When it comes to delicate stone cleaning, especially on historic or listed buildings, you need a method that’s powerful yet gentle enough to protect the integrity of the surface. That’s where DOFF cleaning stands out, and at Shire Stone Care, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s leading providers of DOFF cleaning for stone, brick, masonry, and heritage façades.
What is DOFF Cleaning?
DOFF cleaning is a superheated steam cleaning system that removes organic matter, dirt, paint, graffiti, moss, algae, and biological growth without using high pressure or harsh chemicals. Developed by Stonehealth, the DOFF system heats water to 150°C but applies it at a low pressure, making it ideal for sensitive and historic surfaces.
This makes DOFF the preferred method for:
- Listed buildings.
- Historic stone and brickwork.
- Churches, monuments, and war memorials.
- Conservation areas and façades.
- Delicate natural stone, such as sandstone or limestone.
Why Choose DOFF Cleaning?
Traditional power washing can be too abrasive for natural stone or historic surfaces, often causing long-term damage or accelerating the weathering process. DOFF cleaning, on the other hand, offers a safe, effective solution that:
- Cleans deeply without eroding the surface.
- Kills biological spores, preventing future regrowth.
- Does not saturate the substrate, preventing internal moisture buildup.
- Removes graffiti, algae, and pollution stains without chemicals.
It’s one of the most eco-friendly cleaning methods available, using only water and no harsh detergents or abrasives.
Our DOFF Cleaning Services Include:
Heritage & Listed Building Cleaning
We’re trusted by conservationists and local authorities to clean buildings of national and regional importance. Whether it’s sandstone, brick, Portland stone, or terracotta, our DOFF-approved technicians restore historic buildings to their original beauty without risking surface damage.
Biological Growth Removal (Algae, Moss, Lichen)
Over time, organic growth can cause staining and damage to buildings. Our DOFF cleaning method eradicates algae and moss at the root by killing spores with superheated steam, leaving façades not only clean but protected against regrowth.
Graffiti Removal
Graffiti is not just unsightly—it can also cause damage to porous stone and heritage brickwork. DOFF cleaning allows us to gently lift paint and ink without using corrosive chemicals or abrasive scrubbers.
Monuments and Memorials
Monuments and memorial stones often require specialist care. Our DOFF cleaning approach is tailored to clean inscriptions, carvings, and stonework sensitively while preserving their structure and meaning.
Commercial Building Façade Cleaning
Modern commercial buildings benefit too. We use DOFF to safely remove carbon staining, traffic pollution, chewing gum, and organic deposits from:
- Offices.
- Schools and universities.
- Hospitals.
- Retail units.
- Public sector buildings.
How DOFF Cleaning Works
The DOFF system uses a three-step process:
- Water is heated to 150°C in a controlled boiler.
- The superheated water is delivered through a fine nozzle at low pressure.
- Surfaces are gently steamed clean, lifting dirt and grime without the need for force.
Because the steam dries almost instantly on contact, there is no deep saturation or risk of water ingress, making it ideal for older or weather-sensitive materials.
Approved, Accredited, and Experienced
Shire Stone Care is a fully accredited DOFF cleaning provider, operating in accordance with conservation best practices and health and safety regulations. Our team is:
- Trained and approved by Stonehealth
- Experienced in cleaning listed and conservation buildings.
- Covered by full insurance and risk-assessed for every job.
- Committed to eco-friendly and chemical-free cleaning solutions.
Whether we’re cleaning a cathedral façade or a village war memorial, we approach every job with the same care, attention, and heritage awareness.
Eco-Friendly and Safe for the Environment
Because DOFF cleaning relies on water and heat, not chemicals, it’s an environmentally responsible choice. It:
- Produces no harmful runoff.
- Doesn’t release harsh fumes or residues.
- It can be safely used near watercourses or green spaces.
- It is safe for wildlife and the surrounding vegetation.
It also supports sustainability goals for councils, developers, and commercial property owners looking to reduce their environmental impact.
DOFF Cleaning Across the UK
Based in the Midlands, Shire Stone Care proudly provides DOFF cleaning services across the UK. From Birmingham to Bristol, Manchester to London, our mobile teams are fully equipped to deliver fast, effective cleaning for public, private, and commercial clients.
We regularly work on:
- National Trust and English Heritage properties.
- City centre façades and bridges.
- Residential estates and rural villages.
- Churches and religious buildings.
- Business parks and university campuses.
If you’re looking for safe, effective, and conservation-friendly stone cleaning, Shire Stone Care has the knowledge and tools to help. Whether you need graffiti removed, a historic building restored, or organic growth cleaned from your property, we’ve got you covered.