Cleaning G scale equipment

 My layout isn't that old yet. Last winter I picked the whole thing up too. Only thing I could help with is I have washed a dirty car before. I used a very mild soap and water. I cleaned the wheels and axles immediately dried them off. I added oil right away to keep out any rust. Not much water got at the trucks anyways as I was so careful.

  My main way of regular cleaning is using a dry paint brush and a vacuum. Even compressed air with a regulator turned down works well. Of course it matters how bad the dirt is!

Years ago I bought a couple of power packs full of LGB G scale equipment.  I did not know it had been through a flood.  I noticed the film and grime while doing an inventory.   I simply ran load after load through the kitchen dishwasher.  I tested some track, engine and cars first, but it worked fine.   I use a shaving brush with regular dishwasher soap on Lionel trains.

Same here - brush to get rid of the loose dirt, then a tooth brush with mild detergent. I sometimes remove trim pieces to clean tight areas more efficiently.

A soft dry bristle paint brush is my normal go to for any size model train.

I like the dust. Indoors or out, its my weathering.

So mostly I just dust them some only when I accidently wipe a spot clean with a finger or sleeve. Because then it just looks like a dirty toy train with a swipe of clean on it, not a weathered look. 

For really dirty bodies, and stubborn finger prints that don't dust out, dishsoap and water.

Metal gets dried asap by shaking, towel, and hair dryer. Then re-lubed.

For oily grime, or "other" fun stuff, naphtha cleans, degreases, and is a safe cleaner of plastics.(but watch your decals and some paints)

A dishwasher

 If I could only remember all the silly things I've cleaned in industrial grade dishwashers.  Plop, shut the door wash your hands, eat, grab a clean part and run a clean up cycle or two with sanitizer. 

Water is your friend, just don't let him hang out wet all day. Dry him up & limit his visits.

Leave the automatic dishwasher detergents out of it if you can, their chemicals can cause long term metal issues especially on some electronics. And I bet a few would mess with body finishes too.

 Fine cleaning of the drive and frame happens with a smaller paint brush(s), and also a whole lot of Q-tips, towels, paper towels, oil and/or naphtha or other assorted solvents. Mostly depending on the day, item, and proximity to the nearest cans .

I have all LGB track and use a fine abrasive pad to clean it, the cars sit out in the warm weather and weather naturally, the engines are weather proof but come in at night. Sometimes I dry brush them or wipe something off.  Several looking a little weathered but not much.