Mice like to hang out in my engine compartment when I let my car sit for any amount of time. Over the winter, they left plenty of droppings and leaves/nest debris all over my intake. Now, my intake is stained all around the bolts from leaves, and is also stained on top right in front of the throttle body where they set up their bathroom. The texture on the metal makes it difficult to clean, any suggestions? I was thinking Comet cleaner and a Brillo pad? Maybe? Thanks

 

I wouldn't use either. Comet has chlorinators in it. Chlorine is not good for most metals, especially aluminum. If you leave any residue, it will cause corrosion. I would not use a Brillo pad because it will have a tendency to shed little steel wiskers that can migrate into electronic components.

If you are only dealing with stains and discoloration (meaning that there is no pitting), use the metal polish of your choice and a dremel with polishing wheels and points.

But before I would do anything under the hood, I would address the problem rather than the result. Get some Decon and some traps. Peanut butter is the best trap bait.