I use one of the chain cleaners once a week since I put about 120 miles on commuting each week. It works well if you change the solution about 3 times and really run it through extensively. About once a month I augment the chain cleaner by removing the chain completely and doing a thorough soak and brush scrubbing, which does do a bit better job. The chain cleaner is quick and easy so it makes it simple to do regular maintenance. I've never carried one on tour since I've never done that long a tour.