I use paint thinner / white spirit (whatever you want to call it) in combination with a cleaning machine. I have found that this is better than using a detergent cleaner because it dissolves the old oil and dries quickly in 1 or 2 steps. With a water based cleaning product one must rinse with water and then ensure that the chain is really dry before re-lubricating, because as every schoolkid knows, oil and water don't mix! I try and keep the used solvent and recycle it for the dirtiest part of the next cleaning session.
There was a thread on chain cleaning a little while ago that got a bit heated about weather to use soap or solvents..... I say use whatever works for you

Cheers,

Ed