consultation, so call today for an appointment.
Posted on behalf of Alpha Pressure Washing
