17 September 2025 By admin Discover SoftWash • DOFF steam cleaning • Stone Cleaning 0 Comments

A Helpful Guide on how to clean stone in the UK

An introduction to stone and its many uses.

Stone can come in many different shapes and sizes, Its been used in building since the Earlie days. Egyptians used stone to build the pyramids and various structures throughout the world are made from stone.

Stone comes in many forms from Super hard stone such as Basalt which is a very hard volcanic rock that can easily be compared to granite. To the sand stone which in m any cases can be pourus and sensitive, There are many different types of variations of stone..

Each with its unique make up which is ideal for building materials, Stone can be used on roofs as roof tiles such as Cotswold stone, in the UK Limestone and Sandstone are the most Widley used building materials used.

Why do you need to clean your stone?

As you know many homes are constructed with Stone and mortar, when these are combined your home can become a warm safe place which will stand up against all weathers and intrusion however over time Microorganisms can start to grow on the surface of your home or building. These microorganisms have ben growing on stone for thousands of years, homes in the UK are taking over our landscapes so these microorganisms need to land somewhere which is often our roofs or the walls of our homes. Render is often used in modern building which makes an ideal place for Fungus to take hold. Stone walls also have a similar problem, In warmer damp climates algae first starts to take a grip which at this stage can be relatively easy to treat with a SoftWash Treatment however if left to grow over time this can turn into moss and Lichens. These things occasionally can be seen in nature. If left untreated these growths can start to damage the face of the stone and cause expensive damage to your home.

How can you prevent Moss and Lichens from invading your home?

The Short answer to that is you cannot, you can only manage the problem with regular planned maintenance using the correct equipment, suppliers and chemicals to kill the root of these fungus.

Quite often if left in the wrong hands you can cause more damage then good when trying to deal with these problems. Also, some stone can be harder to get to? How high is the area your trying to clean can you clean and treat the stone from ground level? These are the things you need to be asking yourself. It’s really important to research these things to treat your stone in a safe way.

Many people think that pressure washing is a good idea. But let me stop you there. Water actually feeds fungus. Its very similar to watering a plant. If you water a plant it will grow but if you put a weed killer down its more likely to die. Fungus is similar to a plant and will require treatment to kill the root of the problem.

If you simply just pressure wash the area it will take the surface off the fungus leaving the root which will rapidly re-grow. You will never permanently be able to stop fungus growing, But Regular treatment cycles on your stone can keep the fungus at bay.

Pressure washing of stone can it really cause damage?

Pressure washing is not recommended for cleaning stone, however there is specialist Stone cleaning equipment suppliers out their which can be used such as stone health. The DOFF system although a very slow process used heat at 150 degrees steam at very low pressure which reduces the chance of damage to buildings drastically. The DOFF is used for Conservation and restoration, The DOFF is also English heritage approved system for the use of cleaning heritage sites and listed buildings so is a fantastic alternative to pressure washing.

“The DOFF System is unique in achieving temperatures up to 150 degrees at the nozzle end – making it a ‘superheated water system’. Designed and developed to effectively remove paint, biological matter and general dirt and grime without causing harm or shock to the substrate.”

When you need to clean your stone don’t just blast it with a pressure washer make sure to use correct methods especially with older buildings for long lasting Phenomenal results that won’t cause damage to the substrate.

For more info on cleaning your stone or even for FREE advice on your next project

please feel free to call on: 01452 301342

Email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com

17 September 2025 By admin Custom Cleaning Solutions • DOFF steam cleaning • Gutter Cleaning • Render Cleaning Treatments • SoftWash • Softwashing • Stone Cleaning 0 Comments

Render cleaning and treatment in Henley-on-Thames

Henley-on-Thames is a town and civil parish on the River Thames in Oxfordshire northeast of Reading, A lovely area of natural beauty with a strong history of rowing and beautiful buildings.

SkyLine SoftWash were asked to carry our works on a property that had staining from the surrounding works that had being carried out over the previous year or so. A build up of fungus and growth had start to cover the building from the surrounding trees and landscape areas.

Being surround by such dense trees and wildlife areas its was just a matter of time before the fungus took hold of this lovely building..

