Here's the scoop from the latest RoadBikeRider. I'm pretty sure most of us here have some cleaning ritual, but at least for me, the furniture polish is news.

After a dry ride, wipe off dust and road grime by using a soft, clean rag dampened with spray furniture polish (Pledge or a cheap generic brand). Never wipe with a dry rag; it'll put fine scratches in the finish. Spray the rag (not the frame) and work from the top down with light pressure. If you've dripped sweat on the frame, use water first as Pledge won't always cut through it.

Keep flipping the rag to a clean area as it picks up crud. You'll be surprised how much dirt is on your bike after just one ride. After you've wiped down the frame and components, go back with a clean rag and buff the tubes to a nice sheen. Furniture polish also leaves a coating that helps prevent dirt buildup and makes the next cleanup easier.

After a wet ride, grab your bucket with its assortment of sponges, brushes, clean rags and Dawn dishwashing detergent. Add warm water and a squirt of the soap. Wet the sponge or rag and wring it out. Once again, work from the top down quickly and softly. A rag is better than a sponge for getting into tight places. Rinse it frequently in the detergent solution.

Dump the murky water, rinse the sponge and rags, then wipe down the bike with warm water to remove the soapy residue. Using warm water helps the bike dry quickly so you can do the Pledge thing.

To clean wheels I use a piece of old towel and some hot, Dawn-infused water. I cup my hand and rag around the tire and rotate the wheel with my other hand. If you do this right, you can clean the tire and rim sidewalls in one rotation. Rinse with clean water. This procedure removes road oils and lets you inspect the tires for cuts, glass, thorns or whatever.

Cleaning Tips
---Keep your supplies together and convenient. If you have to search through the garage to find your stuff, you'll shrug your shoulders and walk away.
---Stay away from the drivetrain. You're not trying to clean the chain but merely get the grime off your bike. Chain care is a topic I've covered before and certainly needs attention, but not after every ride.
---Wash your rags separately from household laundry. Guys, this will keep you out of trouble with your wife and daughter. It's not very cost effective to replace their favorite blouses.
---Do it now. It takes no more than five minutes to clean your bike after a dry ride, less once you get the hang of it. Do it immediately upon climbing off. This is not the full-blown cleaning you should do when the bike is really dirty. It's merely homage to the cycling gods and a "thank you" to the machine that gives you so much pleasure. Nothing looks or runs worse than a grimy bike. Take pride in your ride!