In the world of professional exterior cleaning, few methods compare to the effectiveness, precision, and eco-friendly nature of DOFF cleaning. Whether it’s restoring the façade of a listed building, removing graffiti in a city centre, or eliminating biological growth on stonework, the benefits of the DOFF system cleaning consistently outstanding.
At Balmore Group, we specialise in heritage and commercial building maintenance using advanced systems like DOFF. As a trusted DOFF cleaning contractor serving Glasgow and beyond, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative results this system offers, especially when other methods fall short.
Let’s explore what makes this cleaning technique so powerful, where it can be applied, and why it should be your first choice for sensitive surface restoration.
What is DOFF Cleaning?
DOFF cleaning is a specialist method that uses superheated steam to clean surfaces. Unlike traditional pressure washing, which can damage historic or delicate materials, DOFF cleaning uses low pressure and high temperatures (up to 150°C) to safely remove dirt, algae, moss, graffiti, and more.
It was developed by Stonehealth and is widely endorsed by heritage and conservation bodies across the UK, including English Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland. That’s why it’s the go-to system for many listed and historical buildings.
At Balmore Group, we use the DOFF system in conjunction with our rope access teams, allowing us to clean tall buildings without scaffolding, making us a highly efficient DOFF cleaning contractor.
What is the DOFF System Used For?
The DOFF system is incredibly versatile. It’s used to clean and restore a wide range of materials and surfaces, making it suitable for both domestic and commercial buildings.
Cleaning Natural Stone: From weathered tenement blocks to historical monuments, DOFF lifts pollution stains, organic growth, and grime from sandstone, limestone, granite, and marble. It’s especially useful for listed buildings and conservation work where material preservation is paramount.
Restoring Brickwork: Bricks often accumulate black carbon deposits, algae, and general staining. The DOFF system removes this buildup without damaging the mortar or surface. It’s ideal for rejuvenating brick façades without the harsh effects of acid-based products.
Graffiti Cleaning: DOFF steam softens and lifts paint from brick, stone, render, and even wood. It’s a key solution for graffiti cleaning in urban areas. Crucially, it avoids the common issue of “ghosting” or paint shadows that many chemical removers leave behind.
Paint and Bitumen Removal: Whether you’re stripping peeling paint from a wall or removing bitumen from stone, DOFF can handle it with minimal mess and zero chemicals.
Biological Growth Removal: Moss, algae, fungi, and lichen thrive in the damp Scottish climate. DOFF not only removes them—it kills spores at the root, reducing regrowth and maintaining a cleaner façade for longer.
Pavement, Roof and Gutter Cleaning: DOFF is also used to remove chewing gum, grease, and pollution buildup from walkways, rooftops, and even cladding.
Benefits of DOFF Steam Cleaning:
Let’s explore the key benefits of DOFF cleaning in greater detail:
Gentle on Delicate Surfaces:
The DOFF system uses low-pressure steam, making it the top choice for cleaning historical and conservation-status buildings. It won’t dislodge mortar, scratch stone, or degrade the surface, a major issue with power washers.
We’ve used DOFF extensively on heritage buildings in Glasgow and across Edinburgh, often restoring structures that are centuries old.
Eco-Friendly and Chemical-Free:
DOFF uses only water, no detergents, no biocides, and no acidic solutions. This makes it safer for surrounding plant life, wildlife, and even human health. It’s a cleaning method in line with modern sustainability goals.
This is especially important in public or conservation areas, where chemical runoff can be damaging and non-compliant with local regulations.
Kills Biological Spores:
Because it reaches high temperatures, DOFF doesn’t just remove moss and algae, it sterilises the surface. This kills off the spores entirely, preventing rapid regrowth and saving you money on frequent re-cleaning.
That’s why DOFF is a favourite method among property managers looking to reduce ongoing maintenance costs.
Leaves No Streaks, Residue, or Runoff:
With no need for chemicals or pressure, DOFF cleaning avoids issues like streak marks, surface degradation, and runoff contamination that can plague other methods.
This is critical when working on stained stone, brick, or lime render surfaces.
Prolongs Material Life:
By removing pollutants, grime, and growths early, DOFF helps protect building materials from long-term damage. This extends the life of the substrate and reduces the need for costly repairs in future.
For example, leaving moss to grow on a roof or façade can lead to moisture penetration and freeze-thaw cracking. DOFF prevents this by removing the source safely and effectively.
Why Use a DOFF Machine for Stone?
Natural stone is porous, textured, and often centuries old, especially in places like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and across Scotland. It requires a cleaning method that is:
- Non-abrasive: Won’t scratch or gouge the surface
- Non-saturating: Won’t soak the stone, avoiding internal damp issues
- Heat-based: Efficiently lifts organic stains and kills roots
DOFF checks all those boxes. That’s why historic restoration specialists, councils, and estate managers consistently choose it for stone cleaning tasks. Whether it’s a church, museum, or Georgian townhouse, the DOFF system respects the integrity of the original material.
Why Use a DOFF Machine for Restoring Brick?
Bricks, especially traditional handmade ones, are surprisingly fragile. Power washing drives water into the mortar joints, weakening them and causing damage over time.
DOFF cleaning, by contrast, avoids saturation entirely. The superheated steam lifts dirt, pollution, and even old paint without over-wetting the brick or the pointing. That’s why it’s ideal for restoring period façades across Glasgow’s Victorian tenements and other historic districts.
By choosing Balmore Group, you ensure the expertise of a certified DOFF cleaning contractor with experience in sensitive brick restoration projects throughout Scotland.
Why Use a DOFF Machine for Graffiti?
Graffiti cleaning presents a unique challenge: how do you remove paint without damaging the surface beneath? Especially when that surface is stone, render, or brick?
The DOFF system delivers on this perfectly. It softens graffiti using steam, allowing for safe, chemical-free removal. Because it doesn’t rely on pressure or abrasive tools, there’s no risk of shadowing or ghosting, which are common side effects with other methods.
Our DOFF cleaning services team in Glasgow has been called out to numerous graffiti removal jobs where previous efforts failed. DOFF worked where others didn’t, restoring not just the surface, but your peace of mind.
Wrapping Up…
Whether you’re managing a commercial block in Glasgow, maintaining a church in Edinburgh, or protecting the façade of a historic estate, DOFF cleaning offers the safest and most effective cleaning solution available today. With applications ranging from graffiti cleaning and stone restoration to removing decades of pollution, it’s a service no responsible property owner should overlook.
At Balmore Group, we combine our expertise as a rope access and maintenance specialist with professional DOFF cleaning contractor certification. This means we can clean high-level or awkward-to-access façades without scaffolding, saving you time, cost, and disruption.
Get in touch with Balmore today to arrange a survey or learn more about our professional DOFF cleaning services in Glasgow. Trust the experts to protect and preserve what matters most.