Over time these grows can take hold even start to cause damage to the substrate. Its an essential part of your property maintenance with buildings such as these to up-keep them and have an appropriate exterior cleaning maintenance plan in place.

SoftWash is the ideal solution for managing these natural grows on your building, keeping your property protected and in pristine condition.

If you’re ever struggling to find an authorised and safe contractor to carry out render cleaning works for you in a safe way. Then SkyLine SoftWash are for you

When you use our service, you can be assured that your using the best!

SoftWash Authorised
Safe contractor accredited
DOFF approved operator
IPAF & PASMA certified
DBS Checked staff

If you would like a FREE sample clean then get in touch on : 01452 301342

Email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com

17 September 2025 By admin Custom Cleaning Solutions • Discover SoftWash • DOFF steam cleaning • Gutter Cleaning • Render Cleaning Treatments • SoftWash • Softwashing • Stone Cleaning 0 Comments

Render Cleaning in Brunswick Square, Gloucester

Many older buildings in Gloucester and around the UK become weathered and over time have a build up of fungus growing on the side walls of the buildings.

These grows however can cause extensive damage if not removed, Fungus such as algae, moss and mould can build up and start to eat away the surface of the building. Over time this can mean expensive repairs, Stone repair specialist will need to renovate the property which can run in to tens of thousands of pounds.

If you are proactive and want to avoid these long-term expensive repair bills you can save money by having the render and stone SoftWash treatment which will to kill the micro-organisms growing on the surface. By using English heritage approved DOFF steam and a gentle SoftWash Treatment this can help give back life to an older building. SkyLine SoftWash recently worked on such a building in Brunswick Square Gloucester.

Brunswick Square in the city of Gloucester is a historical place and well know area which has been part of the Eastgate and St Michaels conservation area since 1968. There are nine grade listed buildings around Brunswick square, Gloucester. Many of these buildings could do with a SkyLine SoftWash Treatment. Due to the nature of the buildings they do need regular maintenance such as gutter cleaning to keep the gutters clear to prevent water ingress

Many building surveyors recommend SkyLine SoftWash due to their unique way cleaning and treating the exterior of buildings. Through specialist training, SkyLine SoftWash have become the number #1 in exterior building cleaning & treatments throughout Gloucestershire and the UK.

If your building has seen better days and you want a turn key solution for cleaning and treating the outside of your building then get in touch. You can benefit with a FREE sample clean. Lets get your building looking its best with SkyLine SoftWash

Call today on: 01452 301342

Or Email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com

17 September 2025 By admin Custom Cleaning Solutions • Discover SoftWash • DOFF steam cleaning • Render Cleaning Treatments • SoftWash • Stone Cleaning 0 Comments

SoftWash & Steam Cleaning at the Old George Nailsworth, Gloucestershire

The Old George Nailsworth Has interesting heritage and history, Many years before most who will be reading this article the old George inn was a Coaching inn providing a resting point for people and horses. The inn served the needs of travellers, for food, drink, and rest, Later on in life it became known well for beer, sausage and chips.. over time the Old George became in bad state of disrepair and laid after standing empty for many years

It was later demolished and rebuilt in the same style of the original building keeping with the older Cotswold stone look. The old George is a mighty building in the middle of Nailsworth town centre now with retail units and apartments, Many cafes such as Woodcock & Cavendish also Red Hen trading which the locals all seem to love! From Quality food, clothing to lovely and unusual little unique gifts

The Locals in Nailsworth are true to their roots and are truly lovely and very friendly people, Its refreshingly old but modern if that makes sense with a sense of history in the air and modern and old fashioned way of life blended into onea truley beautiful place in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Unfortunately the days of horse and cart are now gone and in its place are vans, cars and arctic lorry’s that trundle down the A46 between Stroud and Bath. These heavy Loads don’t just cause heavy pollution we all breathe, but also cause pollutants to land on the old stone making it look unsightly and old. That’s along with a mix of fungus, mould, algae and lichens the appearance of the building starts to suffer and over time the fungus causes damage to the surface of the building.

