Why Eco Friendly Methods Like DOFF Are Now Preferred by Councils

Graffiti remains one of the most common problems faced by councils, commercial landlords and property managers. It can appear overnight, damage a building’s reputation and attract further vandalism if not removed quickly. The challenge is finding a method that removes graffiti effectively without harming the surface beneath it or causing environmental damage.

This is where the DOFF System has become the preferred choice for councils across the UK. Instead of using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing techniques, DOFF cleaning uses controlled steam to lift graffiti gently and safely. For locations such as Birmingham, where heritage buildings sit alongside modern commercial sites, this approach provides an ideal solution that protects both the material and the wider environment.

As DOFF cleaning specialists, Exterius supports councils, schools, retail centres, industrial estates and commercial property owners with a graffiti removal method that is precise, reliable and friendly to the environment. This is why more public sector organisations are choosing DOFF over traditional graffiti removal techniques.

Why Graffiti Removal Matters

Graffiti has both visual and commercial consequences for a building. It can:

Lower the perceived safety of an area
Make a site appear neglected
Damage brand reputation
Discourage visitors, staff and customers
Increase the likelihood of further vandalism

For councils, quick and safe removal is essential. The priority is restoring the building without damaging the surface or causing disruption to the community.

Traditional methods often fail to achieve this. High-pressure washing can erode stone and brick. Chemicals can stain or burn the surface. Manual scrubbing is slow and rarely effective. These limitations are exactly why the DOFF cleaning system is now the preferred approach for both public and private sector sites.

How the DOFF System Removes Graffiti Safely

The DOFF system works by heating water to around one hundred and fifty degrees and releasing it as a controlled stream of superheated steam. The key to this method is the combination of:

High temperature
Low pressure
Low water usage

This allows the system to soften and lift graffiti from the surface without forcing water into the material. For porous surfaces such as sandstone, brick and terracotta, this makes an enormous difference. Rather than saturating the surface and risking damage, the DOFF cleaner gently releases the graffiti, leaving the material beneath intact.

This is why DOFF cleaning Birmingham searches continue to rise. Many of the city’s older buildings require a method that can restore the façade without risk of erosion. Councils and property managers are discovering that the DOFF steam cleaning system is the safest option available.

Why Councils Prefer Eco Friendly DOFF Cleaning

Environmental responsibility is now a central part of council procurement. Many local authorities have introduced sustainability policies that limit or prohibit the use of aggressive chemicals. For graffiti removal, this is a significant challenge unless an eco friendly system is used.

The DOFF method meets these requirements perfectly.

It uses only water
It produces minimal runoff
It requires no solvents, detergents or harmful products
It leaves no chemical residue on pavements, walls or drains

For councils aiming to meet environmental targets, the DOFF system offers a compliant and responsible solution. It removes graffiti effectively without introducing any chemicals into the environment.

Protection for Heritage and Listed Buildings

One of the greatest strengths of the DOFF cleaning system is its suitability for heritage properties. Graffiti on historic stone or brick can be extremely difficult to remove without causing permanent damage. This is where DOFF cleaning stands apart from traditional methods.

The controlled steam ensures that:

Delicate stone does not erode
Mortar joints are not weakened
No abrasive force is applied
Surfaces dry quickly due to the low water use

In cities such as Birmingham, London and Liverpool where listed buildings are common, councils have made the DOFF cleaner their preferred choice for graffiti removal on sensitive materials. Exterius works closely with conservation officers to ensure that every treatment is appropriate for the age and condition of the building.

A Faster Return to Normal

For high traffic locations such as retail centres, train stations, schools and commercial estates, the speed and convenience of DOFF cleaning makes a measurable difference.

Surfaces dry within minutes
There is no need for large volumes of water
Access equipment can be used safely at height
Cleaning can be completed outside of peak hours
There is no chemical smell or residue

This allows councils and landlords to restore the site quickly and safely with minimal public disruption. For businesses, it means a cleaner and more professional environment without interrupting operations.

Why DOFF Cleaning Achieves Better Long Term Results

The DOFF system does more than remove graffiti. The superheated steam sterilises the surface, which reduces the likelihood of biological growth such as algae and moss. When graffiti sits on a surface for a long period, these organic materials can grow underneath it.

By using the DOFF cleaning system, Exterius not only removes the graffiti but restores the surface to a healthier condition. This level of cleaning also helps prevent the slight shadowing that some graffiti removal methods leave behind, particularly on light coloured stone.

Why Councils Choose to Partner with Exterius

Working with an approved DOFF contractor gives councils confidence that every project will be delivered safely, professionally and in accordance with the surface type and local requirements.

Exterius provides:

Fully trained DOFF cleaning specialists
Safe and correct use of the DOFF cleaning system
Professional graffiti removal on all surface types
Experience working on heritage and listed buildings
Method statements and full compliance documentation
Nationwide coverage including DOFF cleaning in Birmingham, London, Leeds, Manchester and the wider UK

Each project begins with an assessment of the surface, the type of graffiti and the correct steam application required. Because the DOFF system is highly adjustable, our specialists can tailor every treatment to meet the exact requirements of the building.

The move towards eco friendly cleaning has encouraged councils to choose safer and more sustainable methods for graffiti removal. The DOFF steam cleaning system has become the preferred solution because it delivers outstanding results without damaging surfaces or introducing chemicals into the environment.

For heritage buildings, modern commercial sites and public spaces across Birmingham and the wider UK, the DOFF system offers a reliable and responsible way to remove graffiti and restore the appearance of a site.

If you need graffiti removed quickly and safely, the DOFF cleaning specialists at Exterius are ready to help with expert support and nationwide coverage.