DOFF – Stonehealth DOFF Steam Cleaning

If you are thinking about restoring the stone on your property, you will have already noticed that there are many cleaning options available. Some methods look quick. Others seem complicated. Yet not every option is safe for delicate surfaces. That is why more and more homeowners choose DOFF – Stonehealth DOFF Steam Cleaning.

With DOFF – Stonehealth DOFF Steam Cleaning, superheated water is used at very low pressure. As a result, stone, brick, and render can be cleaned without damage. Moreover, this system is approved by English Heritage, which makes it trusted for older properties and historic buildings.

In this post, we will explain what DOFF – Stonehealth DOFF Steam Cleaning is, why it works so well, and how much it could cost for your home in Oxfordshire.

What is DOFF by Stonehealth?

DOFF is a specialist steam cleaning system designed for exterior surfaces. It uses superheated water at very low pressure and a very low flow rate. Because of this gentle process, DOFF is approved by English Heritage for cleaning and restoring delicate stone.

Where Can DOFF Be Used?

The system works on stone, brick, and even some renders. Moreover, it can also remove paint when used with Stonehealth’s RID paint remover. As a result, it has become one of the most trusted methods for heritage buildings and private homes.

Why Does It Work So Well?

Unlike pressure washers, DOFF cleans with heat rather than force. The water reaches up to 150°C, yet flows at only 5 litres per minute and 900 psi. Consequently, it kills algae, mould, and bacteria without damaging the surface. Dirt, grime, and organic growth are removed safely, leaving the stone intact.

Power and Access Options

The DOFF comes in both 240v and 110v models, so it works on domestic homes as well as construction sites. Furthermore, it can be used with extension poles for reaching higher elevations, as long as safe access is available.

What Affects the Cost of DOFF Cleaning?

When homeowners ask, “How much will it cost to DOFF clean my stonework?” the answer depends on several factors. These include:

• How many square metres of stone or brick need cleaning

• What type of stone it is (flat stone cleans faster than rough Cotswold stone)

• How tall the building is and whether extension poles are enough

• How close we can position the equipment

• Whether there is an on-site water supply or if we need a bowser

• What power supply is available, or whether a generator is required

• What stains are present, such as black carbon deposits that need extra treatment

Because of these variables, site assessments are often recommended.

Example Costs

For guidance, cleaning the stone of a 2–3 bedroom cottage would cost between £1,200 and £3,600 including VAT. This assumes ground-level work using DOFF extension poles, with a 13-amp socket and water supply available. The process usually takes one to two days. Additionally, many homeowners choose to add a full window clean at the end for a perfect finish.

Paint Removal with DOFF

If you need paint removed, DOFF works best alongside RID paint remover. The paint is coated, left overnight to soften, and then carefully steamed away. However, timescales vary. For example, our partner company SkyLine SoftWash once removed thick layers of paint from a three-bedroom house. The job took four weeks, even with tower scaffold access, because of the number of layers involved.

Alfresco Exterior Cleaning also handled a commercial project where paint covered a stone entrance. Using DOFF with RID paint remover, the work took three days. Once complete, it became clear why the stone had been painted—the previous management company had simply covered graffiti instead of removing it. DOFF could have removed the graffiti safely without paint in the first place.

DOFF Cleaning on Retirement Properties

Across the UK, retirement apartments managed by companies like McCarthy Stone and First Port benefit from DOFF cleaning. Their stone windowsills often gather algae and lichen. The DOFF system, with superheated water and low pressure, removes these safely. Because no harsh chemicals are needed, retirement blocks appreciate the eco-friendly approach.

What About Windowsills at Home?

If you are considering DOFF cleaning for your own property, costs vary by size and access. For stone windowsills on a typical home, expect prices from £495 + VAT upwards. Final quotes depend on how many sills you have, how high the property is, and whether other surfaces need cleaning at the same time.