Cleaning under the hood of your car is a great way to maintain your engine and keep components in good working condition. Here’s a guide on what you can use and how to safely clean under the hood:

1. Degreaser

• A non-corrosive automotive degreaser is ideal for cutting through the oil, grease, and grime that build up in the engine bay. Make sure it’s safe for rubber and plastic components.
• Spray it on the dirty areas and let it sit for a few minutes to break down the grease, but avoid applying it to sensitive components like electrical parts.

2. Brushes and Scrub Pads

• Use soft brushes or detailing brushes to scrub areas coated with dirt or grease. A soft-bristle brush is safe for most surfaces under the hood.
• You can also use an old toothbrush or nylon scrub pads for scrubbing tight spaces and components with lots of buildup.

3. Microfiber Towels

• Microfiber towels are excellent for wiping down surfaces after degreasing. They’re soft and absorbent, making them perfect for removing residue without scratching sensitive parts.

4. Plastic and Rubber Cleaner

• For hoses and plastic components, use a plastic and rubber cleaner to restore their appearance. This will also add a layer of protection against cracking or drying out.

5. Water Spray Bottle or Low-Pressure Hose

• Instead of using a high-pressure hose, which can damage sensitive components, use a water spray bottle or a low-pressure garden hose to rinse away the degreaser and loosened dirt.
• Avoid directly spraying electrical components like the battery, alternator, or fuse box.

6. Engine Detailing Brushes

• Small, soft detailing brushes are perfect for cleaning in between tight areas like around the engine block, battery terminals, or air intakes.

7. Plastic Bags or Foil (Protection for Electrical Parts)

• Before you begin cleaning, use plastic bags or foil to cover delicate parts such as the battery, alternator, exposed wires, and other electrical connections to prevent them from getting wet.

8. Compressed Air

• Compressed air cans or a small air compressor can be used to blow dirt and dust out of tight areas and to dry the engine bay after cleaning.

9. Silicone or Rubber Dressing

• After cleaning and drying, apply a rubber or silicone dressing to hoses and rubber parts to keep them pliable and protect them from cracking or fading.

Steps to Clean Under the Hood:

1. Prep the Engine Bay: Let the engine cool down completely. Cover any sensitive parts like the battery, alternator, and air intake with plastic bags or foil.
2. Degrease: Spray the degreaser on greasy areas, avoiding sensitive components. Let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Scrub: Use brushes to agitate the degreaser and scrub away dirt and grime.
4. Rinse: Gently rinse off the degreaser using a low-pressure hose or a spray bottle.
5. Dry: Use microfiber towels to dry the area, and follow up with compressed air to blow away any remaining water from tight spaces.
6. Protect: Apply a rubber or plastic protectant to hoses and plastic components for a clean, finished look.

Cleaning under the hood doesn’t need to be done often, but a good clean every six months to a year can help maintain your engine’s health and ensure it runs smoothly.