I usually grab a spray bottle of Simple Green degreaser, head to the spray & wash, and spray the engine down generously. This stuff is environment friendly, so it won't raise a fuss. After the Simple Green has had time to soak in a bit, I use the low pressure rinse to clean it off.I then use rags to wipe down the engine cover to get it nice and shiny.
Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for.