Looking for anyone who has experience in what the best techniques, tools, etc are for removing soot from various materials (including the metal of a tailpipe, fibreglass, etc). Any idea whether e.g. carb-cleaner or brake-cleaner sprays are effective, or lacquer thinners, isopropyl alky, etc.... or just do it dry with a soft wire brush etc ?

Thanks in advance for any mistakes you can help me avoid,

Gordon