Engine Bay Maintenance

[American Muscle]

I was just wondering what do you guys use when you clean your engine bay? I'm asking because I always just wipe it down with a paper towel everytime after I drive it. I never knew the correct way to clean it and I was wondering if you guys can just tell me the correct way to do it like what am I supposed to use, is there anything I should cover up, is there a specific type of cleaner I should be using etc. Like I said, my bay is always clean because I just give it a quick once over with a dry paper towel after everytime I drive it but I'd really like to know how it's supposed to be done the correct way. Thanks.

[resq302]

Typically, I only use paper towels for any type of leaks or liquids that may have sprayed up.  After that, I spray some Meguiars quick detailer in an area and then wipe dry with a small towel.  You can also choose to spray it on the towel and then wipe the towel over the parts on the engine or engine compartment.

Hope this helps.

[1969chargerrtse]

I use a soft cloth.  I would think the paper towel would drag the fine dirt into the paint?

[John_Kunkel]

Yep, paper towels (even the Bounty type) will scratch highly polished surfaces.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I use the microfiber cloths from Costco in the engine compt.   Softer than a paper towel but I would NEVER use them on the exterior

[Charger-Bodie]

I use a handle-less duster.

[bill440rt]

I love threads like these!!

So many different products to choose from, all depends what you want to clean.
I use Griot's Garage Speed Shine detailer wipes a lot, they work great. They also have detailing sticks that you can use to get in tight areas.
A small California Duster works well on large areas. An orange based degreaser/cleaner sprayed on a rag is good too, for any stains on the engine.

I like to spray the battery lightly with a vinyl/rubber dressing out of an aerosol can. Leave it sit, don't wipe it or it will streak.

Anything else, I dunno maybe just detailer sprayed on the area & wiped, or sprayed on the rag first. Or, a good ol' warm damp rag with light soap, rung out so not to make a mess.

And, oh yeah, FOAM PAINT BRUSHES!!! They work awesome for getting into tight areas. Spray 'em with cleaner, detailer, or dipped in soapy water and squeezed out. Terrific for cleaning around hood hinges, distributor caps, carb linkages, bulkhead connector, wherever.

Stay away from those crappy paper towels. Stick with good 100% cotton cloths or like Chris suggested a micro fiber towel/rag. Griot's also has some awesome cotton & microfiber cloths.

[Back N Black]

I love threads like these!!

So many different products to choose from, all depends what you want to clean.
I use Griot's Garage Speed Shine detailer wipes a lot, they work great. They also have detailing sticks that you can use to get in tight areas.
A small California Duster works well on large areas. An orange based degreaser/cleaner sprayed on a rag is good too, for any stains on the engine.

I like to spray the battery lightly with a vinyl/rubber dressing out of an aerosol can. Leave it sit, don't wipe it or it will streak.

Anything else, I dunno maybe just detailer sprayed on the area & wiped, or sprayed on the rag first. Or, a good ol' warm damp rag with light soap, rung out so not to make a mess.

And, oh yeah, FOAM PAINT BRUSHES!!! They work awesome for getting into tight areas. Spray 'em with cleaner, detailer, or dipped in soapy water and squeezed out. Terrific for cleaning around hood hinges, distributor caps, carb linkages, bulkhead connector, wherever.

Stay away from those crappy paper towels. Stick with good 100% cotton cloths or like Chris suggested a micro fiber towel/rag. Griot's also has some awesome cotton & microfiber cloths.

Good Tips 

[twodko]

Meguire's quick detail is a great choice for overall touch-up cleaning and foam brushes are worth their weight! I would NEVER use paper towels on any painted surface or one with a high gloss finish. Paper towels, like any other paper, are made from wood so its like cleaning your car's surfaces with a chunk of wood.

Tom