Stucco isn't delicate. Stucco is a durable material that can be used as exterior siding or interior wall finishing. It requires very little maintenance. While occasional cleaning and patching might be required, homeowners can do the job with the right tools and the right products. Here's how.

Stucco has been made from everything, including animal horns and whiskey, over the millennia. It is a durable, attractive plaster finish that can be used for exterior siding as well as interior walls. Although the materials are made up of cement and sand today, they still hold their strength well for as many as 50 to 80 years. Stucco needs to be maintained in order to reach its full potential. It all depends on the nature and purpose of the application.

Sometimes, indoor stucco needs a simple paint job. It's possible for the stucco siding to become damaged by the harsh summer sun or winter winds, as well as dirt and dust from passing traffic. Many homeowners start their stucco maintenance by taking a look at the surface. If you find a reason to take your stucco maintenance one step further, we can help.

Cleaning Stucco

Regular cleaning

Stucco is porous and can absorb dirt and stains even indoors. It is usually easy to clean indoor stucco with water and some elbow grease. To clean the stucco, use a dampened nylon bristle to scrub it. Next, rub the stain off with a moistened microfiber cloth or cotton rag.

Heavy-Duty Cleaning

Extreme cases, such as those with deep-set stains, may require more power. Experts recommend not using a household cleaner but rather a chemical solution called trisodium phosphate (or TSP). Although it is readily available in hardware stores and home centers, homeowners should take safety precautions when using TSP. Open the windows to ventilate the area. Run a fan and wear protective eyewear. Wear rubber gloves and long-sleeved clothing when you are working. Once you feel it safe to proceed, mix the TSP and water in a bowl. Then, reduce the water-to-TSP ratio to 15:1. Apply the TSP to the affected areas with a nylon brush. Allow the stucco to dry for at least an hour.

Outdoor Cleaning

Outdoor stucco is often used for siding or garden wall finishing. Because of this, it tends to be dirtier and requires more frequent cleaning. It doesn't take too long if you have a garden hose with a spray nozzle or a power washer on the lowest setting.

• Use your preferred tool to spray the stucco in a mist formation.
• Next, use a concentrated spray to clean the surface.
• After spraying, inspect the stucco for any lingering buildup. If you find any, use a stiff-bristle toothbrush to remove it. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously so that the stucco will not be broken down.
• If there are still any blemishes on the siding, you can go one step further. Use a pump sprayer or a hose wand equipped with a soap reservoir to apply TSP (described earlier) directly to the affected areas.
• After allowing the stucco to dry for sufficient time, rinse the stucco one more time.