[sage]

Acidrain didn't say to ue the wd40 just before anodizing. It was one in a few of the steps he used. The last of which was soap and water and DW. The WD40 is a pretty good cleaner because I belive it contains something like kerosene. But you're right, you can't leave it on becuause it's oily too. The soap and water it the key to removing the WD40. I'd choose not to go there at all.
I think this will be about the fourth thread I've posted my opinion on this. I've never used the Caswell aluminum cleaner but if you say it's etching the aluminum then use "Spray Nine" houshold cleaner by "Knight(s)" available in Canada at Canadian Tire, probably lots of other places in the US. Scrub the part with a tooth brush. It cleans and degreases like a bandit and does not affect highly polished surfaces. Rinse it really well with tap water and if your local water is hard then before it dries follow with distilled water, leave it wet and go right to the annodizing tank. The part will pass the water break test perfectly. Has never failed me. Works great on REALLY greasy car parts too.

PS> Some say Spray Nine is the same as "Fantastic". I cant vouch for that.

Sage