WD-40 is a really good cleaner, RobCat. I've used it on all kinds of babbit bearings while working in the power plant. Like someone else said about the lube oil, though, fine if you're using gallons.

Actually, I do clean the chain with a toothbrush and solvent. The solvent is intended as the final prep before automotive painting. It doesn't seem to damage anything but grease, and evaporates slowly enough that it cleans and runs off, instead of evaporating in place. Electrical contact cleaner is probably even safer.

Now, of course, you are going to test any solvent before getting it on paint or plastic parts, right?