washing the bike

[Frostz28]

First of let me apologize if there is already a thread about this, I searched and didn't find anything. Second, let me apologize if this has been asked a thousand times. On to the question. After several months of neglect my bike is finally getting a much needed detailing. I stripped her plastics, and took them to the basement. (its cold and rainy and my garage lacks proper lighting to do it out there) I can handle the washing of the plastics, my question pertains to the rest of the bike. Can I just take the hose to the rest of the bike? Im sure its mostly waterproof since you can ride in the rain but is it totally waterproof? Should I avoid spraying any specific areas? Also should I steer clear of any "engine cleaner"? its pretty greasy and dirty so I would love to spray some engine brite on it and get her real clean but I don't want to damage anything. for those of you who wash your ride regularly whats your normal process?