I use Hoppes or BREAKFREE, a nylon brush, and allow time for the solvent to work. Remnants, if desired can be dispatched with a small cotton swipe with a dab of Semichrome or Flitz metal polish in it's fold. Never use something that is really abrasive.

More important than the cylinder front, as to cleaning, are the chambers. Everyone cleans the bore, but the chambers are often overlooked. Obtain a proper brass/bronze chamber brush - both longer and slightly larger OD than a 'bore' brush - and clean the chambers. This is of the utmost importance when shooting shorter cased rounds in a longer chamber, like .45 Schofield in a .45 Colt; .44 Russians/Specials in a .44 Magnum; .38 Specials in a .357 Magnum; or .32 S&WL in a .32 H&RM. Again, a decent solvent and time are your 'friends' here.

Stainz