Can anyone share technical data regarding how folks in other countries clean the AK?
What chemicals, lubes ect?

It appears that most of them just rub sand on it until the sand stops sticking.

The translated Russian manual I have calls for alkaline water based cleaner followed by a light oil.

AJ

Here's the Russian formula for AK cleaning solvent............

Soviet alkaline bore cleaner.

"Rifle bore cleaning solution is prepared in units in sufficient quantity for cleaning weapons over the coarse of a single day. Solution is composed of :
-water suitable for drinking-1 liter
-ammonium carbonate -200 grams
-potassium bichromate- 3-5 grams
A small amount of cleaner can be stored for not more than seven days in a glass container with tight lid, in a dark place away from heat source. The pouring of rifle bore cleaning into oilers is prohibited. "

Contrary to popular thought, if you're in the Russian military and allow your rifle to get rusty or badly fouled you won't like what happens.

potassium bichromate.is an oxidizing agent...
I wouldn't think that would be a positive thing to use.

The Soviet had an excess of potassium dichromate they needed to dispose of? Just a cursory search reveals that that's some nasty stuff. Maybe it was a way to weed out the particularly stupid troops?

AJ

No shit I’ve watched several Afghans, Kurds, and Iraqis do this.

Particularly on the piston. They grab a handful of sand, twist the piston back and forth in their hand like they’re chalking a pool cue until it’s shiny. then clean it up with a rag, followed by a wipe down of the rest of the gun (they’ll use kerosene for solvent if the need arises).

A couple shots of oil (not on the piston) and they’re done. Gun usually works fine.