Washing the engine

[Cloudsurfer]

I would absolutely stay away from anything that involves high pressure. You can clean the engine and engine compartment with various engine cleaning solutions, though you'd be very wise to find a way to keep the chemicals and the released dirt and grime off the rest of the car. Cover the alternator. Use a brush and use as little chemical as possible. Then rinse with low pressure water and do not direct the water at anything electrical.

[urban_legend]

No harm in starting light - and yes from what I could is looked like mostly dust and a little grime. I think a little household cleaner, a rag and a light rinse might do it.