[QUOTE=DMF;5212150]Shimano says that a chain should never be removed for cleaning.
QUOTE]

Ah, that is what Wipperman Connex connectors are made for! No pins pushed out to take the chain off. I get 2500 miles (on average) out of a chain, replacing before the get to 1/8" stretch per 12". All my chains get cleaned with Simple Green, double rinsed, dried and then immersed in Pro Link. Relube as needed.