Is Soft Washing Safe for Stucco Homes?

Stucco is everywhere in Sacramento — from mid-century homes in East Sac to newer builds in Natomas and Elk Grove. It's beautiful, but it's also fragile when it comes to cleaning. Here's why soft washing is the only safe method.

Why high pressure damages stucco

Stucco is a cement-based surface, but it's relatively thin and often painted. High-pressure water can crack the stucco, chip the paint, and — most dangerously — force water behind the surface where it causes hidden rot and mold. Once water is behind stucco, the repair is expensive.

How soft washing protects stucco

Soft washing uses pressure no stronger than a garden hose. The cleaning solution — not the pressure — does the work. It kills the algae, mold, and mildew at the source and rinses away gently. Your stucco's surface and paint stay intact.

What to ask before hiring

• Do you soft wash or pressure wash stucco? (The only correct answer is soft wash.)
• What pressure do you use on siding? (It should be low — under 100 PSI.)
• Do you protect my landscaping and plants? (They should.)

If a company says they pressure wash stucco, keep looking. That's a sign they don't understand the surface — and your home will pay for it.