Cleaning engine bay without damaging?

[DickP]

I’ve done around 70k miles with my car over the past 2.5 years, but the engine bay hasn’t been cleaned once in that time and as you can imagine is pretty dirty and grey! Is there a good way of cleaning without damaging pulley bearings and the likes? Or should I leave it and accept that it’s probably better filthy if it means components won’t be damaged from cleaning?

[LuS1fer]

Paintbrush and an engine degreaser like Gunk Ultra. Rinse off.
Grit on your engine will pull itself into the seals and bearings.

[Pica-Pica]

I have never, ever cleaned an engine bay. Cars kept for 10 years, and 19 years, and 150k miles. I’ve never had an issue.

[Stick Legs]

If just road grime & general dirt & it bothers you I use Muc-Off bike cleaner.

Dilute it 50/50

Spray it all over a cold engine.

Use an old paintbrush to agitate it.

Rinse off with a garden hose.

If you want to be fancy spray some Autoglym vynil & rubber care over it to preserve the clean look.

Any modern car will tolerate this kind of cleaning with no ill effect.

Don’t pressure wash & be sure to get all the soap off as it can cause problems if it dries on, hence diluting it.

[Kully singh]

I wash my engine bay once a month, had no issues ever unless it’s a classic car

[Belle427]

muc off as suggested and dont use a pressure washer, low pressure hose or pour from a watering can but id stay away from any electrical sensors.

[gweaver]

Cover the alternator and battery with a plastic bag or similar. Spray a free rinsing degreaser around the engine bay and use a brush on stubborn dirt. Rinse off with low pressure water.
Optionally, spray a water based trim dressing and leave for a few minutes.
Wipe water and trim dressing off with microfibre cloths or old towel.