cleaning up the slant six head

just wondering: soak is purple cleaner, dawn solution, etc, spray down with $2 can of engine degressor, and $1.50 at the car wash????
i make bits and spurs and have used 50% soluton of muratic acid, works well to clean the heavy metal, but i left a buckle made of 1/8 in mild steel a little too long! became 1/16 in thick! LOL perhaps a difference how the acid works on mild vs "hard" cold rolled like bits and spurs are and then again how it works on cast iron. the vinegar: i have no experience with it except for making home made salsa!!! LOL
another notion: soak in gas (not diesel) for cleaner. maybe someone on here is a chemist with vinegar background! really, i'm always interested in finding cheaper better way to clean nasty parts!!!
if some off us guys didn't joke around a little we might get "soft"!