Doff Brick Steam Cleaning

DOFF steam brick cleaning is the safest and most reliable way to clean brickwork of any age — whether it’s a modern property, recently refurbished brickwork or part of a heritage, listed or conservation-area building.

At Feel the Pressure UK, we use the highly renowned DOFF Integra machine to clean brickwork safely and correctly. All enquiries, quotes and test patches are handled directly by me, Frank Bishop, Lead Cleaner. Whether it’s a one-man job carried out by me alone or a larger project completed by me and my skilled team, our professional DOFF brick cleaning service is always carried out safely, effectively and to the highest standard.

The DOFF system uses superheated low-pressure steam to remove moss, algae, biological growth and surface grime without damaging the brick face or mortar.

Whether your brickwork is newly built, soft red, lime-mortar jointed or part of a period façade, DOFF steam cleaning provides a safe, consistent and professional finish while protecting the structure and appearance of your masonry.

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Why DOFF Steam Cleaning Is the Safest Method for Heritage and Modern Brickwork

DOFF steam cleaning is widely regarded as the safest and most controlled way to clean brickwork of any age — whether it’s a modern property, a newly built façade, or a delicate heritage, listed or conservation-area building. Unlike pressure washing or harsh chemical treatments, DOFF steam cleaning uses superheated low-pressure steam to remove biological growth, algae, moss, lichen, atmospheric grime and light carbon staining without damaging the brick face, mortar joints or surface coatings.

Because the steam is delivered at extremely low pressure and minimal water flow, the brickwork never becomes saturated. This prevents erosion, scarring and moisture-related issues, making DOFF the preferred option for soft red brick, lime-mortar joints, older masonry and conservation-sensitive brickwork. It is also one of the most non-abrasive, eco-friendly and chemical-free brick cleaning methods, as it relies solely on superheated water to clean the surface safely.

DOFF steam also leaves brickwork fully sanitised, helping to slow the return of algae, moss and biological growth. This makes it ideal for clients looking for an environmentally responsible brick cleaning method that delivers long-lasting, high-quality results without the need for strong chemicals.

Even in situations where chemical-assisted brick cleaning is required — such as removing heavy carbon staining on Victorian and Edwardian brickwork or tackling mortar smears and cement residue on new-build properties — DOFF still provides the safest, most effective finishing clean. Its gentle steam rinses away residues without disturbing new mortar joints or damaging fragile period brick faces, ensuring a clean, breathable and uniform finish every time.

What DOFF Steam Cleaning Can Safely Remove From Brickwork

The DOFF system is designed specifically to remove stubborn contamination from brickwork using controlled, superheated steam. Unlike pressure washing — which can force water into the brick face, damage older masonry or erode mortar joints — DOFF brick cleaning relies on extremely gentle low-pressure steam to break down and lift soiling. This makes it one of the safest and most reliable methods for restoring brickwork on heritage, listed, period and modern properties without altering the surface.

DOFF steam cleaning is effective at removing a wide range of common brickwork contaminants, including:

Algae, moss and lichen
General organic growth and biological staining
Green, black and brown surface discolouration
Atmospheric grime, soot and pollution residue
Light carbon staining on older or period brickwork
Surface dirt buildup on modern brick façades
Residues left behind after chemical-assisted cleaning
Paint and surface coatings
Surface graffiti
Ivy marks and plant residue

Because DOFF cleans at temperatures of up to 150°C, it breaks down biological growth, softens surface contamination and clears away atmospheric deposits without the need for strong chemicals. This prevents abrasion, keeps the brickwork fully breathable and provides a deeper, longer-lasting clean compared to standard pressure washing methods.

You can view more real-world examples of DOFF steam cleaning on different surfaces in our DOFF steam cleaning demonstration videos section.

DOFF brick steam cleaning demonstration — safely removing algae, grime and discolouration from modern brickwork in Wimbledon, South West London.

Where DOFF Brick Cleaning Is Most Effective

DOFF steam cleaning is highly effective across a wide range of brick types and building styles, making it the preferred method for brick restoration work throughout heritage sites, listed buildings and conservation areas. Its gentle approach allows for precise cleaning without disturbing fragile brick faces, early mortar mixes, lime-based joints or soft handmade bricks.

