Cover electrical with plastic, hose off the rest. If you can cover any connectors that would also be wise.

 

I don't use pressure when washing its near delicate stuff or when water could go into places I don't want it to go. Try to avoid the connectors whenever possible and you should be fine.

 

When you splash thru a water hole everything gets wet, so using a water hose isn't much different. To insure water doesn't get in electrical connections I always squirt some dielectric compound in each connection including the fuses, and any wire under a bolt like at the starter relay.

 

I have let the mud dry, then with my fingers and a small bristle brush, I knock the mud loose while sucking it up with a shop vac at the same time. Then I wipe it down from there.

 

Get yourself a 1 gallon pump sprayer from walmart or amazon, and fill it with your favorite degreaser (simplegreen, purple power, etc...). I actually use Tide laundry detergent. For whatever reason, it really works well on aluminum, plastic, and painted surfaces. Lifts dirt right up. I've been doing this forever! I even use it on cars too, wheel wells, under the hood, etc...

If its really bad, you should use a pressure washer. I like the electric ones as they are around 1200 PSI vs. a 3500PSI gas pressure washer. Just do your best to not directly hit any connectors, electrical components, or seals (bearings, clutch arm seal, etc...)

 

Pee on it. This keeps other people from riding your quad. The key is to let others see you peeing on it.