Hi Gunnerjohn. We have something in common besides trains. I worked for the Liquidometer Corporation in Long Island City working with fuel measuring systems. I also worked for Grumman Aircraft Engineering Company as a vehicle designer. Sorry all for the hijack of the post topic, but I couldn't resist.
As for track cleaning, IMO it takes a petroleum distillate to remove oil and traction tire rubber from the rails. I do a deep cleaning of track by hand with a rag / towel moist with a petroleum solvent. I also run a track cleaning car with a 3M Scotch Bright Pad to lightly scuff the rails and remove dust. My track has durable nickle-silver rails.