After around 20 years it was time to get SkyLine SoftWash to work their magic to conserve and restore the stone to its former glory, By Using the DOFF steam Integra the super-heated water system SkyLine SoftWash were able to remove the biological matter and general pollutants from the building. By Using the DOFF and SoftWash System the professional exterior building cleaning professional tools that means sensitive and care is of the upmost of important! Whilst obtaining fantastic results

If you would like to learn more about sensitive cleaning of your home or building please call: 01452 301342 for a FREE one to one and demonstration

Alternatively email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com

Some of the passers-by comments

Daniel Price

“I saw it happening, Amazing”

Ann Skipper

“all the traffic fumes from years all gone”

Nikki Churchill

“The building looks fantastic, you’ve brought the warm honey coloured Cotswold Stone”

16 September 2025 By admin Custom Cleaning Solutions • Discover SoftWash • DOFF steam cleaning • Render Cleaning Treatments • SoftWash • Softwashing • Stone Cleaning 0 Comments

Windsor Castle | Render cleaning in Bath, Somerset

Does your render in Bath appear dirty? its NOT dirt! Its infested. SkyLine SoftWash offer a render cleaning treatment & sanitation in Bath, Somerset

Windsor Castle | Render cleaning in Bath

SkyLine SoftWash were asked to Clean Windsor Castle, in Bath yes there is a Windsor Castle in Bath and its not a Quite a Castle, However it is placed in a beautiful spot in Bath next to the valley of the River Avon, 11 miles south-east of Bristol. The city became a World Heritage site in 1987. Set next to an old iron bridge, Winsor castle is constructed with Render and Stone.

Bath is a beautiful city in the county of Somerset, England, known for its fantastic Roman-built baths with beautiful Bath Stone

Many of the buildings in Bath are so close to the water, Many of the buildings are mostly constructed with rendering which traps fungus. Render makes easy growing conditions for fungus, molds etc, Render encourages infestations to grow. Molds, Algae Lichens are a big problem for inner-city and rural buildings.

Fungus takes hold and grows rapidly in all sorts of areas. Making lovely looking buildings look old and dirty.

It’s not dirt on these rendered buildings it’s, in fact, an infestation of micro-organisms.

Cleaning render is an Art and you have to use the right equipment and products.

Cleaning Render in Bath

Many of the buildings in Bath are known for their Heritage and have much old stone and modern render buildings

The last thing you want to do is use a pressure washer on render as you will cause extreme damage, blasting renders with a pressure washer will Blast most of the render off your building.

You may think you need to clean your render as its looking dirty but in fact it’s not dirt, it’s a build-up of trillions of micro orgasms. You cannot clean these areas. They need SoftWash treatment and sanitation to kill the fungus at the root.

Render cleaning in Bristol, Bath or somerset is a specialist service that requires Time, Thought and Care.

If you have invested heavily in your building you wouldn’t want to cause more damage by using the wrong equipment or chemicals.

SkyLine SoftWash Use a Specialist SoftWash Systems Blend Rinse 100 that mixes the correct measurements safely that clean and treat render that are heavily infested with growth.

SkyLine SoftWash also use the DOFF Integra which can reach 150 degrease that will kill fungus using heat which is great for Stone cleaning and Brick Steaming and that can also be used and controlled using low temperatures light steam/rinse on the render

If you would like a FREE demonstration of how great your building could look with SoftWash Sanitation and treatment or you would like to have your stone Cleaned using DOFF steam please contact

SkyLine SoftWash on: 01452 301342

16 September 2025 By admin DOFF steam cleaning • Stone Cleaning 0 Comments

Stone Cleaning in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, DOFF & SoftWash

SkyLine SoftWash were asked to carry out Specialist Stone Cleaning in Cheltenham. As always by offering a FREE sample clean to see what sort or results DOFF steam cleaning and SoftWash can give is always best.

This allows you to see the kind of results you can obtain when cleaning stone.

Stone comes in many forms we live in a unique part of the world with many different types of stone ranging from Triassic rock – Sandstone and conglomerate, interbedded in the forest of dean to the great Oolite group – sandstone, limestone, and sandstone in the Cotswolds.

