Ive used a Sachs power link with no problems, and even figured out how to unlink it by hand. You still need to carry a chain tool, to fix the chain if a link snaps.

About solvent cleaning, be very careful of spraying solvent around bearing seals, esp the bottom bracket (also the freehub and wheel bearings). Sealed bearings wont keep solvents out, and once it, they dissolve all the grease.
I use simple detergent and a cloth, and no power hose.