there isn't much for "methods" for cleaning. But what I do is pull out the spark plug wire, then drain the gas from the tank, pull the fuel line from the carb and control arm and spring(make sure you remember what goes where. this step is usually now or when you get the carb off the engine), take off cover(s) to access all the screws on the carb. Then take off the muffler, then the screws for the carb itself.
Here is a good video on carb cleaning.(It does save you money)
Craftsman 5.5hp Lawnmower Carburetor Clean & Rebuild - YouTube This video is pretty basic cleaning, I do sometimes use a more cleaner not just carb cleaner, brake cleaner as well. But carb cleaner in a can works very well.
I then take the bolt/jet off the bottom of the bowl 1/2 inch socket or wrench will do. Some models have the bolt that has very small openings on it. I use a .020" diameter wire and push it though those holes, I do the same though the bottom of the carb going into the mixing area of the carb(you can see the wire going though it) Remove the pin and float on the carb clean it and look for a damage needle/debris and make sure the float does not have gas inside of it. I then spray all openings and holes on the carb itself. Now here I tend to just reverse the order and place everything back together. As I am letting this dry I do check the oil level and gas tank for debris and level, cable checking, look at the blade and deck. I clean and make sure the spark plug looks good at this point too. Like I said before I reverse the process and put the carb back together and back onto the mower. the last thing I do is put the spark plug back in and attach it to the wire add fresh gas with sta-bil in it or seafoam and get it a couple of pulls.
It seems like a lot of work but after the first time you do it its very easy after that. TAKE YOUR TIME, I rushed though the first time I did my own just to have to take it back apart and re clean all over again. I am down to about 15- 30 mins of doing a carb cleaning. Its fun and relaxing for me to do that. Look for videos and on here for pointers and other tricks that might help you in the whole process.
Good luck and I hope this helps!
