underbonnet /engine cleaning

[200Plus Club]

after some tips for best product/technique to keep the engine bay looking like this on my new toy

thinking along lines of something very mild /degreasing that i can brush in with a soft brush and wash off with hose pipe, rather then attempting jet washing etc, its an old car with dizzy and ignition parts that will probably get affected with water ingress if i go mad.
any suggestions to keep it looking like this appreciated.

[jagnet]

Electrics can be protected with cling film whilst washing, so careful use of the pressure washer or hose shouldn't be an issue.

For general cleaning, you can't beat Bilt Hamber Surfex HD - cuts through grease and grime brilliantly. Another product that I've been impressed with that's great for bodywork within the engine bay, plus door shuts etc, is Autobrite's Jaffa Clean - spray on, agitate, rinse off and it leaves a protected gloss finish.

For tougher corrosion protection, BH Dynax UC leaves a clear film anti corrosion wax.

For plastics and rubber, 303 Aerospace is a great product. Spray on and leave, or buff off.

Any chrome/polished aluminium you may have can be polished up and then coated with BH Autobalm for protection.

The Swissvax style detailing brushes are great for getting into the nooks and crannies.

[200Plus Club]

thank you for that. hadnt thought of cling film!

[DynamicCraig]

I would recommend steam cleaning.

most of the time you wont even need chemicals, but a weak solution of Surfex HD agitated with detailing brushes and cotton swabs(for those hard to reach areas) then steamed will bring it up very well and is safer than pressure washer or hose.

[200Plus Club]

would have thought steam might have induced more mositure into the wiring/nooks n crannies etc than a gentle hose down with water?