I have mini cooper S 2009 R56. I haven't used it for 2 years. It has rodent droppings on the engine. I read that I have to spray with bleach on them before hosing it.
Is it safe to spray with bleach under the hood? Are there any places where I shouldn't use bleach?
(I did disconnect the battery completly from the car)

 

Just use engine cleaner, i used the sonax stuff. That way its safe on the plastics and will not leave marked, I have also used on my MINI after I did the clutch and suspension work. I worry bleach might discolor certain things.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-sonax-pa...er/543200~snx/

 

Will this engine cleaner disinfect against the rat droppings?

 

Its pretty strong, my guess is it will kill anything. Good soap and water would do they same thing. Use a soft brush and watch around the electricals.

 

At least on my early car, there's no clear-coat under the hood. The first time I cleaned it with Simple Green, the paint on the strut towers washed off with ease, revealing areas of gray primer.

 

Yep, be *VERY* careful of painted surfaces under the hood. A pressure washer with no chemicals will take it off. Even pretty mild chemicals will remove it frustratingly quickly.

 

Do not use bleach in the engine bay - or anywhere it might touch a surface you value. It's corrosive and will damage metal and electrical components. Even the milder engine cleaners can sometimes screw up sensitive components, though you may need something strong for the rodent droppings. I'd wrap things that might get damaged, spray cleaner judiciously, and rinse with a gentle steam of water.