Stone comes in many shapes, sizes, and density levels and this needs to be considered when having a Stone cleaning service in Gloucestershire

Cotswold Limestones, perhaps the only one to reach the national markets. It has been used since the Roman period, and widely exported since medieval times to various abbeys, cathedrals and other notable buildings. Stone is useful for many different things such as paving in Tewkesbury and Gloucester Abbeys and at Windsor Castle. Used in conjunction with Minchinhampton Weatherstone, it creates some of Gloucestershire’s best table-top tombstones, for example, those in Elmore and Painswick churchyards and Pittville Pump Room

Many soft stones cannot cope with high pressure or sandblasting, as a result, can cause damage to the stone such as pitting and wearing away from the corrosive abrasion of the cleaning methods used.

DOFF is a steam based stone cleaning system. It’s unlike any other steam system and can achieve temperatures of up to 150°C at the nozzle end – making it a ‘superheated water system’. The operator is able to vary the temperature and pressure to remove many different types of paint and biological matter.

SkyLine SoftWash offers an alternative to sandblasting and pressure washing using the DOFF steam Integra system which is English heritage approved for specialist stone cleaning in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

By using a mixture of DOFF steam cleaning and SoftWash achieving phenomenal proven results in a sensitive way. Giving you the highest cleaning results without all the mess and damage sandblasting or pressure washing can cause. Saving you money from damage repairs.

DOFF steam cleaning & SoftWash is the Easiest, Environmentally responsible, Safe way to clean stone! Make your stone look like NEW!

SkyLine SoftWash Have you Covered:

Stone Health Rossette DOFF Approved
Safe Contractor accredited
SoftWash Authorised
IPAF/PAZMA Licenced (Cherry picker/scaffold tower licensed)

If you live in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and would like a FREE sample clean of your stone please get in touch!

We would love the opportunity to serve you!

Call : 01452 30134

Or email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com

Specialist Stone Cleaning Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

DOFF steam 150-degree super-heated water system is highly effective for gentle cleaning and restoration of all historical or conservation projects. The cleaning of Limestone, Bath stone, York stone, Portland stone, sandstone and cleaning of all masonry brick cleaning. SkyLine SoftWash can clean all stone and brick surfaces removing infestations that have taken many decades to grow. These stone areas are not dirty they are infested with micro orgasms. BY using the DOFF and SoftWash means more sensitive and safe stone cleaning. All without causing damage to the substrate.

DOFF and SoftWash is ideal for?

To safely remove and kill fungus, microorganisms such as Algae, miss, and fungi
Cleaning all stone including marble gravestone cleaning
Paint coatings (most oil and plastic types)
Wax coatings
Bitumen, Oils & Grease
Restoring masonry and brick cleaning
bird fouling
Remove light calcium staining
Roof SoftWash & Moss removal treatments
Graffiti removal
Fire damage residues
Cleaning all metals including aluminum
Roof cleaning
Commercial cladding cleaning

Call for a FREE Sample clean : 01452 301342

16 September 2025 By admin Custom Cleaning Solutions • DOFF steam cleaning • Render Cleaning Treatments • SoftWash • Softwashing 0 Comments

Render cleaning in Coopers Edge Gloucester, Followed by DOFF steam coping stone cleaning.

Render cleaning in Coopers Edge Gloucester, Followed by DOFF steam coping stone cleaning.

The coopers edge estate in Gloucester is a relatively new development, Building began in 2008 at the foot of Coopers Hill.

Many developments in the UK they all start with good intentions. But within 10 years algae is starting to take hold of most of the estate.

Coopers edge was set to be the Ultimate new community. Although Coopers edge, Gloucester is a great place to live. But appearances can let us down with dirty mouldy rendered buildings.

In its heyday coopers edge formed a part of the renowned Brockworth, Gloucester airfield, Demolished remnants of the former jet engine test site buildings and the runway was all that remained when work began developing the new Coopers Edge destination in 2008.

Coopers Edge is Ideally located just off Junction 11A of the M5 between the city of Gloucester and the much-visited Regency town of Cheltenham also just down the road from Stroud.

Why do people use K-rend on house walls?

