I usually use a vacuum to clean my mounts every month, but also want to get any risidual dirt off as well. The other day I mixed hot water and a little Pine-sol, and with a wash cloth cleaned each mount. They came out great, smell good and look cleaner. Any suggestions as to a better cleaning agent or technique?

Denatured alcohol on a rag does a wonderful job of cleaning mounts, plus it dries very quickly and has no water that may promote hair slippage.
A product called 'Hair sheen' is the greatest protector that I know of. Spray it heavily on the mount and when dry it repels dirt and dust for years. The dust jus blows off and won't stick to the hair. It leavs a pleasnt odor as well.