What Is DOFF Cleaning?

Contents

1. What Is the DOFF Cleaning System?
2. Who Invented the DOFF Integra System?
3. How Does a DOFF System Work?
4. When Is DOFF Cleaning Used?
5. What Surfaces Can You Clean with a DOFF System?
6. How Much Does DOFF Cleaning Cost?
7. DOFF Alternatives
8. How Does Spectrum Use the DOFF System?

Have you struggled with maintaining the appearance of delicate or historic building exteriors? Cleaning sensitive materials can be a real challenge, as harsh methods often cause damage while failing to remove stubborn contaminants.

Enter the DOFF cleaning system – a cutting-edge, steam-based solution designed to clean thoroughly while preserving the integrity of your surfaces.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about DOFF cleaning, including its unique features, how it works, and the many ways it can be used. We’ll also take a closer look at its cost-effectiveness, and why it stands out when compared to other building cleaning solutions.

By the end, you’ll understand why this system is a trusted choice for professionals, including Spectrum, across the UK and beyond.

What Is the DOFF Cleaning System?

DOFF cleaning is an advanced cleaning system that uses superheated steam to safely and effectively clean a variety of surfaces. At the heart of the system is the DOFF machine, which was developed by UK-based Stonehealth to address the specific needs of historic and sensitive surfaces while delivering optimal cleaning power.

Its key features include:

• Superheated steam: Reaches temperatures of up to 150°C at the nozzle. This level of heat removes even the most stubborn contaminants, such as paint, grime, and biological growth, ensuring surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.

• Low pressure: Operates at a gentle rate of 3-5 litres per minute. This reduces the risk of damaging fragile materials while ensuring effective cleaning. As a result, the water doesn’t penetrate deeply into substrates, allowing materials like brick, stone, wood, or concrete to dry quickly to prevent long-term damage.

• Chemical-free: The DOFF system uses only water, offering an eco-friendly alternative when compared to chemical solutions. It avoids introducing harmful chemicals into the environment without sacrificing cleaning efficacy.

DOFF cleaning is highly effective for tasks ranging from removing graffiti and biological growth to eliminating grease and paint residues. The underlying technology delivers a gentle but powerful clean that thoroughly removes contaminants while safeguarding the visual appeal and structural integrity of delicate surfaces.

Who Invented the DOFF Integra System?

The DOFF cleaning system was developed by Stonehealth, a UK-based company with a reputation for pioneering specialist cleaning solutions. Stonehealth’s focus has always been to preserve historic and sensitive building materials, particularly stone, and the creation of the DOFF system was a natural extension of this mission.

Stonehealth identified a gap in the market for a cleaning solution that was both gentle and effective. Traditional cleaning methods often relied on abrasive techniques or harsh chemicals, which could easily damage delicate stone surfaces. In response, the DOFF system was engineered to harness the power of superheated steam, delivering exceptional results without compromising the integrity of sensitive building materials, especially stone and masonry.

Stonehealth is the sole supplier of DOFF machines and a go-to resource for surveyors and cleaning contractors that need help and advice on specialist projects.

Today, the DOFF system is widely used by conservationists and professional services to clean buildings of all shapes and sizes, cementing its place as an essential tool in conscientious exterior maintenance.

How Does a DOFF System Work?

The DOFF cleaning system works by converting cold, clean water into superheated steam, which is then directed onto surfaces to remove contaminants. Its design ensures that even delicate materials are cleaned effectively and safely.

• Water heating: The system’s boiler unit heats water to produce steam at temperatures as high as 150°C. If the weather is cold or conditions are challenging, the system can heat water even higher to ensure the steam reaches the correct temperature by the time it exits the nozzle and contacts the surface. This ensures consistent cleaning performance regardless of external factors.

• Application: The superheated steam is delivered at low pressure through specially designed nozzles, allowing operators to clean with precision. This design makes DOFF cleaning effective for detailed work on intricate surfaces.

• Contaminant removal: The steam effectively softens and lifts away dirt, grime, and biological growth, leaving surfaces not only clean but also sanitised, helping to prevent future contamination.

The DOFF Integra system includes many innovative components that make all of this possible, including:

• Boiler unit: The boiler is the heart of the DOFF system, heating water to create the high-temperature steam necessary for effective cleaning. It is designed to maintain consistent performance even under challenging conditions, ensuring reliable results across diverse cleaning tasks.

• Hoses and nozzles: These components are engineered for precision. The hoses transport the superheated steam from the boiler to the target surface, while the nozzles ensure accurate application, making it possible to clean intricate or hard-to-reach areas effectively.

