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LBC Exterior Cleaning recently completed specialist DOFF steam cleaning and stone cleaning at the iconic Christ Church Spitalfields in London.
Located on Commercial Street in the heart of East London, Christ Church Spitalfields is one of London’s most recognisable historic churches. Designed by renowned architect Nicholas Hawksmoor and dating from the early 18th century, this spectacular Grade I listed building has dominated the Spitalfields skyline for almost 300 years.
Our works focused on DOFF cleaning the stone entrance and steps at the front of the church, using specialist superheated steam cleaning equipment to remove accumulated dirt and contamination while taking a controlled approach appropriate for historic stonework.
You can see our team carrying out the DOFF cleaning at Christ Church Spitalfields in the video included on this page.
Specialist DOFF Cleaning in London
Cleaning historic stonework requires a very different approach from cleaning many modern commercial buildings.
Older and listed buildings can contain sensitive stone, masonry, mortar joints and architectural details where aggressive cleaning techniques may be inappropriate.
For this project, LBC Exterior Cleaning used a specialist DOFF superheated steam cleaning system.
DOFF cleaning uses superheated water at temperatures reaching up to approximately 150°C at the nozzle, with the operator able to control the temperature and pressure according to the surface and contamination being treated.
Rather than relying purely on aggressive water pressure, much of the cleaning action comes from the heat.
This makes DOFF a highly useful system for stone cleaning, masonry cleaning, listed building cleaning and heritage restoration projects.
What Is DOFF Cleaning?
DOFF cleaning is a specialist steam-based cleaning method designed for removing contamination from stone, brick and other masonry surfaces.
The machine heats water to extremely high temperatures and delivers it through a specialist lance at controlled pressure.
Depending on the substrate and condition, DOFF steam cleaning can be used to tackle contaminants including:
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Atmospheric dirt and general grime
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Moss and algae
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Fungi and biological growth
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Bird fouling
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Certain paints and coatings
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Graffiti
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Chewing gum
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Organic contamination
Because the DOFF system uses relatively low volumes of water, it can also minimise saturation of porous stonework compared with some conventional washing methods.
This combination of high temperature, controlled pressure and relatively low water volume is one of the reasons DOFF cleaning is regularly considered for historic and sensitive masonry.
Stone Cleaning at Christ Church Spitalfields
The entrance and steps of a busy church are exposed to constant foot traffic, changing weather conditions and the general atmospheric pollution associated with a major city such as London.
Over time, these factors can leave stonework looking tired, dirty and discoloured.
Our objective at Christ Church Spitalfields was not simply to use maximum pressure to make the stone look as new as possible.
When cleaning an important historic building, the cleaning process needs to be controlled and sympathetic to the material being treated.
Using our DOFF equipment, our technicians worked across the stone surfaces at the church entrance and steps, gradually lifting accumulated contamination and revealing the cleaner stone beneath.
The video on this page gives a great demonstration of the DOFF cleaning process in action and the difference specialist steam cleaning can make to historic stonework.
Why Not Simply Pressure Wash Historic Stone?
This is an important distinction.
Pressure washing and DOFF steam cleaning are not the same thing.
Conventional high-pressure washing relies heavily on mechanical force. On some modern, robust surfaces this can be an effective cleaning method.
However, excessive pressure can be inappropriate for vulnerable historic stone, brickwork and mortar.
DOFF cleaning allows trained operators to adjust the temperature and pressure to suit the substrate being cleaned.
For particularly sensitive or historically important surfaces, a cleaning trial or test area can also be used to establish the appropriate methodology and expected finish before larger-scale cleaning proceeds.
Church Cleaning Services in London
Churches present a number of specialist exterior cleaning challenges.
Many have been standing for hundreds of years and can incorporate natural stone, traditional brickwork, lime mortar, intricate architectural features, stained glass and difficult-to-access towers, roofs and façades.
A professional church cleaning contractor therefore needs to consider both the cleaning method and how the work will be accessed safely.
LBC Exterior Cleaning can provide a range of church and heritage building cleaning services, including:
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DOFF steam cleaning
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Stone and masonry cleaning
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Brick cleaning
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Façade cleaning
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Render cleaning
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Roof cleaning
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Gutter cleaning
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Window cleaning
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Graffiti removal
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Bird fouling removal
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High-level cleaning
For difficult-to-reach areas, we can also provide specialist access solutions including MEWPs, truck-mounted cherry pickers and rope access, depending on the requirements of the building.
DOFF Cleaning for Listed and Heritage Buildings
Historic buildings require careful assessment before cleaning begins.
Stone type, previous repairs, mortar condition, surface deterioration and the nature of the contamination can all influence which cleaning technique should be used.
That is why there is no single cleaning specification that should automatically be applied to every historic property.
Where appropriate, LBC Exterior Cleaning can assess the property, establish access requirements and carry out cleaning trials before recommending a methodology for the wider project.
Our work at Christ Church Spitalfields is an excellent example of the type of specialist project our teams can undertake in London.
Frequently Asked Questions About DOFF, Stone & Church Cleaning
What is DOFF cleaning?
Is DOFF cleaning suitable for stone?
Is DOFF cleaning suitable for listed buildings?
What's the difference between DOFF cleaning and pressure washing?
What surfaces can be cleaned using a DOFF machine?
Can DOFF cleaning remove black staining from stone?
Can you clean church steps and entrances?
Can you clean high-level church stonework?
How much does DOFF cleaning cost?
Do you provide DOFF cleaning in London?
Looking for a DOFF Cleaning or Stone Cleaning Company in London?
If you’re responsible for a church, listed building, historic property, commercial building, school, university, hotel or residential development and need professional stone cleaning, LBC Exterior Cleaning can help.
With extensive experience in specialist exterior cleaning and our own access solutions, we can develop a cleaning methodology around the requirements of your building.
Our work at the Grade I listed Christ Church Spitalfields demonstrates the type of sensitive and high-profile stone cleaning projects our teams are equipped to undertake.
Contact LBC Exterior Cleaning today to arrange a free site survey and quotation for DOFF cleaning, stone cleaning, church cleaning or heritage building cleaning in London.
