Hammersmith Works Ltd is now an approved DOFF Cleaning Contractor!
DOFF Cleaning is a specialist form of steam cleaning that uses high temperature water delivered at low pressure. The system produces steam at temperatures of up to 150°C. The high temperature and controlled pressure work together to loosen and remove dirt and other contaminants without the use of harsh chemicals.
Depending on the building material and the type of contamination present, DOFF Cleaning can be used to remove:
The precise cleaning method should always be selected according to the surface. The operator can control the cleaning process, allowing the approach to be adapted to different materials and cleaning challenges.
DOFF cleaning can be particularly useful on historic and other vulnerable buildings.
The right cleaning method depends on the building.
Traditional pressure washing can be an effective solution. However, high-pressure water is not suitable for every building or material.
The wrong cleaning method can potentially:
Rather than relying on high pressure, DOFF Cleaning uses heat and low pressure to help remove contamination. This makes it really valuable when cleaning delicate stone, brickwork, historic façades and other sensitive surfaces.
At Hammersmith Works Ltd, we assess the surface and the requirements of the project before recommending the most appropriate approach.
Historic buildings often require more than a standard cleaning solution. Their materials may have weathered over many decades or even centuries. Their surfaces may contain original finishes, delicate details, historic pointing or evidence of previous repairs. Obviously then, heritage cleaning should be approached carefully. The objective is rarely to just make the old building look new. There are often conservation and other objectives too.
DOFF Cleaning can provide an option for cleaning many historic and delicate surfaces, including:
Natural stone can be particularly sensitive to the wrong cleaning methods. Different types of stone have different characteristics and may respond differently to cleaning. Our DOFF Cleaning provides a specialist option for various stone cleaning projects be it limestone, sandstone, natural stone façades, architectural stonework, decorative stone features or something else.
For stone cleaning projects we consider:
Building façades are exposed to pollution, weathering and biological growth throughout the year. Over time this can affect both the appearance and the condition of external surfaces.
DOFF Cleaning can be very useful when the façade requires a controlled cleaning method and conventional high-pressure cleaning is not appropriate.
Our access capabilities also allow us to support projects involving difficult to reach areas, including façades, atriums, rooflines and other challenging building elevations.
Algae, moss, lichen and other organic growth can affect the appearance of a building and even contribute to long term deterioration.
Thanks to the high-temperature water, DOFF Cleaning can help remove biological growth. The appropriate treatment will depend on the type of growth, the surface and the wider condition of the building.
The suitability of DOFF Cleaning to remove paint and graffiti depends on:
Controlled steam cleaning can help soften and remove unwanted surface coatings while reducing the need for aggressive mechanical cleaning. A test area may be recommended before larger scale work begins.
Specialist access expertise
Our experience with rope access and other specialist access systems allows us to support cleaning projects on challenging façades and difficult to reach areas.
Conservation conscious cleaning
We understand that cleaning a historic or prestigious building requires more than simply applying the most powerful available method.
Investment in specialist equipment
Becoming an approved DOFF contractor represents our continued investment in specialist equipment and the capabilities required to support our clients.
Experienced building maintenance specialists
DOFF Cleaning complements our existing façade cleaning, building maintenance and specialist access services.
A considered approach
We assess the surface, contamination and requirements of the building before recommending the most appropriate solution.
Professional project delivery
Our work is planned with safety, access, communication and minimising disruption in mind. Our aim is to provide a dependable specialist service for property managers from initial assessment through to completion.
What is DOFF Cleaning?
DOFF Cleaning is a specialist steam cleaning process that uses superheated water at low pressure to remove dirt, biological growth, pollution staining and other contaminants from suitable surfaces.
Is DOFF Cleaning the same as pressure washing?
No. Conventional pressure washing relies primarily on water pressure to remove contamination. DOFF Cleaning uses high-temperature water and controlled, low-pressure application.
Is DOFF Cleaning suitable for historic buildings?
It can be suitable for many historic and delicate surfaces. Of course, the correct cleaning method must always be assessed according to the specific building material and its condition.
Can DOFF Cleaning be used on listed buildings?
Potentially, yes. The suitability of any cleaning method depends on the building, its materials, condition and the requirements of the project. A site assessment and appropriate methodology are important when working on listed or heritage buildings.
What surfaces can DOFF Cleaning be used on?
DOFF Cleaning can be suitable for natural stone, brick, masonry, terracotta and other compatible surfaces.
Can DOFF Cleaning remove algae, moss and lichen?
Yes, DOFF Cleaning can be used to remove biological growth such as algae, moss and lichen.
Can DOFF Cleaning remove paint and graffiti?
Yes, it can be suitable for paint and graffiti removal. The result depends on the coating and the surface.
Is DOFF Cleaning suitable for every building?
No cleaning method is suitable for every building. The most appropriate method depends on the material, condition, contamination and desired result. Hammersmith Works Ltd assesses the requirements of each project before recommending an approach.
Can DOFF Cleaning be used with rope access?
Yes. DOFF Cleaning can complement rope access and other specialist access methods, allowing us to clean difficult to reach areas.