DOFF Steam Cleaning in Bristol & Bath
Conservation-area-safe heritage stone cleaning using superheated, low-pressure steam — no chemicals, no abrasion, no surface damage.
What We Do
DOFF is a specialist superheated-steam cleaning system designed for heritage masonry — Bath stone, Pennant stone, soft red brick, sandstone, terracotta. We use it to clean carbon-blackening, biological growth, paint over-spray, lime-soiling, and graffiti from period properties, listed buildings, churches, civic buildings, and conservation-area frontages. The system runs at high temperature but very low pressure (sub-150 PSI), lifting contaminants without driving water deep into stone, abrading patina, or leaving chemical residue. This is the conservation-recommended approach for Bath's listed Georgian terraces and Bristol's Pennant-stone frontages.
Why It Matters
Heritage stone is fragile. The wrong cleaning method causes permanent damage that costs far more to remediate than the original soiling. High-pressure jet washing etches the stone face. Abrasive media removes patina. Acid-based cleaning neutralises the stone's alkaline buffering. DOFF avoids all three failure modes — Bath stone returns to its natural honey colour without abrasive shadowing.
Our Process
- Heritage Assessment — substrate, listed status, conservation-area rules
- Test Patch & Approval — discreet trial, conservation officer sign-off
- DOFF Steam Cleaning — controlled passes, adjacent surfaces protected
- Final Inspection & Photo Handover — recommendations for biocide aftercare
Pricing
- Test patch + heritage report — from £150 (credited against full job)
- Single Bath stone elevation (small terrace) — from £950
- Full Georgian terrace facade — POA (typically £2,500+)
- Pennant-stone frontage — from £1,250
- Anti-biological aftercare biocide — from £180
FAQ
Why is DOFF better than pressure washing for heritage stone?
DOFF is high temperature but low pressure, lifting contaminants without etching or driving water behind masonry. Pressure washing damages patina and accelerates erosion.
Do I need listed-building consent for DOFF cleaning?
Sometimes. We help prepare method statements and liaise with conservation officers where needed.
Will DOFF lighten my Bath stone?
It returns the stone to its natural colour — what you see is the original colour as the building was constructed.
How long does a DOFF clean last?
Typically 8–15 years depending on aspect, tree cover, and atmospheric pollution. Biocide aftercare extends this further.
Areas We Cover
Bath BA1–BA3 — full conservation-area coverage including Bathwick, Widcombe, Larkhall, Combe Down, Odd Down, Royal Crescent and Circus surrounds. Bristol BS1–BS49 — particular focus on Clifton, Cotham, Redland, Westbury-on-Trym, Bishopston, Stoke Bishop, Sneyd Park.
Related Services
Graffiti Removal · Commercial Exterior Cleaning · Render Cleaning · Soft Washing