We all have our methods. Here is mine, I use WD40. I spray it on the chain holding a paper towel underneath to catch the over spray. I start at the master link and go around the chain twice. The first time around loosens up all the gunk, the force of the spray on the second time around pushes all the gunk onto the paper towel. I then wipe off all the excess and try to get it as dry as possible. Let it stand for awhile and then lube the chain with a drop on each link. Let that stand and then wipe off excess.