I use Nitromors is really easy to get hold of:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_181000_langId_-1_categoryId_165495
...never tried stripping plastic but for metal this stuff is awesome, I mix it 1 part Nitro with about 3 parts water, mix it with a stick and put them in. Much like Kadzick said for the DOT you can leave them in there for an age, but a few hours will usually do and then give them a brush off with a firm tooth brush, job done.
Actually while you're out make sure you pick up a firm tooth brush or something similar, it's a nightmare when you have to use your wife's and then pretend the dog chewed it.