Originally Posted by
roadsnakes
How about a lot of Simple Green and Windex for everywhere else?
Only if it's the PURPLE Simple Green ("Simple Green HD")
The GREEN Simple Green is *not* safe for all metals. It will compromise alloys if left on the surface for too long, and it tells you this on the labels. The green stuff it will ruin the finish on cranksets, alloy rims, etc. The purple stuff is safe for everything.
In this case, for heavy grease, I use a toothbrush and the purple-colored Simple Green HD. It won't leave a residue, just rinse with water after. I usually wet the surface, apply Simple Green HD, spray some of the SGHD into my toothbrush, then scrub away. Spray with water after, then I keep a small bucket of soapy water (with car wash liquid) nearby to go to it after, then towel dry. Works great.
PB Blaster is also exceptionally effective at removing thick, crusty grease on anything you can imagine, and it's clearcoat safe. On pre-1960s single-stage paints, aggressive rubbing of it or almost any other solvent or penetrant will remove paint, though, so be forewarned...