Cleaning tools in toolbox

I am using a container of water and dish/laundry soap and they are difficult to clean. Only do it every few years, until I can't stand it any longer.

I do not have a parts washer.

Anyone used a dishwasher and lived to tell about it? Other ideas?

Roger in Iowa

I cobbed onto it, took it back to the barracks, and used it like regular carb dip. It worked just as good as any carb dip, and a buddy of mine was hanging around while I worked. When I was at the point of assembling the carb, the half full bucket of paint remover was still sitting there. Since I was done with it, my buddy asked if he could use it to clean his tools. I told him to go ahead as I was just going to dump it somewhere where I could get away with it anyway.

My buddy emptied his tool box into the bucket and we bs'd for a half hour or so while I put my carb back together.

When my buddy went to retrieve his tools, he found all of his plastic handled screw drivers had the handles gone.

Any tools that get used during the day get cleaned and oiled before I leave at night.

For cleaning, I use a foaming citrus-based cleaner. There are several, the one I use is a commercial food-safe product. Spray it on, let it set for a minute and wipe it off. Works great, cleans ALL the crud off.

That's all I do for ordinary hand tools. Ratchets and gearwrenches and such get a light spray of oil.

Been there almost 3 years, and no rust yet.