has anybody heard of a way to clean cases without a tumbler. i read on somebodies forum about washing them. has anybody else heard of this .

Here's a good thread on the subject.
 
http://thehunterslife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303&highlight=cleaning+brass
 
If you search a bit, there are at least a couple more.
 

 
Daryl

I was actually talking to a friend the other night. He has been reloading awhile and I was telling him about the equipment I have been looking to buy. I told him the only thing I needed to add to the kit was the tumbler and he said he puts all his brass in a "solution" and washes them. I am not sure what that solution is but it probably would not be hard to find. God Bless.

I haven't used this stuff, but it is available at Midway USA, and probably other suppliers as well.  If you believe their advertising, it will clean brass without using a vibrating or tumbling polisher.
Take care, Bill.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=888624

If you don't have too many, you might consider the method mentioned here. http://www.thehunterslife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7999
 
Depending on your cases, you might have to fabricate the jam-chuck.
 
Paul