Steam cleaning is the safe, chemical-light way to clean fragile stone, delicate render and heritage brickwork without damaging the substrate. Using a professional DOFF-style superheated steam system, we lift decades of carbon, algae, paint and biological growth using little more than heat and low-pressure water.
What's actually involved
Superheated steam cleaning works at around 150°C, but at very low pressure — around the same pressure as a garden hose. The heat does the work, killing biological growth on contact and softening carbon staining so it can be lifted away rather than blasted off. Because we're using so little water, the substrate barely gets wet, which matters for old lime-pointed buildings and for surfaces that back onto interiors.
The right method for your surface
Steam is our default choice on soft sandstone, limestone, terracotta, and any listed or heritage facade. It's also the right tool for paint removal from stone, chewing gum removal from paving, and gentle cleaning of intricate carvings and dressed stone details where a rotary head would cause damage. On robust modern brick or standard render, steam is often overkill — we'll be upfront if a soft-wash approach would do the same job for less.
What to expect on the day
Steam cleaning is slow, careful work. Expect a full day even on modest heritage facades. The technician works panel by panel, taking care to overlap passes for an even finish. There's visible steam and a small footprint of run-off water; we'll cover ground-level plants and lay down sheeting where needed. On listed buildings we can produce a method statement in advance for your conservation officer.
Aftercare and how long the results last
Steam-cleaned stonework typically stays clean for 10+ years in residential settings, and paint and gum removal is permanent. Because we're not adding chemicals into the environment, run-off is safe for gardens and adjacent surfaces.
Common issues we solve
- Carbon and pollution staining on Yorkshire sandstone
- Old masonry paint on brick and stone
- Chewing gum and food staining on commercial paving
- Biological growth on delicate carved details and gravestones
- Listed buildings where chemical cleaning isn't appropriate
DOFF-trained operators, full method statements available for listed and conservation properties, and 12-month satisfaction guarantee on every job.
