TORC vs. DOFF Cleaning: Which One is Best for Your Building?

Do you know that when it comes to cleaning stone and brickwork the type of system you use can have a dramatic impact on the longevity of the material needing to be cleaned? Here at Heritage Masonry Scotland, we pride ourselves on being experts with both JOS TORC and DOFF cleaning systems. 

Maintaining the integrity and beauty of historical or listed buildings can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to cleaning. Systems like DOFF and JOS TORC can be used to thoroughly clean surfaces like brick and stone safely. But in order to choose the best cleaning method for the result you want, you must understand how each system functions and is applied.

What is DOFF?

The DOFF cleaning system generates high-temperature steam by heating water to 150°C. Additionally, it is easily regulated to guarantee that even the most challenging marks may be eliminated. It is a simple and efficient cleaning technique that is also portable enough to be readily moved from one place to another.

Although material blasting, it doesn’t employ tremendous pressure, so the surfaces being targeted are unlikely to be harmed. Additionally, it can be applied to softer materials like wood and soapstone because of this. Instead, the high temperatures aid in the removal of oil and grease as well as algae, paint, graffiti, limescale, and other materials without harming surfaces or other structures.

Since the water and steam are so hot, no cleaning agents or chemicals are employed which helps prevent dangerous substances from entering the environment. In addition, this procedure has a small carbon footprint because there is no water waste and little energy is used. DOFF is extremely versatile and therefore ideal for use on a variety of interior and external surfaces, such as floors, walls, steps, pavements, concrete, stone, cladding, tile, and wood.

What is JOS TORC Cleaning?

JOS TORC cleaning is a process used to remove oil, grease, and other contaminants from various types of equipment and surfaces in industrial settings. The acronym “JOS” stands for “Jet, Oil, and Steam,” while “TORC” stands for “Total Organic Residue Control.”

The JOS TORC cleaning process typically involves using a combination of high-pressure hot water jetting, oil flushing, and steam cleaning to remove contaminants from the equipment or surfaces being cleaned. 

Although DOFF cleaning is highly effective, there are many instances where the high temperatures may be too harsh for certain surfaces so we would employ the JOS TORC cleaning system instead. TORC cleaning is a softer method that uses low water pressure to produce a gentle rotating vortex. This is because the Torc machine only utilises a tiny quantity of fine abrasive, water, and air. Therefore, this machine works best when extra caution is needed to avoid damaging materials and surfaces while preserving the stoneworks’ natural condition. It can also be used safely on metals such as brass, bronze and copper making it ideal for cleaning metalwork statues, monuments or railings.

To achieve the greatest results,  the JOS TORC machine has a number of different nozzles that can help clean a variety of surfaces over any area.

The three types of aggregates that are mainly used with this machine are Calcite, Dolomite, and Unil, each of which is utilised with a specific type of cleaning or surface in mind. This machine works best for removing graffiti, cement and oil-based paint, limescale, bird-fouling and carbon sulphation.

Other Comparisons between DOFF and TORC

The DOFF machine consumes 300 litres of water per hour, compared to the TORC machines that currently only use 25 litres per hour. Secondly, compared to the JOS TORC machine, the DOFF operates at higher temperatures and pressures.

In conclusion, the type of cleaning that is being done and the surfaces being cleaned will best determine the ideal cleaning system to use. Both DOFF and JOS TORC are excellent enough to remove dirt and grime without harming the stone or bricks. They are cleaning techniques that can restore the complex face of a building while being kind and considerate to it and not breaking the bank.

Here at Heritage Masonry Scotland, we have a track record of providing our clients with amazing outcomes, so we know what it takes to deliver a seamless and exceptional cleaning service. Our team of specialised workers are committed to making sure that every restoration cleaning work is completed with the highest standards of quality and extreme accuracy. Give our team a call today to arrange a consultation for expert advice on the best option for your cleaning needs!