My votes for cleaning solvents:
1. Park chain cleaner for drivetrain cleaning. I found that some of the citrus based solvents are mildly corrosive to aluminum. Finish Line also has a non citrus based chain cleaner which is OK, too.
2. Ordinary paint thinner or kerosene for part overhauls or complete bike teardowns. I use a round oil drain pan and a 1" slightly stiff paint brush to scrub the outside of the part before a complete teardown. (A round shape works better for cleaning chainrings.) I also have an old stainless steel 35mm film developing canister and lid which is good for solvent-washing most small parts. I also use a cheap steel cookie baking sheet with a 3/8" high lip around the perimeter to store dismantled and cleaned parts before reassembly.
3. I avoid water based solvents as much as possible, because in the past I've had creeping rust on the edges of parts and frames due to the water content.
Andrew Gillis (happy Halloween from Long Beach, CA)