I'm actually seriously contemplating a small bead blasting cabinet now.

The parts that I've tried so far...I've used the brake cleaners, degreasers, etc. I've scrubbed them...used wire brushes. Nothing really seems to work as well as what I'm wanting.
Based on some small parts I've blasted years ago, I think that this would be a great solution. Don't need anything really too big. And the frequency that I would use it wouldn't mean that I'd be spending much on media. Plus...it'd just be fun.