Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 5
From: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Bikes: 1990 Burley Bossa Nova, 1992 Paramount PDG-70, 1993 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2005 Jamis Dakar XC Pro, 2007 Rivendell Bleriot
Kerosene (the liquid) is an incredible degreaser. You can throw your chain in a jar of kerosene, shake it around, and the dirt will just fly off. Pull the chain out, and it's sparkling.
Never actually tried the hot wax chain thing, but the OP mentioned beeswax. I think beeswax would be a bad idea.. it's much stickier than paraffin wax. It's better as a thread locker than as a lubricant.