I always use skippy creamy, I don't think you should use crunchy. I usually use a rag to wipe it off. but you could lure a neighbors dog over to clean it up. it might actually do a good job on those hard to reach places.
I found some cork like gasket material at the NAPA store. It was real close to the thickness of the rubbers on the clamps. I cut strips and glued them to the clamps and reinstalled it all and we will see how it holds up over time. I hope it works for a while, I don't think the gasket material will come off the clamps as easily as the rubber ones did. I was amazed at the poor condition the clamps were in. I wash the bike religiously but can't really clean those areas well. I used Mothers chrome polish on the clamps and it all looks like new.
Dave