How to Clean an AGA Cooker: A Professional's Guide
AGA cookers need specialist care. Learn how to safely clean your AGA or Rayburn without damaging the enamel, and when to call in a professional.

How to Clean an AGA Cooker: A Professional's Guide
AGA and Rayburn cookers are beautiful, hardworking appliances that deserve specialist care. Unlike standard ovens, they're always on, always warm, and have delicate enamel surfaces that can be permanently damaged by the wrong cleaning products.
At Fordwell, we've cleaned hundreds of AGAs across Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, Essex and West Sussex. Here's what we've learned — and how you can keep yours in top condition between professional cleans.
Why AGA Cleaning Is Different
AGAs are made from cast iron with a vitreous enamel coating. This enamel is tough, but it's not indestructible. The two big risks are:
- Abrasive cleaners — scouring powders, wire wool and harsh sponges will scratch and dull the enamel permanently.
- Caustic chemicals — oven cleaners containing sodium hydroxide can discolour and damage the enamel finish.
What You Can Safely Do at Home
Daily Wipe-Down
After cooking, while the AGA is still warm, wipe the hotplates and lids with a damp microfibre cloth. A tiny drop of mild washing-up liquid is fine. This prevents grease build-up from becoming baked on.
Cleaning the Ovens
Use a damp cloth with warm soapy water to wipe the interior. For stubborn spots, make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it gently, and leave it for 15–20 minutes before wiping away.
The Doors and Front
Wipe the enamelled front panels with a soft, damp cloth. For the chrome lids, a specialist chrome cleaner will keep them gleaming.
What to Avoid
- Never use oven cleaning sprays — even "enamel-safe" ones can cause dulling over time.
- No wire wool or scouring pads — they'll scratch the enamel.
- Don't put cold water on hot surfaces — thermal shock can crack the enamel.
- Avoid steam cleaners on the enamelled surfaces.
When to Call a Professional
Even with regular home maintenance, AGAs benefit from a professional deep clean at least once a year. A professional service will:
- Remove built-up carbon and grease from all lids, hotplates and door interiors
- Clean between the gaps and crevices that are hard to reach at home
- Use enamel-safe, non-caustic products that protect your investment
- Polish all surfaces to restore the original shine
Professional AGA cleaning from Fordwell starts at £130 and takes approximately 2.5 hours. We cover Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, Essex and West Sussex.
Book Your AGA Clean
Ready to give your AGA the care it deserves? Book online or call us on 07500 649733.
Need a professional? We can help.
Save time and get better results — book Fordwell's professional oven and appliance cleaning service today.