When cleaning my bike, what should and shouldn't I use?

[CoreyW]

I'm talking about the whole thing, from all the components to the rims or the tire, to the grips or the handle bars.

Are commercial cleaners/de-greasers out of the question?

I don't want to harm my bike in any way.

 

[dtrek]

I always use dish soap a rag and for any chrome or shiny parts I use after washing aluminum foil and a bit of water to make things sparkle just fold the foil in a square dip it in the water and rub away till you are happy with the way it looks hope this helps a light coating of wax never hurts