We all want our buildings to look their best, but there’s a catch that many property owners learn the hard way: the very thing you do to “fix” a dirty exterior can often be the thing that breaks it. While it’s easy to spot the damage caused by pollution, moss, or weather, the damage caused by a well-intentioned but overly aggressive cleaning crew is much harder to undo.
Protecting your building isn’t just about fighting off the elements; it’s about protecting it from the cleaning process itself. If you use too much pressure or the wrong chemicals, you risk “blowing” the face of your bricks or permanently scarring delicate stonework. To get a deep clean without the collateral damage, you need a method that respects the age and material of your property. That’s exactly why the DOFF cleaning system has become the gold standard for restoration.
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Why temperature beats pressure
What is DOFF cleaning?
DOFF cleaning is a specialised steam-based cleaning method designed for the sensitive restoration of building exteriors.
Unlike traditional “pressure washing,” which relies on high-velocity water to strip away dirt (often taking the face of the brick with it), the DOFF cleaning system uses temperature as its primary cleaning agent. By heating water to 150°C, the system creates a “superheated” vapour. When this steam hits the surface, it instantly liquefies grease, paint, and organic matter without the need for abrasive force or harsh chemicals.
DOFF Cleaning at a glance
Technology: Superheated steam (up to 150°C)
Pressure: Low (variable to protect the surface)
Key Benefit: No chemicals required; kills biological spores on contact.
Best For: Heritage stone, brickwork, K-Rend, and graffiti removal.
DOFF Cleaning: Why temperature beats pressure
The brilliance of the DOFF system lies in its ability to remain “gentle but firm.” Because the volume of water is kept low, the substrate does not become saturated. This is critical for older buildings, as it prevents water from being trapped behind the surface, which causes damp or “freeze-thaw” damage during winter months.
Furthermore, because the steam is delivered at such high temperatures, it provides a level of sterilisation that cold-water systems simply cannot match. It doesn’t just wash away algae; it kills the spores, significantly delaying regrowth.
Precision graffiti removal
Graffiti on a commercial property or a historic home is a nightmare for owners. The challenge isn’t just removing the paint; it’s doing so without leaving a “ghost” image or a permanent scar on the masonry.
Using the DOFF system for graffiti removal is the most effective solution available. The heat breaks down the chemical bonds of the aerosol paint, allowing it to be lifted out of the pores of the stone. This ensures a uniform finish that restores the wall to its original state, protecting the aesthetic value of your property.
Specialist facade cleaning and restoration
A building’s facade is constantly under attack from carbon pollutants, bird guano, and biological staining. For modern finishes like K-Rend or traditional London stock brick, facade cleaning must be handled with precision.
The DOFF system is the preferred choice for architects and heritage bodies (including English Heritage) because it cleans without changing the “character” of the stone. It removes years of industrial grime and “black crust” while leaving the delicate patina of the building intact.
Comprehensive exterior building cleaning
Whether you are managing a retail park, an office block, or a residential estate, external building cleaning is a vital part of preventative maintenance. Accumulated dirt isn’t just an eyesore; it can hide structural cracks and accelerate the decay of mortar joints.
By employing DOFF expertise, property managers can ensure their assets remain in peak condition. The system’s versatility allows it to move from cleaning heavy bitumen and oil on a loading bay to delicate moss removal on a roof, all with a simple adjustment of the controls.
Why Ideal Response is the leading choice for DOFF expertise
A tool is only as good as its operator. At Ideal Response, our technicians are highly trained in the nuances of the DOFF cleaning system. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; we assess the substrate, the type of contaminant, and the surrounding environment to deliver a bespoke cleaning plan.
Eco-friendly: Zero chemicals, 100% steam.
Heritage approved: Safe for Grade I and II listed buildings.
Minimal disruption: Surfaces dry in minutes, not hours.
Restore your property today
Don’t risk your building’s structural integrity with high-pressure alternatives. Trust the experts in superheated steam restoration.
Our expert teams are near you:
We provide specialised DOFF cleaning services across our primary regional hubs. Select your nearest location to learn more about our local damage restoration and specialist cleaning expertise:
Call our team today to discuss your building cleaning and DOFF expertise requirements. We are ready to help you make your building look new again.
Call our emergency response team 01622 926 505
DOFF Cleaning FAQs
What is DOFF cleaning?
DOFF cleaning is a specialist masonry cleaning method that uses superheated steam (up to 150°C) at low pressure. Unlike traditional pressure washing, it relies on temperature rather than force to remove dirt, paint, biological growth, and carbon staining. It is the preferred method for heritage and listed building restoration across the UK because it does not damage the surface of the brick or stone.
Is DOFF cleaning safe for old or listed buildings?
Yes, DOFF cleaning is considered the safest method for historic and listed buildings. Because the water volume is low and the pressure is adjustable, the system avoids saturating the masonry or eroding delicate mortar. It is frequently specified by heritage organizations like English Heritage and the National Trust for stone and brickwork restoration.
Does DOFF cleaning remove graffiti?
Absolutely. The 150°C steam breaks the molecular bonds of most aerosol paints and bitumen, allowing the graffiti to be lifted from the pores of the stone. This “lifting” action prevents “ghosting”, the faint shadow often left behind by chemical or abrasive cleaning methods, ensuring the facade is returned to its original state.
How often should a building facade be cleaned using DOFF?
While the DOFF system is gentle, the frequency depends on your location. Buildings in high-pollution areas or near busy roads may require cleaning every 3–5 years to prevent carbon build-up. Because DOFF kills biological spores, it delays the return of algae and moss for much longer than cold-water washing.
Where can I find DOFF cleaning services in London and Kent?
Ideal Response provides specialist DOFF cleaning across several regional hubs to ensure local expertise and rapid response. You can access our services through our dedicated centres in:
London: London Damage Restoration Hub
Kent: Kent Specialist Services
Maidstone: Maidstone Service Centre
Canterbury: Canterbury Service Centre
Will DOFF cleaning stop algae and moss from coming back?
Yes, the high temperature of the steam provides a natural sterilisation effect. While cold-water pressure washing often leaves microscopic spores behind (which then thrive on the damp surface), the superheated steam kills these organisms on contact, significantly increasing the time it takes for biological growth to reappear.
Does DOFF cleaning use chemicals?
No. One of the primary benefits of the DOFF system is that it is 100% eco-friendly and uses only water. This makes it ideal for use in urban environments, schools, or sensitive ecological areas where chemical run-off would be a safety or environmental hazard.
Tahlia Ibrahim - Delivery Manager
Tahlia has over four and a half years of in-depth experience across various facets of the disaster recovery industry. Having progressed through roles in marketing and sales to her current position, Tahlia possesses a comprehensive understanding of the entire business operation, from initial client contact to meticulous service delivery. A certified BioSweep Specialist, she excels in advanced odour elimination techniques, ensuring thorough restoration.
