I use an Ultrasonic Cleaner with Palmolive (green but that's only because what my wife keeps in the kitchen) with water, 25/75. You can watch the crud come OUT of the nooks and crannies. Then I wrap it in a towel, rolling it lenthwise and wrap it agaist the tub of my washing machine. 1 spin cycle later it's fairly dry, I put it on a patio table in the sun for a few hours then lube it up. So far it's worked well.

I wonder if waiting untill your chain "chirps" is a good idea. Hasn't some damage been done by the time you hear it? Additionally, you have to get home unless you keep some lube under your seat.

Don