Cleaning Chambers Stovetop

[John Murphy]

We have a 1936 large Chambers stove - 5 burners, well, griddle. However, the surface is painted black, not chrome. Very dull over the years. Any ideas on how to clean, bring back some luster without having to professionally resurface? Thanks.

[lowracer]

Are you sure it's paint and not black porcelain?

[ha_asfan]

The first thing to try is amonia. I would mix a strong solution of very hot water and amonia and get that stove top very wet, allow it to sit and as it begins to dry, reapply more of the solution. after a good half hour or so, you should be able to wipe off a lot of the gunk. If it is stubborn and won'r budge, go for the undilluted amonia and elbow grease. amonia will cut through almost anything and it will not harm the surface. If that didn't work, try lye. Lye is extremely caustic and will cause nasty burns if not used carefully but if will take dirt off of anything.

[RobbiQuest]

John, it sounds like you have a Chambers Imperial!!! We are all sooo drooling even thinking about it. Do you know how to post pictures? Would love to see it.

Also, my guess too is that your stovetop is black porcelain. Porcelain can look really dull and unimpressive if it's the original finish and might fool you into thinking it's old, black paint. My Model B has a porcelain top and I had to have it re-porcelained - it was the icky, dull black too.

Ok, we have gotta see some pictures - enquiring minds want to know!

t.

[maryopal]

John - I have a model B with a black porcelain top, and they can get pretty dull. When cleaning your top, you may want to have the pilot lights off. In my experience, they tend to dry up your cleaning solution before it can saturate the thick film you are trying to remove. Can't wait to see pictures.

[Joe Pieweed]

John:

I'll offer up my version of skinning a cat: Fume Free Easy Off in the bright blue can. Spray it on, cover with a plastic trash bag, leave it on all day or overnight. Use a stiff plastic scrub brush and/or one of those 3M green scouring pads (they're plastic). Depending on the depth of your grunge, or schmutz as your family tradition may call it, you may have to do a few applications.

I agree with Ha's advice on the power of pure amonia. That stuff'll clean anything. However, he must have access to some sort of hazmat wear to have survived this partice.

Good luck.

Joe

[Joe Pieweed]

John:

I'll offer up my version of skinning a cat: Fume Free Easy Off in the bright blue can. Spray it on, cover with a plastic trash bag, leave it on all day or overnight. Use a stiff plastic scrub brush and/or one of those 3M green scouring pads (they're plastic). Depending on the depth of your grunge, or schmutz as your family tradition may call it, you may have to do a few applications.

I agree with Ha's advice on the power of pure amonia. That stuff'll clean anything. However, he must have access to some sort of hazmat wear to have survived this partice.

Good luck.

Joe