If you remove the chain for cleaning, you don't have to worry about solvents getting onto the bicycle and you can get a more thorough cleaning. There are many modern, master links for derailleur chains that provide a simple and easy way to break, remove and re-install a chain. Many replacement chains even come with them. Beware, there are some that cannot be reused and those that can usually have a limited number of times they can be reused. Still, the ones I use on my C&V bicycles work out to only about $0.50 for each use. In my opinion, that's good value and, in your case, is inexpensive peace of mind.