anybody got a good way to clean the handguards on their AR?  I usually take mine off during heavy duty cleaning routines, but when I dont, there always seem to be oil/CLP and whatnot that gets on the handguards.  Any good cleaners that can strip the oil from them without harming the guards themselves?  I'm thinking soaking them in water with dishwashing soap, or simply running through the dishwasher might do the trick.  Anybody care to share how you clean yours up?  

TIA

You can use Denatured Alcohol or Oderless Mineral Spirits (similar to VarSol and kerosine).  Both of these are easily purchased (Walmart, Home Depot, etc.).

The most convienient method seems to be hand washing with dish soap.

For me, I use CLP.  The CLP cleans the smoke  off, and leaves the surfaces looking pretty.  In some ways, I think of CLP as Armor-All for firearms.

I usually remove the metal heatshields from the handguards and just throw the latter into the top rack of my dishwasher. Works great.

DL

Damn, you guys are high speed! Never had to use anything more than those red shop rags you pick up at the hardware store.

I just use a rag with some hot soapy water.  That works good to get off the dust, dirt and grease.