The DOFF system is ideal for:

Heritage brick façades
Listed building brickwork
Conservation-area brick frontages
Soft red brick and lime-mortar joints
Period brickwork with weathered or fragile surfaces
Restored and repointed brickwork
Modern brick that cannot withstand high-pressure cleaning
Brick surfaces requiring a gentle finishing clean after chemical-assisted treatments

Because the DOFF system avoids saturation, it significantly reduces the risks associated with older masonry — such as frost damage, mortar erosion and water tracking. This makes it a trusted brick cleaning method for Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian properties, as well as newly built brick façades where a precise, controlled finish is required.

Before and after DOFF brick steam cleaning on a heritage property in rural Kent.

The DOFF Brick Cleaning Process (Step by Step)

DOFF brick steam cleaning is a precise, conservation-approved method designed to clean brickwork safely without abrasion, harsh chemicals or high-pressure washing. The process is fully controlled to protect both modern brickwork and heritage, listed or conservation-area properties.

1. Initial Inspection & Brickwork Assessment
Every DOFF brick cleaning project begins with a detailed inspection of the brickwork. This includes identifying the brick type, checking the sensitivity of the mortar (particularly lime mortar), assessing areas of biological growth or staining, and noting any existing surface coatings. This ensures the DOFF settings are correctly calibrated for the specific brickwork being cleaned.

2. Temperature & Flow Rate Calibration
The DOFF system delivers superheated steam at up to 150°C, but temperatures and flow rates are carefully adjusted depending on the condition of the brickwork. This controlled setup prevents surface damage, scarring and moisture absorption, ensuring the brick remains fully protected throughout the clean.

3. Controlled, Detailed DOFF Brick Cleaning
Superheated steam is applied at low pressure to gently soften and remove:

Organic growth
Algae, moss and lichen
Atmospheric grime and surface discolouration
Light carbon deposits
Surface coatings and flexible paints

The controlled nature of the DOFF system allows the brick to be cleaned thoroughly without saturating the surface or disturbing delicate mortar joints.

4. Steam Rinse & Final Detailing
After the contamination has been softened and removed, the brickwork is steam-rinsed to achieve a uniform, natural finish. This stage ensures no residues remain on the surface and that the brick retains its breathability, colour and texture.

5. Final Inspection & Breathability Check
To complete the process, the brickwork is inspected to ensure even cleaning, full breathability, no water saturation, and no disturbance to mortar joints. The result is a clean, consistent brick surface that remains protected and sympathetic to the building’s original character.

While this page focuses specifically on DOFF brick steam cleaning, the DOFF system is also used for a wide range of specialist exterior cleaning tasks. If you’d like to learn more about the full capabilities of the DOFF system, please visit our main DOFF Steam Cleaning page.

DOFF brick steam cleaning on Victorian brickwork in St John’s Wood, North West London.

DOFF, TORIK & ThermaTech Brick Steam Cleaning Compared

While DOFF is the most widely recognised steam cleaning system for brickwork, the TORIK and ThermaTech machines operate on the same conservation-safe principle: superheated steam delivered at low pressure to clean brickwork without abrasion, saturation or chemical damage. All three systems are approved for heritage and listed building use, making them suitable for sensitive brick cleaning across London and the Home Counties.

The key difference between these machines is their water flow rate, which affects how quickly large areas can be cleaned without compromising safety:

DOFF — 5 LPM (Litres Per Minute)
Ideal for precision brick cleaning, detailing and conservation work where maximum control is required.
TORIK — 8 LPM
A more powerful steam system suited to larger exterior brick areas while still remaining low-pressure and heritage safe.
ThermaTech — 9 LPM
The highest-flow steam system, ideal for substantial brick façades, commercial sites and projects requiring greater coverage without the risk associated with pressure washing.

Because we own all three systems — DOFF, TORIK and ThermaTech — we can choose the most suitable machine for every brick cleaning project, whether it’s delicate Victorian brickwork, a conservation-sensitive façade, a modern development or a large external wall. This flexibility ensures the safest, most efficient and most appropriate steam-cleaning method for every type of brickwork.

DOFF, TORIK and ThermaTech steam cleaning systems — the three leading high-temperature, low-pressure machines used for safe and effective brick cleaning.

Free DOFF Brick Steam Cleaning Test Patch

Before carrying out any type of steam-based brick cleaning, we always provide a free test patch so you can see exactly how your brickwork responds to the chosen system. This small demonstration shows the results you can expect on your actual surface and gives you full confidence in the cleaning approach before any work begins.

