Originally Posted by pastorbobnlnh

When using Chain-L, the key is three steps:

1. Only lube the center bearing. This way the oil is not on the outside of the plates.
2. Before re-installing the chain, wipe, wipe and wipe some more. After all you are not removing the oil which has gotten into the bearing.
3. Let the remaining oil dry on the outside of the chain for a few days before riding if you can. It tends to be less sticky the more days you wait.

All of my chains are clean at this time. But I'd say that the picture of the chain below is probably after 200-400 miles of riding in mostly fair weather. Once a week or so I run the chain through a rag to remove outside dirt.