[Phlogiston]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I take them out. The whole process takes about 5 minutes. I don't put the tar back. When remounting the cap I address all wiring and other component issues surrounding that cap. Again, it is best to work fast and avoid over-heating wire and components. A hot iron (HOT) will melt the solder fast and avoid the overheating experienced with a long (cool) contact.

For me, they are clean enough without the wash-down. You can wipe down the external contact area or hit it with a quick polish on the wire wheel.