I prefer not to remove my chain just for simplicity's sake and I don't use a masterlink. So I use a chain cleaning device with some bike degreaser that I got for really cheap. After I do a couple passes with this, and rinse by pouring hot water on the chain, I wipe it down to dry iut as best I can and then leave it for a while. Then I come back and spray it with WD40 to force out the remaining water, wait a little while, wipe the chain off, and then apply my lube of choice.