i just used crc engine de greaser ( i usually use foamy engine brite) but the crc was on sale, and it cleaned up my old oil leaks nice, and left no stink after i hosed it down.
i cover NOTHING, except for my open cone filter, if you still have the stock air box, you really dont need to worry about anything getting wet. just dont full blast the alt or coils. all the wires have weather pac connections so they are all safe to get wet.
id stay away from a high pressure washer too, you can rip your wires out with it or break vac lines.
garden hose with a spray nozzle at full blast is more than enough.
i like to get the car on ramps, and spray the bottom first, and then the top, hose the bottom first, then the top, as all that crap will be dripping on you.
if you have a air compressor, with a blow nozzle for it, its nice to dry it up with that. well the lim valleys and what not where water can puddle up.
and i did the tire shine engine detail, and it collects dirt and dust and your in worse shape a month later that you were before you used tire shine. looks good for a month tho.
wear some old cloths, and try to have some goggles to protect your eyes when spraying this stuff, and hosing it off. it will burn your eyes.