I've used mineral spirits and other high powered degreasers for cleaning my chains in the past. My wife was always complaining about the smell. Last year I did the Citrus or Simple Green treatment and a toothbrush. About 6 months ago I ran out of citrus and used baby shampoo instead.

This stuff clings on to the chain and sprays right off. I've been getting my chain clean without using a toothbrush and it works really, really well. I put a handfull of shampoo (undiluted) in one cupped hand and pull the chain through it with the other. Spray with water and I'm done in less than a minute. I use a hair dryer and lube it right away.

I know alot of folks say water and chains don't mix, but my chain gets more than it's share of puddle water. My toothbrush isn't spraying a fine, black, greasy mist on my clothes any more. I have had zero problems and much cleaner chains in the last 1000 miles. It may work for you as well.