I'm a noob, I know nothing so any advice would be appreciated. I don't want to damage anything.

 

just make sure your battery, alternator, and fuse box is covered and spray it down really good with water. then get some good engine degreaser ( i like cd-2) and spray it on and run your motor for about 15 mins and let it dry and bake on and you will look as good as new.

 

Check the detailing forum as well, plenty of clean freaks like myself there

 

For a really greasy engine, spray first with Simple Green.

I keep my car very clean and garaged, and use Obsessive No-Rinse in a bucket of water with a microfiber towel to wipe down.

 

orange blast they sell it at walmart. I think It works better than simple green.

 

I coat it with WD40 after i hose it off. Prevents the motor and accessories from rusting.

 

I use Simple Green. Spray the engine when it's warm, let it sit, cover the alternator, battery, air intake, computer box with towels then wash it with a garden hose spray nozzle. The I wipe it down and wipe the hoses with some Meguiar's Hyper Dressing.