My chain cleaning routine is pretty simple, cheap and easy. I wipe it clean with rags that are well past their prime as bike parts cleaners. Lube with TriFlow (summer and good bikes) or Finish Line wet lube (MTB) for winter. Let soak in and wipe clean again. Ride, Repeat as necessary. (Oh, and lube with drip bottles, a drop at each sideplate so two drops per pin. A little slow but minimizes waste, mess and rags.)