When I pulled out my oil filter probably a 1/2 cup to cup of oil spilled out and down into the engine. I see it on pulleys, serpentine belt, pipe to/from intercooler I assume, and some other small bits. I’ve soaked up what I can with a rag on a stick. Is there a problem with residual oil where it is? Should I clean it off more some other way? I don’t have mineral spirits. Will using something like Adam’s all purpose cleaner and hosing off do good or damage?

never had this happen before. Usually my changes are flawless.

 

Whenever I see a professional do oil changes, they always spray everything down with brake cleaner afterwards....Anybody see any issue doing that?
As an aside, whenever I do an oil change on my AMG, the engine bay is like a surgical procedure. I have a box of puppy pee pads that I use to cover the entire engine bay with the only opening being the oil filter housing. This way, any oil spilled will be absorbed by the puppy pee pads...they're cheap and readily disposable. I also spread a tarp on the ground under the AMG (5 bucks at Harbor Freight for a small one) and puppy pads on top of the tarp. No oil spills for me!

 

Apc or brake cleaner is fine. Just watch to make sure you don’t leave it on too long as it will stain some of the plastics or rubber. Of course, don’t spray directly into any electrical connectors and try and keep any of the fabric engine bay padding as dry as you can because that will warp a bit. Do this on a cold engine because some people do worry about hitting hot exhaust components with the water and creating rapid thermal contraction issues. I’ve never had a problem on a hot or cold engine personally as I’m careful and take my time.