Render is used as a cladding option. It is applied to the exterior of a home, much like plaster is applied to the interior walls. There are two reasons for applying render:

to protect the underlying walling material from the effects of weathering and rainwater penetration
to provide an attractive appearance to the house

What is render?

Render is used on external walls to seal them off to the elements, or to give a property a facelift. Early rendering was a messy business, slapped on the walls using sand and cement and finished with coloured paint. Over the years, rendering technology has evolved greatly, giving a much bigger choice of colours and finishes, and also enabling tailoring to specific environments.

What is K Rend?

K Rend render is a water-repellent, breathable solution – low maintenance and available in most colours. However, will need regular render cleaning treatments to prevent the build-up of growth. Ideally, a treatment every 3-5 years is ideal to maintain your property

What is the difference between K Rend and other render manufacturers?

K Rend traditionally manufactured traditional English thick coat renders, Over the years, various acrylic and silicone

Whilst K Rend also produces thin silicone renders

Both K Rend and other manufacturers now specify a flexible bead or mesh inserted into the base coat adhesive before the final layer of render is applied.

Cement

Cement render tends to be cheap in terms of materials, but a little more expensive on labour due to the numerous coats. It also has a tendency to crack if the underlying structure should move.

Cement renders require regular SoftWash treatments followed by repainting if they are to continue to look good.

Polymers

Polymer renders are usually sold pre-mixed in bags with either white cement or lime as a base.

Polymer house rendering is less prone to cracking — they are often through-coloured too

They have polymers and other plastic-based products added to them to make the render less prone to cracking. Some of these types of render will need specialist cleaning techniques such as SoftWash and DOFF steam cleaning.

Acrylic

Acrylic renders are most often applied as a thin finish coat to seal and enhance the appearance or the underlying coat. They also bring colour and texture. Fibers are added to prevent cracking and give a durable, lasting finish.

some claim that when it rains, the silicone will allow rainwater to wash away any dirt.

However, it is important to keep an eye on things to make sure Algae does not appear as it may need a render cleaning treatment.

Monocouche

‘Monocouche’ (French for ‘single layer’ or ‘bed’ renders) are relative newcomers to the world of house rendering. These products originated in Europe, so many of the big names – Sto, Knauf, Marmorit, and Weber – are European.

Monocouche render is supplied in bags, ready for mixing with water. It can be applied by hand trowel or sprayed on.

It is important to note though that monocouche render systems will save you on labour costs and maintenance — there is no need for re-painting. SoftWash treatment works very well on these types of render.

Monocouche renders have additives which make them more flexible and help to eliminate cracking. They can even be ‘self-cleaning’.

Lime Render

Although lime plastering fell from favour for some years, having been the traditional method for house rendering in this country, there has been a re-emergence of interest recently.

Although lime-based plaster tends to be a little harder to apply than regular Portland cement – meaning it is more commonly used in renovation projects and for conservation work and English heritage sites or listed buildings.

Maintenance for Lime Render can be complex if it’s a listed building. English heritage will only recommend Low-Pressure Steam cleaning and specialist cleaning techniques. You may need to speak to English heritage to see what is allowed on your building on this instance.

Does Render need painting?

Many Render & K-rend suppliers claim that the render that they supply is self-cleaning, However, just like many glass manufactures claiming that the glass is self-cleaning they are not. Its may help slow down the growth of render by having a waterproof coating however as you know these coatings do wear, so over time this will stop working and will need a top up render cleaning treatment.

Some Render do appear very dirty at times due to algae growth appearing in red, green and even black moulds.

K-rend is the ideal place for Algae, mould and lichens to take hold and can come in trillions of forms..

Micro-organisms have been around for thousands of years on rocks, Structures and if left untreated these micro-organisms can take over your home causing long term damage.

Render cleaning treatments and sanitation kills these Microorganisms leaving the render looking like NEW once again. Many Renders including K-rend and monocouche render there is no need for paint.

Its important to have a treatment every few years to keep your property in tip-top condition. Keeping Algae and moulds at bay to maintain the appearance of your home and stop long term damage that can cause your home/building to decay.

