Cleaning Stucco Homes in Houston: What Works and What to Avoid

By the Peak Clean team · October 13, 2026

Stucco is popular in Houston, but it's porous, and that makes it a magnet for algae and mildew in our humidity. It's also easier to damage than siding, so how you clean it matters.

Why stucco turns green and dingy

Stucco absorbs moisture, and shaded or north-facing walls stay damp longest. That's the perfect setting for algae and mildew, which show up as green, gray, or dark streaks. Dirt and pollen cling to the textured surface too.

Why high pressure is risky

• It can erode the surface and widen hairline cracks
• It can force water into the stucco and behind it, where it may cause hidden problems
• It can leave lighter, uneven patches where the finish was blasted away

How soft washing cleans stucco

Soft washing applies a cleaning solution at low pressure, lets it work on the algae and mildew, then rinses gently. The growth is treated at the source rather than blasted off, so the finish stays intact and the results typically last longer.

Look at cracks and caulk first

Cleaning can reveal damage that dirt was hiding. Hairline cracks, failed caulk around windows, and loose areas should be repaired. Telling your crew about any known cracks or past moisture problems helps protect the wall during cleaning.

Keeping stucco cleaner

• Aim sprinklers away from the walls
• Trim plants that hold moisture against the stucco
• Clean about once a year, more often on shaded sides

Frequently Asked Questions

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