We all know that having an Aga can be a huge investment. They are designed and built to be a lifetime cooker, mostly due to the parts and materials used to build them that ensure longevity. Vitreous enamel is one such component that is designed to last. Even so, it is not indestructible and it can be very disappointing to discover your Aga has suffered a chip in the enamel.
But don't panic! Minor chips and scratches can easily be repaired at home.
Your Aga is coated in vitreous enamel, a substance made of glass particles which is fired at over 800 degrees centigrade layer by layer. The end result is a high gloss, hard wearing coating with a magnifcent sheen.
Chips in the enamel can be caused by every day wear and tear, with accidental banging and scraping against other objects such as heavy pans. It can also be caused by mistakes during cleaning. Lifting the door off the hinges incorrectly during cleaning is a common way in which enamel can be chipped, as the door can hit the handrail. To find out more about cleaning mistakes which harm the enamel, visit our page on how to look after your enamel.
While incredibly durable, enamel requires delicate maintenance to retain its gloss finish. Harsh chemicals are a definite no no when cleaning vitreous enamel. It is strongly advised that you use only warm, soapy water to clean enamel.
If the Aga becomes particularly grubby, Astonish paste is gentle enough to use but Astonish spray must not be used. Other cleaning pastes and sprays that should be avoided include Cif, Oven Pride or Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner. These can be abrasive and caustic, which can permanently damage or dull the enamel. Powerful degreasers like Elbow Grease can also strip the enamel of its shine and it will dull over time. Any spray labelled "caustic", "heavy duty" or "oven cleaner" are simply too aggressive to use on enamel. Even everyday antibacterial kitchen sprays can dull enamel over time and leave streaks.
At Rural Ranges, we generally recommend using the following items to keep the enamel glossy for many years:
- Soft microfibre cloths
- Warm, soapy water for day-to-day cleaning
- A purpose-made Aga or vitreous enamel cleaner when needed
- A dedicated Aga cleaning kit for periodic deep cleans (available to purchase from our online shop)
- A vinegar based window cleaner can be used to polish the enamel and restore the shine
Enamel Damage Caused by Cooking
Everyday acidic liquids and ingredients in cooking can also damage the enamel on an Aga, stripping off the glossy surface. Substances like lemon juice, milk or tomatoes can be an issue and so spillages should be wiped up immediately with a damp cloth.
Damage Other than Chips
A frequent issue we see is streaking on the front plate which is caused by using incorrect cleaning chemicals that have been sprayed onto the doors or front. Re enamelling the damaged area is the only thing that will solve this. Dragging saucepans across the top plate can also dull the enamel. Again, re enamelling is the only thing that can repair this damage and restore your Aga.
Over time, you may begin to notice small scratches from everyday use, and you may suffer minor chips in your enamel. For larger chips, you may need to investigate re-enameling for an even and professional finish.
We offer a comprehensive list of refurbishment services, including re enameling. Get in touch for advice and a bespoke quote that meets your needs and requirements.
Minor chips are easy to repair yourself with a Rural Ranges DIY Enamel Filler Repair kit (enamel touch up paints sold separately). It is a really handy kit for repairing small and minor damage, quickly, easily and cost effectively. The kit contains a filler and hardener, which once applied can be sanded back smooth and painted with matching enamel paint. If done properly, you can achieve excellent results.
Please note, this kit is for small repair jobs. In order to restore your Aga to its original condition it will need to go through the re-enamelling process. Rural Ranges offers a full treatment list for repair and refurbishment including re-enamelling and full refurbishment.
Watch our step by step video guide on how to use the repair kit to fix a small chip or follow the steps below.
While we would recommend seeking advice from us at Rural Ranges to carry out major maintenance, repairs and servicing to your Aga, there are some straightforward bits of maintenance you can carry out yourselves at home.
Basic jobs you can do at home include replacing your Aga lid liners and lid seals as well as door liners and door seals.
Explore further articles on Aga DIY maintenance on our website or go to our YouTube channel for further instructional videos.
