Engine compartiment cleaning

Hello,

What is the best method to clean the engine compartment?
I am not talking about detailing and painting and put the thing in showroom
condition here, just about how do I remove the grease and other leafs out of
the engine compartment...

Do I use a carsher? Do I need to protect some area first (like the
carburetor)? Any products that I can use?

Regards, Cyrille