Soaking, in my opinion, really doesn't do much if anything to clean things. The gunk on the coils seems to be a polymer that forms from the carbon and oxygen molecules, mixed with whatever other molecules that may be present, being heated by the coil. Since it's a polymer, a form of plastic, water sure won't do anything. I've tried EverClear for weeks, denture cleaner, ispropyl alcohol, acetone, lacquer thinner, paint thinner, denatured alcohol and brake cleaner and none of them touched it. No, I didn't reuse those coil/qick assemblies, I was just trying to find something to dissolve that crap, LOL. Someone has suggested a steam clean using the steam output from an espresso machine which I haven't gotten around to trying but might work. Another dodge might be ultrasonic cleaning with some solution stronger than water and heated.
Bottom line is a dry burn is the best thing, next to rebuilding them which is what I've started doing. Much easier and more satisfactory in the long run when you're as cheap as I am.
(to be read at double speed)
Just my opinion, worth what you're paying for it. Your results and mileage may vary. No warranty or guarantee is expressed or implied. Proceed at your own risk. The end user agrees to hold the poster harmless and without liability. I am not a scientist, chemist or physicist and hold no academic degrees, nor do I play any of them on TV.
