How To Clean An AGA Range Cooker – OvenGleamers

How To Clean An AGA Range Cooker

How to Clean Your AGA Range Cooker

Get our cleaning kit here (currently out of stock).

Learn more about our AGA cleaning and refurbishment service.


Cleaning your AGA range cooker doesn’t require expert skills, but it does take time and effort. Expect to spend an hour or two, but the results will be worth it! We've used this tried-and-tested method for over two decades to restore AGAs to their best condition.

Once you're finished, don’t forget to check out our DIY refurbishment kits to keep your AGA looking pristine.

tiverton-aga-door-clean-after

What You'll Need

To complete this process, gather the following supplies. If you're missing anything, our cleaning kits include everything you need, along with a printed guide.

  • Scraper with interchangeable heavy-duty blades (included in our kit) – Avoid flimsy, unbranded blades as they break easily and blunt quickly.
  • Steel wool ball (included in our kit).
  • Cleaning paste (included in our kit). In this article we mention Astonish - that's the oven cleaning paste. 
  • Microfibre cloth (included in our kit).
  • Sponge scourer (included in our kit).
  • Safety goggles.
  • Vacuum cleaner (or dustpan and brush).
  • Cleaning cloth.

Understanding Enamel Durability

AGA enamel is tougher than many people think. If you're unsure, test the cleaning method on a hidden area, such as behind the control panel door. You’ll see that it holds up well!

You’ll notice the word ‘scrape’ appears often—rest assured, you’re only removing grime and baked-on residue, not damaging the enamel.


aga cleaning devon

Hot or Cold Cleaning?

There are two ways to clean your AGA: cold (deep clean) and hot (quick maintenance). We recommend doing a thorough cold clean periodically and using the hot method for upkeep in between.  (We clean AGAs cold when cleaning them for professionally with our AGA cleaning service).

Preparing for a Cold Clean: For the best results, turn off your AGA after dinner and leave the lids and doors open. Place large pans of cold water on the hob to help it cool down faster. By morning, it will be the perfect temperature for cleaning.

Before starting, carefully read the instructions below.

Cold AGA Cleaning Method

  1. Prepare the Scraper
    • Insert a blade into your scraper by sliding it in and locking it into place.
    • Be cautious—razor blades are extremely sharp!
  2. Remove Hotplate Expansion Rings and Doors
    • Carefully lift the expansion rings around the hotplates - If you can remember which side each ring comes from and whether it has a notch on it - the notch if its there (used by AGA installers to position the ring in its optimum position) will point towards the hinge.
    • Remove the doors by lifting them straight up and placing them enamel-side-up on a soft towel.
  3. Scraping Off the Grime
    • Put on your safety goggles.
    • Place the scraper flat against the enamel and gently scrape towards the hotplate. Apply firm pressure as needed. Getting the angle of the blade right will help. The steeper the handle the more the cutting edge of the blade will cut through the grease.
    • Work across all flat enamel surfaces, including the lids, front, and doors.
    • Use the blade’s corner for tight spots like hinge blocks and door edges.
    • If the blade chips or becomes blunt, replace it immediately. I'd recommend doing this often. If the grease on your top plate is thick the blades will get blunt after just a few scrapes.
  4. Vacuum or Brush Off Debris
    • Remove all loosened grime before proceeding.
  5. Re-Scrape for Missed Spots
    • Use a fresh blade, on the holder, to tidy up any remaining stubborn areas.
    • Pay special attention to hinges, edges, and corners.
    • Vacuum or brush up again.
  6. Apply Cleaning Paste
    • Wet a microfibre cloth until it is sodden and scoop up a generous amount of Astonish paste.
    • Spread the solution evenly over the enamel surfaces.
    • Work on one section at a time to prevent excess mess - start at the top.
    • You can take the paste solution and take it over the lids.
    • If the cooker is still slightly warm, use plenty of water as Astonish works best when wet.
    • Rub hard with the wet microfibre cloth.
  7. Remove Paste, Dry off the paste, Get Any Remaining Grease Spots
    • Rub hard with the a dry cloth to remove all of the wet solution. 
    • Take a dry wire wool and scrub over any remaining carbon or grease stains, adjusting pressure based on the grime level.
    • Avoid using wire wool on areas damaged by acidic spills (see ‘Cold AGA Cleaning Notes’ below).
  8. Polish and Buff Up
    • Ensure all cleaning paste residue is removed to prevent a white dusty film from appearing when the cooker heats up again.
    • Polish with a dry microfibre cloth to get a steak free gleaming AGA.

Optional Extra Tasks

  • Clean and polish spring handles.
  • Replace door hinge washers for better efficiency.
  • Clean and replace chrome hob caps.
  • Wipe down the flue shroud.
  • Refresh the thermometer plate.
  • Touch up enamel chips.
  • Restore the AGA badge if the paint has worn away.

Cold AGA Cleaning Notes

  • On older cookers (30+ years), some grime may be impossible to remove completely, especially near the hotplates.
  • Front panels can suffer acid damage from spills like lemon juice or tomato sauce, as well as from harsh cleaners. These areas may appear white or streaked - this especially apparent on cream and white AGAs and appear as lines down the front of the AGA.
  • Do not use wire wool on acid-damaged areas, as it can worsen the appearance. Test a small patch before proceeding.

Hot AGA Cleaning Method (for minor spills)

This is a quick method to tackle spills in between deep cleans.

  1. Use a Scraper
    • With a fresh blade, remove as much of the spill as possible.
  2. Buff with Dry Wire Wool
    • Rub the affected area to turn residue into fine dust.
  3. Wipe and Polish
    • Sweep away the dust with a microfibre cloth.
    • Polish to finish.

Hot AGA Cleaning Notes

  • Keep wire wool clean by running it through the dishwasher and drying it in the simmering oven.
  • Do not use moisture or sprays on a hot cooker, as they dry instantly and cause streaking.

Disclaimer

We’ve successfully used these techniques for over two decades, but if you damage your cooker while cleaning, we cannot take responsibility. AGAs can chip very easily - especially newer AGAs so handle the doors etc with extreme care. Don't be tempted to use any other cleaning product as anything with acid content will do extreme and permanent damage to your AGA enamel.

If you're unsure, test a small hidden area first or give us a call. If you purchase our kit but change your mind, you can return it unused for a full refund.

Ready to get started? Our cleaning kits contain everything you need, plus a printed guide!

Want a professional touch? Our team offers a full refurbishment and cleaning service

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