Hydrocloric-acid seems to work well for cleaning things. it is cheap too... since pools are cleaned with it. I can't seem to figure out where all the small rubber things dissapear to though... or how the gaskets just dissapear. Anyways, other than a few small pits & creaters it can leave, it really does the job. Be sure to use eyewear... it sure makes alot of smoke which can make you blind. Also- change your rubber gloves every 10 minutes too; it can burn your skin if you don't.