Steam Clean Commercial Cladding - Dunstable (April 2026)

In April 2026, we added another completed project to our portfolio: a full exterior steam cleaning for a commercial unit in Dunstable, Bedfordshire (LU5). This job had us handle a mix of dark grey corrugated metal cladding with horizontal silver cladding panels across all four elevations. Roller shutter doors and framed windows were also to be cleaned. The facade looked unsightly and patchy - understandable, considering that algae staining and atmospheric soiling were left to build up at the walls' bases for years. Roller shutters looked pretty much the same. With a team of two well-versed cleaners, we only needed one day to clean the whole perimeter. Obviously, we ended by rinsing down all windows. On top of everything else, we've managed to do our job without disrupting business.

Project Summary

• Location: Dunstable, Bedfordshire (LU5)
• Date: 22 April 2026
• Property type: Commercial unit on an industrial estate
• Surfaces requiring cleaning: Corrugated dark-grey metal cladding, horizontal silver cladding panels, roller shutter doors, window frames, glazing
• Our scope: We cleaned all four elevations of the building and rinsed the windows after cleaning.
• Main issues: Algae staining at the base of walls, atmospheric grime on cladding panels, soiled roller shutters
• How did we clean: We've used hot water steam cleaning with controlled pressure and concluded by rinsing all windows.
• Optional extras: To prevent organic re-growth, we applied a DDAC biocide treatment, quoted separately.

The Problem

Located on an industrial estate, the building is lined by a narrow passageway and a gravel border along its main elevation. It's understandable why dust, pollen, and grit accumulate at the ridges of the corrugated metal panels. At the base of the cladding, the dark algae were looking pretty bad. This happens a lot with ground-level moisture and splashback. On the modern side of the building, the sheen of the silver horizontal cladding was missing. All gone. This is what urban grime does to cladding. Years of rain, sun, and wind made roller shutters look anything but appealing. The client was worried that our cleaning would leave streaks on their windows. Certainly, that wasn't the case with us - a post-clean rinse always makes sense.

We couldn't just use pressure washing. We knew that we wouldn't get many results on the roller shutters and the elegant, low-profile silver panels. Plus, we wouldn't have gotten even results and pushed water into panel joints. Not quite the ideal results. So, we needed to be careful with painted shutters and glazing seals, but strong enough to make algae go away for good. Cherry on top? We really wanted to work quickly enough and be done in just one visit.

What we did

1. Site walk-round and access plan. We took a good look at all four elevations, noting the narrow passageway between the building and the nearby unit. It was easier for us to see the hose route and the steam unit. As for landscaping and gravel borders, of course, we've protected them before starting anything.
2. Hot water steam cleaning at controlled pressure. What's great about heated water is that it softens algae and organic staining without us having to use high PSI. This is the safest way to clean without damaging the cladding panels, joints, and painted roller shutters. Holding the lance close to the surface, we've cleaned the corrugated panels. No, there were no stripes - because we've constantly swept across the horizontal silver cladding.
3. Base-of-wall band. The algae band at ground level looked pretty stubborn, so we had to go one more time. The trick? Enough heat and dwell time. There was no reason for us to increase the pressure - we aim for efficiency without collateral damage.
4. Roller shutters and door frames. Our steam cleaning did remove all the grey film from the shutters. Around the door frames, everyone could once again see the original painted finish. Quite an accomplishment, right?
5. Window rinse. We know that steam cleaning the walls does throw droplets and grime onto the glass. It doesn't mean that we'd leave it like that. We've also made the glazing look spotless and ended our work with a full, top-to-bottom window rinse.

What were the results?

• We've removed all algae staining from the base of all four elevations
• The corrugated dark-grey cladding was left with a uniform, factory-like finish
• The horizontal silver cladding was showing its original sheen again
• Roller shutter doors and door frames were spotless, while the paint was intact
• Windows were looking sparkly, streak-free, as we've given them a good rinse
• We were done in one day without even disturbing the business operations inside the unit

Why is Steam Cleaning effective for Commercial Cladding?

Because the heat and dwell time do their job, while the pressure stays gentle. Steam cleaning is the way to go for commercial cladding because it doesn't damage panel coatings, seal lines between panels, roller shutters, or any other painted features. If the building and its painted finishes are only lightly soiled, we go with steam because it's easy to control. Has the building been neglected for years? We stay on the safe side and follow our cleaning with a DDAC biocide spray to slow regrowth. We recommend it for any commercial facade - it will remain clean for years, and you won't have to hire us anytime soon.

Related Services

• Cladding & Facade Cleaning - full method detail and pricing
• Pressure & Steam Washing - when to use steam instead of cold pressure
• Commercial Exterior Cleaning in Dunstable - all commercial services for the LU5 area
• Commercial Exterior Cleaning in Luton - neighbouring area coverage