Head gasket seating surface & piston top cleaning

[hs_300e]

Thanks to all the posts detailing the removal and installation of the M103 cyl. head, I have it off now and at the machine shop where it awaits a complete rebuild.

Now, I had come across a couple of posts where the cleaning of the gasket seating surface on the block was mentioned, but I can't find it now.

Can someone please let me know the correct method of cleaning the head gasket seating surface on the block and also the best way to clean the piston tops of all the carbon deposits? Is using a razor blade the best way to clean the seating surface?

Thanks.