A brick steam cleaning test patch is especially useful for:

Weathered or sensitive brickwork
Period, Victorian and Edwardian brick
Conservation-area façades
Soft red brick and lime mortar
Mixed or unusual brick types
Brickwork affected by discolouration or organic growth

The test area gives you complete peace of mind, allowing you to preview the finish before committing to full cleaning. It’s a quick, safe and highly effective way to demonstrate the gentle, controlled nature of brick steam cleaning.

All test patches are carried out personally by me, Frank Bishop, with over 15 years’ experience in all types of professional brick cleaning services — so you can be confident your brickwork is always in the right hands.

Free DOFF brick steam cleaning test patch carried out by Frank Bishop — demonstrating safe, controlled cleaning results on heritage brickwork.

Areas We Cover for DOFF Brick Steam Cleaning

At Feel the Pressure UK, we provide specialist DOFF brick steam cleaning across London, the Home Counties and neighbouring counties — restoring brickwork on modern homes, period properties, commercial buildings and delicate heritage sites.

We cover a wide service area including:

London & Middlesex – All Greater London boroughs
Essex – Romford, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Colchester
Kent – Bromley, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Tonbridge
Surrey – Croydon, Epsom, Reigate, Guildford
Hertfordshire – Watford, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead
Sussex – Crawley, Horsham, Brighton
Berkshire – Reading, Wokingham, Windsor
Buckinghamshire – High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Aylesbury
Bedfordshire – Luton, Dunstable, Bedford
Oxfordshire – Oxford, Bicester, Banbury
Hampshire – Basingstoke, Farnborough, Winchester

We also travel to surrounding counties such as Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire and Wiltshire, depending on project size and requirements.

Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, developer or contractor, we tailor our cleaning approach to your brickwork — ensuring safe, consistent and long-lasting results on every project.

If you’re located outside our main service area, there’s still a good chance we can help. Simply contact us with your location and project details, and we’ll let you know straight away whether we can carry out DOFF brick steam cleaning in your area.

DOFF superheated steam cleaning gently restoring heritage hanging tiles and brickwork in Tunbridge Wells, Kent – safe for listed and conservation buildings.

Why Choose Feel the Pressure UK for DOFF Brick Steam Cleaning

Choosing the right brick cleaning specialist is essential for protecting your property. At Feel the Pressure UK, we combine over 15 years of hands-on experience with safe, proven cleaning methods — including heritage-approved DOFF brick steam cleaning, TORIK steam cleaning, ThermaTech steam cleaning and chemical-assisted brick cleaning for heavier staining.
Every project is completed carefully, correctly and with the brickwork’s long-term health in mind.

You’ll always deal directly with me, Frank Bishop — from your first enquiry and free test patch, right through to completing the work. All cleaning is carried out by our small, trained team (never subcontractors), ensuring consistent workmanship and reliable results every single time.

Why homeowners, landlords and developers choose us:

Specialist methods tailored to your brickwork — DOFF brick steam cleaning, TORIK steam cleaning, ThermaTech cleaning and chemical cleaning when required.
Expertise across every brick type — Victorian, Edwardian, period, modern, commercial and delicate heritage brickwork.
Direct communication from start to finish — honest advice, clear expectations and no sales pressure.
Free brick steam cleaning test patch on every project — see the results before committing.
Fully insured and highly reviewed — trusted throughout London, the Home Counties and surrounding counties.
Respect for your home — we work cleanly, safely and professionally from arrival to final rinse-down.

Our Brick Cleaning Guarantee

Your brickwork matters — and you should never have to take a risk with it. Every project comes with our clear, straightforward guarantee:

Safe methods only — no harsh pressure washing on fragile or heritage brickwork, ever.
Results proven upfront — every job includes a free test patch so you know exactly what to expect before work begins.
Total transparency — I quote it, I clean it, I finish it. No subcontractors, no hidden extras and no surprises.

With Feel the Pressure UK, your brickwork is restored properly, safely and honestly — every single time.

Completed brick cleaning carried out by Feel the Pressure UK — expert brick restoration across London and the Home Counties.

Latest Blog Posts

Patio Cleaning Around Swimming Pools: Safe, Non-Slip & Professional Results

Swimming Pool Surround Cleaning Services

We provide specialist swimming pool surround cleaning services for patios, paving and natural stone around swimming pools. These areas require careful, professional cleaning due to constant moisture, algae growth and surface contamination that can quickly make them slippery and unsafe.

