I use wine. used to use 1/4 to 1/2 by volume mixed with water, then add salt to taste.
Now I have increased my alcohol content, and if there is a sign of mold or mites or other infections, I will rub it down with straight wine.
The schmier will get very soft -consider that a translation of the word schmier could be 'grease' so that is a little like we are working up, it's wet and slimy and sticky, but it will dry off. Also it will rub off onto your brush, just dissolve it into the wash solution.