I just inherited 800-1000 CD's and a lot of them are filthy

You can use a wash in Dawn (or any detergent) and tap water. Then a spray rinse with distilled water and air dry vertically. No need for any special cleaning fluid. 

For an all around good CD cleaner, go to Walmart and buy a spray bottle of eyeglass cleaner. Its about two bucks a bottle and is every bit as good as the expensive stuff.

Frank

That "Novus" plastic cleaner should be fine. I use Novus #1 Plastic Clean and Shine. Remember to clean at a 90 degree angle (so they say). You can also use it for the jewel boxes. In my experience, CD players are very forgiving of surface scratches. 

You can also dry them with clean towels. Dry straight across, and avoid circular motions!