Dusty engine bay

I bought a 2008 GT and picked it up yesterday. When I looked at it last week, the dealer told me that they would detail the complete car before I picked it up. Not surprisingly, they did little more than run it through the car wash. Not really a big deal because they could never clean it to my satisfaction anyway. Here's my question: I guess that while they had it on their lot, they had the hood up for long periods of time. The car only has 8000miles on it so it's doesn't have any oil issues but the engine bay is very dusty. I'm thinking of just using warm (car wash) soapy water and a soft brush to clean it. I also thought I would use my wife's flower sprinkling wand to rinse it. Does anyone have a better suggestion?
 
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If its just dust no need to use soap. I just put a high pressure handle on the garden hose give the engine bay a Quick rinse being careful to avoid
electrical areas, spark plus and COP's. Then I get the leaf blower and blow it dry getting rid of
any pooled up water. then start the car and go for a drive to completley
dry it. Anything else just finish by hand with a rag.
 
I never dump water into my engine bay. Get some Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer and use it on the engine with some soft towels. It will also condition and protect any plastic surfaces in there.

I am not familiar with this particular product, but some interior detail products contain silicone. You don't want to use a silicone product in the engine bay. The vapors may get sucked into the air intake and cause problems with various sensors.
 
Meguairs recommends their interior quick detailer for engine bay maintenance. I don't know if it has silicon in it or not but it add NO shine or sheen to interior surfaces and can be used on clear plastic as well as dash and all interior materials other than suede according to the label.
 
I use an all purpose cleaner maybe watered down a bit and just take the time with a couple rags i dont mind ruining. Chrome polish and back to black in the appropriate areas will do wonders. If you think there is even a chance of having electrical problems from spraying a hose on it why bother? Anyone that cares enough to clean their engine probably cares enough to take the time to make sure it is done right.