Stucco Cleaning in St. Augustine, FL: Why Soft Washing
The safest way to clean stucco in St. Augustine, FL is soft washing: a cleaning solution applied at low pressure to treat mildew and algae, then a gentle rinse, instead of blasting the wall with a pressure washer. Stucco is everywhere in St. Augustine, and our warm, humid climate keeps it green and gray if it is left alone. Here is why soft washing is the right method, what to avoid, and how H2O Pressure Washing handles stucco homes.
Why does stucco get dirty so fast in St. Augustine?
Stucco has a textured surface with lots of small ridges and pockets, and those hold dust, pollen and moisture. Add Northeast Florida's humidity and the wet season from roughly June through September, and you have the conditions mildew and algae like best. Mildew grows best in warm, moist air and does well in shaded spots with little air circulation.
That is why you usually see the first growth on:
- North-facing walls that rarely get direct sun
- Walls behind hedges, palms and other landscaping
- Areas where sprinklers hit the wall every day
- Spots under eaves, ledges and window sills where water drips and lingers
Light-colored stucco, which is common on homes around St. Augustine, shows every streak. Our post on mold, mildew or algae on your house explains what each type of growth looks like.
Can you pressure wash stucco?
It is not a good idea. High pressure can mark and streak the surface, and a strong stream aimed at cracks, seams or window edges can drive water into the wall. Stucco helps resist moisture, but it is not a watertight barrier, so forcing water into it is the last thing you want.
General cleaning guidance for stucco says the same thing: use a low-pressure setting and a wide spray tip, keep the nozzle a safe distance from the wall, and point it at a downward angle. Soft washing is built around those rules.
How does soft washing clean stucco?
Soft washing lets the cleaning solution do the work instead of the force of the water. A typical stucco soft wash looks like this:
- Prepare the area. Nearby plants and grass are rinsed, and anything delicate against the wall is noted.
- Apply the solution at low pressure. It covers the textured surface and reaches into the small pockets where growth lives.
- Give it time to work. The solution treats the mildew and algae rather than just knocking the top layer off.
- Rinse gently. A low-pressure rinse carries everything away, and plants get another rinse.
Because the growth is treated at the root, a soft-washed wall tends to stay clean longer than one that was only sprayed with water. Learn more on our soft washing services page.
Soft washing vs pressure washing on stucco: what is the difference?
| Soft washing | Pressure washing | |
|---|---|---|
| Water pressure | Low | High |
| What does the cleaning | The cleaning solution | The force of the water |
| Effect on growth | Treats it, so it is slower to return | Removes the surface layer |
| Risk to stucco | Low when done correctly | Marks, streaks and water driven into the wall |
| Best use | Stucco, painted walls, trim | Concrete driveways, walks and patios |
We cover the topic in more depth in soft washing vs pressure washing.
Is soft washing safe for plants around a stucco home?
Yes, with care. Cleaning solutions should be kept off plants, and the standard advice for washing stucco and siding is to rinse nearby plants and grass before and after, especially on hot, sunny days. Florida extension guidance on mildew cleaning also reminds homeowners to protect plants from cleaning mixtures. We work around your beds and rinse as we go.
How much does stucco cleaning cost in St. Augustine?
We do not post a flat number, because every home is different. What changes the quote:
- The size of the house and the number of stories
- How much growth has built up and how long since the last wash
- How much landscaping sits against the walls
- Access around the home, such as fences, screens and tight side yards
- Whether you add the driveway, walks or patio to the same visit
Frequently asked questions
Do you clean stucco homes in St. Augustine?
Yes. H2O Pressure Washing is based in Saint Johns and serves St. Johns County, including St. Augustine and the surrounding communities.
Will soft washing remove the black streaks from my stucco?
Soft washing is designed to treat the mildew and algae that cause most dark streaks on stucco. We look at the wall before we start and tell you what to expect for your home.
Can I clean stucco myself with a pressure washer?
You can, but it is easy to mark the surface or push water into the wall. If you do it yourself, use a low setting, a wide tip, plenty of distance and a downward angle, and rinse your plants.
How often should stucco be cleaned in Florida?
For most homes in Northeast Florida, about once a year keeps growth from building up. Shady walls and walls hit by sprinklers may need attention sooner.
Does cleaning stucco help before painting?
Painters generally want a clean surface before they start. A soft wash removes the growth and dirt so you can see the true condition of the wall.
Get your stucco cleaned the right way
If your St. Augustine home's stucco is turning green, gray or black, tell us about it and we will give you a clear quote for a soft wash.
Request your free quote or call (904) 506-7656.