Hi all - just thought I would share with you a method I've settled on that works well in cleaning standard steel AK mags.  I don't hold this up to be a "best" approach, just one that works for me.

I use standard latex gloves for the cleaning steps.

1 - Disassemble the mag

2 - Dunk all parts in a tub of mineral spirits or other petrol product (careful: do it outside for safety) and clean each part with a toothbrush thoroughly

3 - Place cleaned parts on a slab of cardboard

4 - After the parts have dried a bit (just enough to remove the drips), dunk in a bucket of warm soapy water - this should remove the mineral spirts and the remaining gunk

5 - Place the parts back on the cardboard slab or hang dry - allow them to dry fully in a well ventilated area

6 - After the parts are fully dried, take a cleaning rod and several large patches and pour liberally the CLP on the patches

7 - Swab the inside only of the magazine body with the CLP

8 - Pour liberally some CLP on an old rag and wipe down the springs

9 - After you have wiped down the springs, the rag should be well-coated with CLP - you can then wipe down using the rag the other mag parts such as the follower and floorplate

10 - Reassemble the mag

11 - Place the mags on the cardboard slab again - spray WD40 on all EXTERIOR surfaces

12 - Wipe down the exterior of the mag so there is no dripping

You are done!  

I use the CLP on the internals of the mag because I think it will allow the internals to remain well lubricated over a longer period of time.  I use WD40 on the exterior as it isn't as oily, and once it is wiped off, it does preserve the finish and provides a bit of lubrication.  It's just not as oily as using CLP externally, and I like that.  You can always reapply more WD40 later if you think it is necessary.

Hope this is of some use...

- Snacko