This had made for some interesting reading. I have always used a pressure washer (kept the head at least 2' away) on the hood and around the edges of the engine bay. Also sprayed lightly over the engine, but I did cover the alternator. After spraying on soap with a spray bottle and agitating with brushes I would rinse it off and then blow dry with an air cannon. Have never had an issue. But this is my first auto with a splash guard so not sure if things are more prone to water infiltration.