After a long ride on salty/muddy roads I fill a watering can with hot water from the faucet, soak a sponge in dish washing soap then proceed to "bathe" the bike with warm water while soaping it down with the sponge. This is more than enough to remove the sticky mud, salt, and grime from the entire bike including the wheels and drive train. I then clean the chains further with the chain cleaner and spray the derailleur with WD-40.
Before taking the bike inside I invert it and also stand it on the rear wheels while shaking it to make sure water pours out of the drain holes. I then lube the chains once it is completely dry.
Here is a pic of the watering can I am talking about
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