How to clean an Aga

[MorocconOil]

Have any aga owners got any tips on how to clean it effectively while it is still switched on and hot?

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MNHQ

[Coolmama]

Wipe down the outside with a slightly soapy cloth, the top with a soft scourer if a little scrub is needed and polish the lids - that's it.

[Smithagain]

I use Astonish cream cleaner, which is good for enamel. It comes in a blue tub. If it's not in your supermarket, try an independent hardware store or John Lewis if you've got one.

I apply it with a very thick, cotton dishcloth and work fast so I don't burn my fingers. The cleaner smells a bit on the hot surface, but it comes up beautiful. You're not supposed to use it on the chrome, but I do. Ours is scratched anyway from 30 years' use and I haven't noticed any additional erosion.

And it gets a really good clean once a year, when I have to switch it off for its annual service LOL!

[MegaLegs]

I use the Astonish too - it gleams. Most days I give it a wipe over with a damp, soft cloth in one hand and a dry cloth in the other so it doesn't get smeary.

I have never cleaned it inside . It's being serviced next week though so maybe I should do it then.

[Smithagain]

Don't worry, I've never cleaned inside mine either

[milge]

An E Cloth is the way forward!

[Smithagain]

milge, tell me more!

[Heathcliffscathy]

you are all entirely nuts.

the whole big point thing of an Aga is that it is self cleaning!!!!

[Heathcliffscathy]

mind you i'm defending astrology to a bunch of atheists on another thread so i am the proverbial pot.

[chipkid]

the outside doesn't self clean! oh that it did!

Just a point of interest wheilst we are on the subject-my aga is VERY hot to the touch -is that normal?

[Smithagain]

To be strictly accurate, mine's a Rayburn, not an Aga. But I think they work much the same.

It only gets very hot if the burner has been turned up for a long time (e.g. roast potatoes).

When it's ticking over, it is hottish, but you could put your hand on the top surface for a few seconds without getting uncomfortable. The front is just nice and toasty, not really hot.

[Smithagain]

And it's news to me that it's supposed to self clean. Mine is permanently covered in greasy deposits that definitely don't shift themselves. Am I doing something wrong (apart from being a messy cook who can't be bothered to wipe spills all the time).

[Heathcliffscathy]

oh the OUTSIDE!!!

a million apologies...I am thick.

[hecciesmum]

my mum's got an aga which is 25 years old and still cleams like new. Every month she uses Lakeland's worktop wonder spray to polish the enamel after cleaning it and it fairly brings back the shine to the enamel.

it's basically a silicon spray

[hecciesmum]

gleams even!

[MorocconOil]

Thanks for messages. Will try Astonish and Lakeland Wonder spray. However missed the chance for a proper clean for a while as it's just had it's service!

[matthewjamesbates]

I realise I am coming to this late but thought I would add some thoughts as I clean and restore AGAs and Rayburns for a living (Blake & Bull AGA Cleaning). I have cleaned thousands since 2003 so do have a little bit of experience!

Most AGAs do indeed keep themselves clean inside. Sometimes though the bottom oven, not as hot of course, will not keep itself clean if large amounts have been spilled. A common culprit is jam making! This is difficult to clean (I use a commercial steam cleaner) so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

The outside of AGA's and Rayburns is a different story! Because they are hot you can forget about using any kind of cleaner (cream or otherwise) as it dries instantly and is useless. If you've let you AGA get bad you may need to turn it off and DIY or call me but if its not too bad then try a dry clean wire wool to gently buff off dried on grease and muck. Dont use it on the stainless steel or aluminium parts but enamel is more than up to this.

Give it a try and if you have any questions do give me a ring on 01225 866892, I am happy to help even if you don't book a clean!

Matthew

[WaxMyBoard]

Thank you Matthew for the wire wool tip,

[JJulieEngland]

Get a scraper for the top of your AGA. You can't really do too much whilst it's hot but that's your best bet.
I work for AGA and am Cheshire AGA Clean, be careful with any steam though as your AGA will rust inside the self cleaning oven.
Can supply you with a fab scraper and blades as they have to be sharp to use. Happy to help! Julie x

[5874julie]

do you mean a wallpaper scraper type? with a metal blade?

[flimsey]

I've just inherited an aga from someone who didn't clean it at all! I've used the aga scraper to get all the year's of gunk from the enamel (worked brilliantly) but am a bit stumped on what to do with the polished insulating lids as they are caked with dried on splashes. Would be grateful for any ideas.

[Binban62]

Can you help - the black top plate on my Aga is dull and losing its colour - any ideas?

[Binban62]

Hi - the black top plate of my Aga is dull and becoming greyish in places can you help?