engine cleaning?

how do u guys clean ur engine. i seen alot of people taking hoses and just spraying it onto their engine. i'm not sure if this is safe, but i really want to know if there is a safe method that u can do on ur own. i know that some people steam it, but i don't have a steamer. my engine is VERY dusty, and i just want to make it look cleaner. any suggestions? oh, one more thing, how do u pros make ur engine all nice and clean, mine is never clean, it's always dirty and dusty when i drive it.

a rag, some cleaner, and some elbow grease