Just joined and am wondering how is the best way to clean that white "crap"

that is on old plastic lures, ie heddon, arbogast and others. I have used steel

wool, but I know it is not the best way.

Try a magic eraser or let them soak in some warm water and use a scrub pad. That will get most of the stuff off but some baits it won't. 

I wonder if soaking them in vinegar would work.   Vinegar works ok for getting lime scale out of your coffee maker.   Just a thought.

I have found that Dawn Platinum works well with a microfiber towel. Won't take the paint off and doesn't leave a residue or smell.

Thanks for the hints guys. I have the magic eraser, I just need to get the Dawn Platinum and I will give them a try.

Baking soda mixed in warm water, let soak over night, rinse in warm water and you should have clean lures without any additional cleaning.

A fine polishing compound or metal polish like Flitz. Makes your spinner blades like new too