Degreasing Lego?

I've read the post on the side bar about cleaning, but don't think this quite applies. My apologies if this has been asked before.

So you know that nasty, sticky grease film that collects on items in your kitchen from cooking? Well, stupid me displayed my Lego creations a bit too close to the kitchen (small apartment). It was there for years. I'm moving, and am disassembling everything for the move, and realize most everything is coated in this crud.

Any clues as how to best remove it? We're talking approximately 30,000 pieces or so.

I've read the solutions for dishwasher or clothes washer, but the solvent is my question. Normally I would think Dawn dishwashing detergent, as it cuts grease pretty well, but any new homeowner finds out quickly, that there's a massive difference between dish washER detergent and dish washING detergent. One works, and the other fills your kitchen with soap suds.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.