Cleaning Under The Hood

I was wondering how to clean the areas under my hood. Is it OK just to spray it down with a hose and dry it off? Are there any special cleaning products to use?
Thank you!!

I use Simple Green which is a de-greaser in a spray bottle and you can find it at most department stores in the automotive section (Wal Mart, etc.)

I go to the local car wash and here's what I do:

1. Let engine sit for 20 minutes if its not already cool. I usually wash the rest of the car during this time.
2. Cover the alternator and air filter with a plastic grocery sack. (You don't have to cover your filter if its not exposed)
3. Using the lowest sprayer setting, rinse the engine bay.
4. Spray Simple Green on everything in the engine bay. Let sit for 1 minute.
5. Rinse the engine bay thoroughly with the lowest pressure setting.

Admire the end result :naughty:

http://www.subatomicdesign.com/gtp/pics/enginesm.jpg

Man, looks like you can eat there. Awesome. Mine looks fairly similar and I use Dr. Mecanico(A local degreaswe with Carnauba Wax and Wash).

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/114180KilStockEngineLook.jpg

I have to update this picture tought. Now the car has a CAI, headers, MSD Cables and other neat stuff that would make it look more like yours. Of course your camera is way better, mine died. What is the one U are using?