I also use the plastic bag trick. I use a weak degreaser *Greased Lighting in hte purple spray works well* as not to fade any of the paints or plastics, spray it on, let it do its work for a minute or two then hose it all off.

And about the small buffer wheel/ball.... those new powerballs aren't bad and they make a small one which is about 2 1/2 inches in diameter with a nice 8" or so extension for a drill. I've used the larger ball on aluminum wheels and they work quite well.... planning on picking one up for my polished aluminum intake that I worked a solid 40 hours on