I'm not sure about letting something burn off, it would more likely burn on and then cause more of a mess.
On my truck and Jetta I use Simple Green (very Env. friendly) for the light stuff and Grease Lightning (a bit more harsh but still safe for hoses and what not) for the tough stuff.
I would suggest covering up any vital electronics before using it though.
After you apply it, give a light scrub with a soft brush or rag and then hose it off with a gentle stream of water from the hose.
It might be a bit more work than you are looking for if you just want to spray on and walk away but good looks take time.