What do you use, or recommend, as a cleaning fluid for reels? I can clean my reels OK but I have yet to find a liquid cleaner that I like - suggestions?

Simple Green for plastic parts, Naptha for metal parts.

I've been using brake cleaner. Seems to work well but I am a little concerned about damage to the nylon gears and plastic parts. What do y'all think?

SE Kansas grass grower

I don't clean my reels or rods.

I presume you are talking about taking the reels apart and cleaning them? What has always worked well for me was varsol for cleaning the old grease and oil off the metallic components. When I couldn't get that I would buy a can carburetor cleaner and spray some into a small saucer or jar lid, and use an old toothbrush to clean the parts with. The fiber drag disc and nylon parts usually got a dry wiping.
The toothbrush and cleaner is also good around the housing and line guide/worm gear.
Be sure and use a good lube/grease not oil on the working surfaces. I use a teflon grease that Paul (Southwest Parts) recommended to me years ago. Most rod and reel repair places carry the stuff (I cannot remember the name of it).
Good luck!

Something else I forgot to mention is Reel Scrubber for all the parts plastic or metal. Comes in a spray can. To clean parts just spray some in a container. I use a large medicine bottle, just drop the parts in cap it and shake them up good. Can use a toothbrush to get off any remaining gunk---if any.

Great info - thanks. Direct help and support like this is why the TFF is the best.

First, I take out the spool and the end bearings. I put a bearing on a stir stick and (using the tube that sticks on the top where the solvent comes out to direct the flow) shoot it at the bearing until it spins freely. (I recommend you use rubber gloves when you do this, as the carb cleaner is toxic stuff.) Once dry, I reinstall the bearings and put one drop of rocket fuel on them.

Read this:
http://www.lakeforktacklerepair.com/techniques.htm

I believe Connie soaks the bearings in lighter fluid.
She is a frequent poster on the BFHP and has a great reputation for service.

Not a surprise!

My reel mechanic strips the reels down and soaks them in WD40 for 24 hours. Then scrubs em with a tooth brush. Then another soaking. He uses auto mobile greas with teflon and abu garcia reel lube. They come out purrrdy! And work great too. You can get WD40 by the gallon at an auto parts store. Good Luck!

Here is very good artical about cleaning reels.
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/fishingtips/news/story?page=b_story_Reel_Maintenance