Originally Posted by solo
I use a terry rag stretched across the edge of a tie plate, a flat metal square about the size of a credit card that sells for a few cents at any home improvement store. I spray the cassette with degreaser and then push the plate with the cloth into the gap between the cogs. I hold the plate stationary and turn the cassette on the freewheel with the other hand...this is with the bike on a repair stand. It cleans it down to the spindle and makes the job go quickly.
That is a great idea. I was just at the LBS, and poised the question to their lead mechanic. He showed me a great technique - similar to yours but sans tie plate. He simply used the edge of a rag soaked with a bit of solvent like floss, and he was able to make the cogs sparkle in just a few moments. He also opined (painful thought for an anal guy like me), that that type of cleaning needed to be done only monthly. Thanks gang for all the great responses.