Local Ford service dept advised that I needed the throttle body cleaned

I clean the throttle plates all the time, not $150.00, but they get nasty and effect idle.

I also clean all the time..

What kind of problem are you having with your engine? Or was this just a suggestion from the dealer?

You can clean it, but use ONLY CRC throttle body and air intake cleaner. Ford uses a Teflon based coating in which CRC makes a cleaner for that purpose. I had two Ford Taurus's in the past and I cleaned the Throttle body's with CRC and an old toothbrush with good results. Also used CRC mass air flow sensor cleaner too.