I've always kept a gallon of gasoline in a covered pail for sloshing air cleaners.
Washes cleaner, and dries off better than varsol, kerosene or diesel fuel.
So then the oil I dip the mesh in sticks to the mesh better, not being diluted by the washing solvent.
I've also always found gasoline to be MUCH easier on my hands than varsol, kerosene, or diesel fuel.

Just be careful around stoves and open flames! 🙂