• Control systems: The control systems are user-friendly and highly adjustable, allowing operators to fine-tune the temperature and pressure settings. This flexibility ensures the cleaning process can be tailored to the unique requirements of each surface.

When Is DOFF Cleaning Used?

DOFF cleaning is a flexible solution that can be used in many situations. Its ability to clean thoroughly without causing damage makes it the go-to choice for a variety of building cleaning projects.

Some of the most common use cases include:

• Paint: The DOFF system excels at removing oil-based and plastic paints without damaging underlying materials. Its high-temperature steam breaks down paint layers gently, avoiding abrasives or chemicals that could compromise sensitive surfaces.

• Graffiti: Safely removes graffiti while preserving the surface underneath. This is particularly valuable for heritage properties or decorative facades where traditional removal methods might cause irreversible damage.

• Biological growth: Effectively kills and removes moss, algae, fungi, and spores. The system’s high-temperature steam eliminates regrowth potential without requiring chemical biocides, making it a sustainable option for ongoing maintenance.

• Bird or vermin droppings: Cleans and sanitises areas contaminated by droppings, reducing health risks and restoring surfaces without harsh scrubbing that could cause damage.

• Wax: Removes unwanted wax layers efficiently, often necessary for surface preparation or restoration projects, ensuring a clean and residue-free finish.

• Chewing gum: Lifts hardened gum from pavements and other surfaces quickly and effectively, saving time and effort compared to manual scraping or harsh chemicals.

• Bitumen, oil, and grease: Cuts through tough, sticky residues with ease. The superheated steam ensures thorough cleaning without the need for heavy-duty solvents, protecting both the environment and the surface.

Across many applications, the DOFF cleaning system offers a number of benefits when compared to traditional methods, including at least:

• Gentle on surfaces: The DOFF system operates at low pressure, making it perfect for cleaning delicate materials like historic facades, stonework, and fragile masonry without causing surface damage.

• Prevents biological regrowth: By using superheated steam to kill spores, the system provides long-lasting results and reduces the need for chemical biocides, which are often required with other methods.

• Eco-friendly: In most cases, the DOFF system uses only water to clean effectively, ensuring an environmentally sustainable process without harsh chemicals that could harm the surroundings.

• Versatile performance: Designed to handle challenging weather and conditions, the system’s steam remains effective by maintaining high temperatures, even in cold environments.

As the DOFF machine is adjustable, it's a versatile cleaning solution that extends to a wide range of applications, from large-scale restoration projects to routine maintenance tasks.

What Surfaces Can You Clean with a DOFF System?

One of the DOFF system’s standout features is its compatibility with a diverse range of building materials. With easily adjusted settings, it is suitable for cleaning both historic and modern properties using many different substrates.

We use DOFF cleaning for many surfaces, including:

• Brick: The DOFF system is ideal for cleaning brick surfaces, including historic masonry. Unlike abrasive methods, DOFF removes biological growth, grime, and paint layers without eroding the brick’s surface or compromising its structural integrity.

• Stone: Perfect for cleaning delicate materials like limestone, sandstone, and marble, DOFF steam cleans stone surfaces thoroughly without causing the scratches or discoloration often associated with traditional pressure washing.

• Concrete: The low-pressure steam effectively removes grime, biological growth, and even oil stains from concrete without creating cracks or weakening the surface, making it a safer option than harsh chemical treatments.

• Tiled surfaces: Suitable for both glazed and encaustic tiles, the DOFF system removes contaminants without chipping or dulling the tile’s finish, preserving visual appeal and functionality.

• Wood: Gentle enough for treated and untreated wood, the DOFF system removes moss, algae, and grime while protecting the wood’s natural grain and texture, unlike traditional techniques that might strip or damage the surface.

• Faience and terracotta: The precision of DOFF steam cleaning ensures that intricate and fragile details in faience and terracotta are cleaned thoroughly without the risk of cracking or abrasion, which is common with less controlled methods.

Fundamentally, the ability to adjust temperature and pressure using the DOFF machine ensures optimal cleaning results for many different substrates, especially where preservation is a critical concern.

How Much Does DOFF Cleaning Cost?

While the benefits of DOFF cleaning are clear, we will always consider costs in relation to the requirements of any project. DOFF cleaning costs can vary significantly based on several factors, including:

• Surface area: Larger areas require more time and resources to clean. This often means extended project timelines and additional equipment, which can influence the overall cost. However, efficient planning and modern cleaning systems like DOFF help streamline larger jobs.

• Contamination type: The nature and severity of contaminants can impact the complexity of the job. For example, removing simple biological growth such as moss is quicker and less labour-intensive than eliminating multiple layers of graffiti, oil, or bitumen, which may require additional passes.

