Raymond,
I put the parts in old coffee cans to agitate and to brush over. I like the coffee cans because they come in two useful sizes and the plastic tops keep spillage low. I keep them in a large 2X2/12 drip pan to catch any spillage as well. I also will wash my chains in hot water with dish detergent and rinse with hot water, if I'm using a non petroleum lubricant. (Since my Dad died I'm wondering where I'm going to get more coffe cans without buying some of that nasty canned stuff myself.)
I use glass jars to "settle out " the used deisel, because it's easy to see when it's ready to use again and any magnitized bits won't stick to it.
On parts that have light use and get dirty easily like brake and deraileur pivots and springs I use silicon spray for lubrication.
Ride Clean
Pat