FAQs – Edge Steam Cleaning (Peterborough)

If you are comparing exterior cleaning options, or you need specialist blasting for components and substrates, these FAQs explain how Edge Steam Cleaning works, what each service is best for, and what you can expect on the day. We are a family run business established in 1999 with over 25 years’ experience, serving domestic, commercial and industrial clients across Peterborough and the surrounding areas. We are fully insured and, where required, we provide risk assessments and method statements.

If you want straightforward advice, share a few photos and your location and we will recommend the safest, most effective approach for your roof, driveway, patio, or components.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What areas do you cover?
We are based in Peterborough and regularly work across Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. Typical areas we cover include Cambridge, Milton, Wisbech, St Neots, Huntingdon, March, Ely, St Ives, Whittlesey, Chatteris, Yaxley, Soham, Cambourne, Littleport, Histon, Ramsey, Sawston, Godmanchester, Burwell, Cottenham, Sawtry, Waterbeach, Brampton, Melbourn, Linton, Stamford, Corby and Kettering. If you are just outside these areas, contact us anyway as we can often accommodate travel depending on the job.

2) What is the difference between steam cleaning, pressure washing, and soft washing?
Steam cleaning uses heat to lift grime, organic growth and contaminants, which can be a powerful, non-toxic way to clean and disinfect exterior surfaces. Pressure washing relies mainly on force (water pressure), which can be effective but is not always suitable for delicate surfaces. Soft washing uses low pressure to apply specialist cleaning solutions; the chemistry does the work, then the surface is rinsed. For roofs in particular, the “right” method depends on tile condition, growth type (moss, algae, lichens) and the outcome you want.

3) How does your roof moss removal and roof cleaning process work?
For roof moss removal, we protect your property first by using tarpaulins and by covering downpipes to prevent blockages. Moss is removed by manual scraping using specialist tools on long reach extendable poles (up to 6 metres or more). Where appropriate, we then offer low-pressure soft washing to lift remaining staining and biological growth and restore tile colour. After moss removal, we apply a professional treatment (moss inhibitor/fungicide/biocide) to kill spores and help prevent regrowth for around 12 months.

4) Do you jet wash roofs?
No. We do not jet wash roofs because high-pressure jetting increases the risk of damaging or dislodging tiles, forcing water into the roof space, and creating significant mess (debris and dirty runoff across gardens, vehicles, neighbouring property and the street). For most roofs, the safer route is controlled moss removal and, where needed, low-pressure soft washing using suitable biodegradable products that are approved for professional exterior cleaning use.

5) How long will roof results last, and how do you slow moss regrowth?
No roof stays “new” forever in the UK climate, but the right aftercare makes a major difference. Once moss is removed, we apply a professional grade treatment (moss inhibitor/fungicide/biocide) designed to kill and control biological spores landing on the roof and to help prevent regrowth of moss, lichens and algae for around 12 months. Results vary by shade, tree cover, tile type and local conditions. We are happy to advise on maintenance cycles so your roof stays cleaner for longer.

6) What types of driveways can you clean, and do you re-sand block paving?
We clean a wide range of hard surfaces using professional-grade steam cleaning, including tarmac, concrete, resin, pattern imprinted surfaces, block paving, and other paved areas. Steam cleaning is effective for lifting dirt, grime and organic growth without unnecessarily damaging the surface. Where required, we also re-sand after cleaning so block paving can be properly finished and stabilised. We can also discuss optional sealing where appropriate, depending on the surface type and condition.

7) Will driveway and patio cleaning remove oil stains, tyre marks, algae and black spot?
Driveways and patios pick up staining from tyre marks, pollution, rust, tree sap and oils, and porous materials (especially concrete) can hold contamination deep in the surface. Steam cleaning can significantly improve appearance by lifting grime and organic growth and restoring colour, but outcomes depend on how long stains have been present and the substrate type. We will set expectations honestly, and if a stain needs extra attention or repeat treatment, we will explain the options before we start.

8) What is soda blasting and what is it best used for?
Soda blasting is a mild abrasive cleaning method where sodium bicarbonate particles (“soda crystals”) are propelled onto a surface using compressed air. The particles break up on impact, which helps remove paint or grime while being gentler than many other blasting media. Because of the safety measures associated with abrasive blasting, we generally advise transporting items to our Peterborough facility where possible. Soda blasting is often a strong option where you want effective cleaning without aggressive surface damage.

9) What is sandblasting (media blasting) and when is it the right choice?
“Sandblasting” is a common term for propelling abrasive media with compressed air to clean, strip or prepare a surface. It can be used on a wide range of items, from parts that need degreasing and preparation through to industrial cleaning and refurbishment tasks. With Edge Steam Cleaning, the process is agreed in advance and can involve more than blasting alone; items can undergo a multi-stage approach that may include hot washing, ultrasonic cleaning and/or vapour blasting depending on the finish required and the substrate.

10) What is vapour blasting and what finishes can I expect?
Vapour blasting (also known as aqua blasting) uses compressed air to propel a slurry of water and abrasive media (glass bead) onto the component. The water buffers the particles on impact, allowing very fine finishes to be produced without damaging the component. It is suitable for materials such as aluminium, bronze, magnesium, titanium, brass and copper, and it typically leaves a clean satin finish that is easy to maintain. Vapour blasting is particularly popular for engine components such as motorbike casings, engine blocks and carburettors.

11) Can you vapour blast rusty parts or components that do not fit in the cabinet?
We cannot vapour blast items that rust, because they can oxidise instantly. In those cases we can discuss soda blasting or other media blasting alternatives. Vapour blasting is an in-house process and the cabinet is approximately 0.8m high by 1.09m wide, so components larger than that usually need a different process. We will confirm suitability before booking, so you do not waste time bringing in parts that are not a match for vapour blasting.

12) Do I need to rewash components after vapour blasting?
Yes, we recommend rewashing all parts again before fitting. While every care is taken to ensure no glass bead remains, a final rinse/clean by the customer before reassembly is a sensible safeguard, particularly for engine and fuel-system components where cleanliness is critical.

13) Are you insured, and can you provide risk assessments and method statements?
Yes. We are fully insured, and we carry out risk assessments and provide method statements where appropriate. We are also IPAF registered for work at height. If you are a homeowner, facilities manager, local authority or commercial client and you need documentation for site compliance, tell us what your requirements are and we will align the job plan accordingly.

Contact and quotes
Prices vary depending on the size and condition of the area or item. For a no-obligation quote, call 01733 349287 or 07884 324359, or email info@edgesteamcleaning.co.uk. Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am–8pm and Saturday to Sunday 8am–5pm.