Working across London, Surrey and the Home Counties, every poolside surface is assessed individually to determine the safest and most effective cleaning method — whether that involves DOFF steam cleaning, controlled pressure washing or targeted treatments to remove algae and restore the surface properly.

Patio areas around swimming pools and pool surrounds are one of the most challenging outdoor surfaces to keep clean. Constant moisture, organic growth and regular use create the perfect conditions for algae, staining and slippery surfaces to develop — often without homeowners realising how quickly it builds up.

I’m Frank Bishop, founder of Feel The Pressure UK. With over 15 years’ hands-on experience, I provide specialist poolside patio cleaning services and swimming pool surround cleaning services.

With over 200 verified 5-star customer reviews, I’ve built a reputation for reliable, high-quality patio and poolside cleaning across London, Surrey and the Home Counties.

Using a range of specialist cleaning methods — including DOFF steam cleaning, carefully controlled pressure washing, and targeted professional treatments where appropriate depending on the surface type — I safely clean and restore patios around swimming pools, removing built-up contamination and bringing back the natural colour of the stone without damaging the surface, jointing or surrounding areas.

When you contact Feel The Pressure UK, you deal directly with me — not a sales team or subcontractors. Every poolside patio cleaning project is personally assessed and carried out with a focus on safe, consistent and professional results.

Poolside patios don’t just become unsightly — they can become dangerously slippery. Removing algae and surface contamination properly not only improves appearance but also restores grip underfoot, making the area safer to use.

Removing Exterior Paint from Brickwork Around Window Frames and Bay Windows

Removing paint from brickwork is a highly skilled service that requires specialist knowledge, professional equipment, and years of hands-on experience — especially where paint has been applied right up to window frames or bay windows.

Brickwork around windows is one of the most common areas where damage can be caused during paint removal. Window frames leave little room for error, and different materials respond in different ways to heat and paint-softening chemicals. Bay windows add further complexity, with curved brickwork, tight returns, and multiple surfaces meeting in a small area.

I’m Frank Bishop, lead paint removal specialist at Feel The Pressure UK, and I regularly carry out brick paint removal around windows and bay windows, doors, and other intricate brickwork. I’ve personally restored hundreds of residential properties back to their original brick across London and the surrounding counties. These are jobs where good preparation, the right technique, and experience make all the difference. Whether the frames are uPVC, timber, or metal, a controlled approach helps protect both the brickwork and the surrounding finishes.

In this article, I’ll explain why removing paint from brickwork around windows requires extra care, how different window types are affected, and what’s involved in achieving a clean result without unnecessary risk.

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Brick Arch Paint Removal – Case Study

Careful Restoration of Arched Brickwork

Painted brick arches are one of the most commonly mishandled features on older properties. Their curved faces, exposed mortar joints, and often softer bricks mean that aggressive paint removal methods can quickly cause irreversible damage.

This project involved the careful removal of paint from a brick arch using a controlled, step-by-step process designed to protect the brickwork and surrounding surfaces while restoring its original appearance. Rather than relying on high pressure or abrasive techniques, the focus was on preparation, protection, and gentle brick paint removal — an approach particularly well suited to arched and decorative brickwork.

The images below document each stage of the brick arch paint removal process, from the initial condition and protection through to paint softening, steam cleaning, and the final result, where the brick’s natural colour and detail were successfully revealed without surface damage.

What to Expect After Brick Paint Removal

I’m Frank Bishop, founder and lead cleaner at Feel the Pressure UK, and I’ve been providing the very best in brick paint removal, brick cleaning, and brick restoration services for over 15 years.

Over that time, I’ve personally restored hundreds of residential and commercial properties across London, the Home Counties, and surrounding areas — from classic London yellow stocks to delicate soft red rubbers, textured brick, and handmade bricks. We’ve restored them all.

Before starting any full-scale paint removal, I always carry out a detailed inspection and give each customer my honest, experienced opinion on how their brickwork is likely to look once the paint is removed.

If we notice any visible signs of poor-quality restoration work or anything that stands out, we’ll always talk it through with you before any work starts. These can include mismatched pointing styles, heavily filled or over-repaired areas, and patches where damaged brickwork has been hidden under layers of paint.