I use about a pint of parts cleaner with a half dozen nuts and bolts. First plug the tank outlet, put the hardware in the tank, then the cleaner. Put the cap on and shake well, turning it in all directions. Dump out the clean into a container with a rag on top to filter the cleaner and catch the hardware. Pour the cleaner back in, with a little more fresh cleaner and shake it again. When you pour it out the second time and particles out gunk come out, repeat until it comes clean. Blow the inside out with an air gun and let dry for a day. Should be ready to go. Coffee filters work great as you can see debris easily.