In the bike shops I worked at, we let the chain soak in solvent or Simple Green (I worked at three different shops, one just out of high school, one at my university campus, and a different shop during summer break) while working on other parts of the bike. Before remounting and relub, we used the air compressor to "dry" the chain. That normally keeps the chain pretty for a week or so. On my bike, I spray Simple Green and let it soak while cleaning other parts of the bike. I flush it with plenty of water, dry it off with a rag, and repeat if the rag is not clear. That normally keeps the chain pretty for 2-3 rides. I switched to wax a few years back, and now it stays pretty. FWIW, I really don't care about the look, but I switched to wax to keep the carpet clean. I was rear-ended and almost run over by a minivan and, since then, have been losing the argument with DW on riding outdoors. Now, I'm truly a weekend warrior and group rides only.