I have Shimano SPD 535 pedals, a couple yrs old, and am looking for the best way to clean them. I was thinking of just dropping them in the homebrew solution I use for my chain, which is 1 parts synthetic motor oil and 3 parts mineral spirits. Is this a good idea? Thanks.

I have the same pedals. I wish I knew how to clean them. What I did was to spray it with WD40, then use a toothbrush. What I really need to know is how to take them apart, and relube them.

I just spray them with a water hose and hit them with a stiff bristled brush. If they are gunky I'll spray a healthy dose of citrus degreaser on them, go over them with the brush, and then hose them off thoroughly with water. Let them dry then put some chain lube on the moving parts. Wipe off the excess lube after a while.

Check this website to disassemble, clean, and pack bearings: http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=84

If the bearings are sealed it might not be a good idea to immerse the pedal in the oil/paint thinner home brew, correct? I think I may just spray with water. Thanks for everyone's help with this.