My donor-bot, a Robie Sr., looks like it was buried in the dirt at one point. So I was wondering how people have been cleaning their older robots found on eBay, etc. I'll disassemble my robot first removing all the electronic components.

I've seen mention of using a dishwasher. Would that be top-rack only? Dish soap? Light wash? etc etc. I don't want the plastic shell to melt...

How about soaking in a tub of warm water and then a good scrubbing? Can anyone recommend a good soap that will get off grime and dirt, but not leave too much of a soapy residue? I'm likely to repaint my robot.