• Accessibility: Sites requiring scaffolding, rope access, or other specialised equipment will incur higher costs. At Spectrum, to minimise these expenses, we use the most effective hybrid access methods, avoiding scaffolding wherever possible. This approach not only lowers costs but also ensures efficient and timely project completion.

• Location: Regional pricing variations can affect overall expenses. Labour costs, travel distances, and proximity to suppliers or equipment all play a role in determining the total price.

With all of this in mind, here are some very rough guidelines for DOFF cleaning per m² in London:

• Basic cleaning: £10-20 per m² for straightforward tasks such as removing light biological growth or minor grime.

• Complex projects: £40-80 per m² for jobs involving difficult access, significant contamination, or the need for specialised cleaning techniques like multiple passes to remove stubborn residues.

Although the upfront cost of DOFF cleaning may seem high, the long-term benefits often outweigh the expense. By preserving surfaces and reducing the need for frequent maintenance, DOFF cleaning can save property owners significant money over time.

For a more accurate quote tailored to the needs of your building, learn more about our DOFF cleaning service and request a free quote here.

DOFF Alternatives

The DOFF system is widely regarded for its effectiveness, but it’s important to see how it stacks up against alternative cleaning methods. By comparing the DOFF system to traditional approaches, you can better appreciate its unique advantages and why it’s a preferred choice for many professionals.

DOFF vs. Pressure Washing

• Pressure washing: Pressure washing uses high water pressure to clean surfaces. While it is effective for removing surface-level dirt and grime, the force can damage delicate materials like historic stone, brick, or wood. Additionally, it may push water into porous surfaces, leading to long-term issues like dampness or structural weakening.

• DOFF system: In contrast, the DOFF system operates at low pressure with superheated steam. This gentle yet effective approach avoids surface damage and ensures contaminants are removed without introducing moisture into the substrate. It’s ideal for fragile or historic surfaces where preservation is a top priority.

DOFF vs. Steam Cleaning

• Steam cleaning: Traditional steam cleaning systems often operate at lower temperatures and rely on chemical additives to enhance cleaning performance. These methods are less effective for stubborn contaminants like graffiti, paint, or biological growth, and the use of chemicals can pose environmental concerns.

• DOFF system: The DOFF system outperforms traditional steam cleaning by using superheated steam at temperatures up to 150°C. This eliminates the need for chemicals, making it a more thorough and eco-friendly choice. Its high-temperature steam is particularly effective at killing spores, preventing the regrowth of moss, algae, or fungi, and ensuring long-lasting cleanliness.

DOFF vs. TORC

• TORC system: The TORC system uses a swirling mix of air, water, and fine granules to gently but effectively clean tough encrustations such as carbon deposits and limescale. This method excels at addressing deeply ingrained contaminants on harder surfaces, making it ideal for heavy-duty cleaning tasks like restoring aged stone or removing industrial grime. It is often chosen for situations where these deeply embedded issues need a more robust approach.

• DOFF system: The DOFF system, by contrast, uses non-abrasive superheated steam to less ingrained contaminants, like biological deposits, paint or grime. Its gentle and precise method is particularly effective for sensitive materials or surfaces with intricate details, such as historic masonry or decorative tiles. Both systems are vital tools in our cleaning arsenal, with the choice depending entirely on the material and specific requirements of the project.

How Does Spectrum Use the DOFF System?

At Spectrum, we pride ourselves on combining unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional cleaning results.

With years of experience handling varied DOFF cleaning projects – from historic restoration to modern building maintenance – we utilise DOFF cleaning as one of many options to deliver on our commitment to excellence in conservation-aware building restoration and preservation.

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Why Choose Spectrum?

• Certified technicians: Our IRATA-certified team is skilled in using the DOFF system for a wide variety of cleaning challenges, ensuring safe and effective results even in the most hard-to-reach or delicate areas.

• Broad experience: We’ve successfully completed projects across various industries and building types, including listed buildings, commercial facades, and residential properties, tailoring our methods to meet your specific project requirements.

• Customised solutions: Every project is unique, and we adapt our approach to ensure the best results for your property’s specific needs and materials.

• Minimal disruption: We minimise disruption by using hybrid access methods such as rope access, mobile elevated platforms, and other innovative solutions to avoid scaffolding whenever possible. This ensures that our work is swift and cost-effective, allowing your property to remain accessible while we restore its exterior.

DOFF cleaning works best when conducted by experienced professionals. Let Spectrum’s expertise and proven track record bring your building back to its best. Contact us today to learn more about our DOFF cleaning services and get a free quote tailored to your needs.