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[s]Broken hacksaw blade[/s] offcut of 2mm alluminium sheet for poking out bits of grass, twigs, mud, etc.
I do like Squirt...
I use the kitchen degreasing machine, just make sure that the plates aren't underneath.
Spray degreaser of choice on, leave for a couple of minutes and brush it a bit.
Cleaning your chain and cassette is a bit like cleaning your favourite Tea mug
quick rinse under the cold tap then ?
Remove cassette. Put in parts washer at work. Job done.
Dishwasher!
IPA on the heads and capstan rollers. Allow to dry.
I found mine comes up functionally clean (greasy looking, but with all the dirt and excess oil gone) using only my trusty plant sprayer and *very hot* water. About 60c and set the nozzle to a mist setting, then hold the nozzle really close - the speed of the hot water jet just peels the accumulated smegs off leaving only the oil residue (probably useful).
No chemicals, less chance of contaminating the hub grease and less rust spots from overcleaning.
For a reasonably eco friendly grease, just use melted candle wax with a spray of gt85 on the mechs and perhaps a little on the chain. Obvs this comes off really easily with hot water, so...
I normally spray with GT40 or similar then run a rag/edge of an old towel back and forth between the gaps -takes two mins and comes up like new.
To clean the chain I'll normally soak with GT40, run through a towel to clean off the dirt then re-grease.
occasionally i'll take it off and give it a proper wash with white spirit.
I don't buy any fancy bike cleaning products - all a bit of a waste of money in my opinion.