For a FREE demonstration SoftWash render cleaning in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Tewkesbury or the surrounding areas of Gloucestershire please get in touch on : 01452 301342

Or Email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com

Your Local Render Cleaning Specialist in Gloucester, Cheltenham & Stroud.

16 September 2025 By admin DOFF steam cleaning • Softwashing 0 Comments

Render Cleaning Hereford, HR4 8BT, Render Cleaning treatment Herefordshire

Oak Beam DOFF steam cleaning & Render Cleaning in Westhope
Hereford, HR4 8BT

Old Tudor Style Modern House, Oak Beams and render

Challenging, to say the least, was the fact that the Old oak beams had many years of algae growth, Also some area were very delicate especially around the window frames and render.

Also, the plant life was very close to the house which needed lots of care and attention.

When using chemicals to kill Algae, Mould, and Lichens, these micro-organisms are very similar to plants, So when you use biocides or anti-fungal to kill any algae, mold or lichens the same chemicals if left un-neutralized, potentially could cause damage to plant life too.

One of the main chemicals we are trained to use is a product called Plant Wash, Plant Wash is specifically made for the SoftWash industry to support in the aid of Neutralizing, protecting and revitalizing plants by adding vital nurturance back to the soil to re-populate the micro-organisms in the soil.

When Soft Washing buildings it is vital that you protect the landscape around it, Including pond life, Pets & Children. SkyLine SoftWash is highly trained in the use of chemicals which is suited for the use of SoftWash.

Firstly the team got to work by pre-watering all plants and covering with a tarp to limit the amount of chemical contamination to any plants. The SoftWash System was then used to apply the correct amount of GreenWash (biocide) & Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach). Using the Blend System this allows you to utilize this specialist SoftWash products in a safe manner. The Blend system applies the correct mixture to limit overuse of chemicals whilst applying in a safe manner.

Once the SoftWash was complete, We got to work on the oak wood beams. Using the DOFF Integra system from stone health, Also with the DOFF pole SkyLine SoftWash steam all of the wood getting rid of any heavy staining. The DOFF uses only 5 liters per min and the 150-degree heat is ideal for cleaning many external areas including stonework, brick, roofs, render cleaning and much more.

Last steps, by applying a Wood Restore through our SoftWash System, adding a UV protector and conditions the wood.

Finally, Plant Wash adds back vital nutrients at the base of the plants, helping beneficial bacteria to repopulate the soil.
Along with thorough rinsing with clean water, before, during and after the cleaning, Plant Wash is used as a final rinse to make absolutely sure every step has been taken to protect the customer’s landscape 100%.

Here’s What was said about SkyLine SoftWash. at this lovely home in Hereford

“Knowledgeable, professional and hardworking team did a first class render and woodwork clean”

Ian Watson, Westhope Hereford

If you would like to learn more about SoftWash or would like a FREE demo or estimate feel free to get in touch

Call: 01452 301 342 or Email: discover@skylinesoftwash.com

16 September 2025 By admin DOFF steam cleaning • Softwashing 0 Comments

DOFF steam cleaning at Symonds Yat rock in the forest of Dean Gloucestershire

Have you ever Explored Symonds Yat Rock?

Symonds yat rock is beautiful nature spot with inspiring views over the forest of dean and wye valleys.

the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey and enjoy a snack from the log cabin cafe.

There are waymarked trails linking to the Forest Holidays campsite, to the River Wye and a choice of circular walks into the forest itself.

The log cabin café is situated before the viewpoint surrounded by, As you can imagine lots of trees and nature

That being said it was only a matter of time before microorganisms started to attack the wooden log cabin café.

Due to the nature of the area, it was decided to minimize the use of chemicals After a few test areas the DOFF Integra seemed the perfect choice for cleaning the log cabin café.

The DOFF uses a very low water volume so there was less chance of water ingress and 150-degree heat which helped kill any spores along with any mold algae and moss. Leaving the area sanitized and cleaner for longer.

After Doff steam cleaning the log cabin café, Also to follow a final wood treatment using Wood Restore an Anti-fungal treatment which conditions the wood and adds a UV protective layer to the wood to achieve longer lasting results