First I spray the chain with WD-40. I have found that WD-40 is a great gunk solvent. It puts the gunk into solution. Then I put a chain cleaner on the bike (I just don't want to fuss with removing the chain even though it is not that big a deal). I put simple green degreaser into the chain cleaner and run the chain through it. I pour out the simple green. Iput water in & run the chain through the cleaner and repeat until I have gotten the degreaser off. I wipe the chain dry with a paper tower and then apply the lube and wipe the excess off with a paper towel.

I do this about every 200-300 miles of operation or after every rain ride.