Yes it has been asked a million + times and you still get a million + answer's. :-)

I probably should have added the disclaimer, "Don't try this if you've got no common sense".

I use boiling water, but I don't shake the container while it's still hot, even though the presence of both the chain/cassette and the added degreaser quickly reduces the temperature. I shake it after it's been sitting several minutes, once the heat and degreaser have had time to dissolve the muck.

I've been doing this for thirty years and have yet to have a problem. I do know a few people who have gotten spray degreaser in their eyes though. I guess pretty much anything can be dangerous.

So true. As a moron, I found this article extremely helpful-

These Common Household Items Could Kill You If Yo... | ClickHole

I guess I'm in the minority here, but I use the $$$ park chainbrite stuff with a finish line chain machine and works great in my apartment, and doesn't p**s off my neat-freak GF :)

I had a Vetta chain cleaning machine many years ago, like in the early '90s, and it wasn't very good. I should probably try a new one to see if they're better now, because it would be nice to have a tidier, faster option than those I have now (i.e. aerosol spray for outside, soapy rag for inside).

Especially if you use a master link to fasten your chain, I just don't see the point of not taking it off the bike to clean it. Not arguing with you, just trying to save you some money and disappointment. Aside from the misguided recommendations to use gasoline or boiling water here, the basic method of shaking the chain with solvent in a plastic bottle really works well. An old toothbrush catches anything that might have been missed. Too easy to bother making more complicated.

You're my new favorite person on bikeforms. :)

Chains? Kerosene.

$6 at Hobby Lobby for 8OZ.
8-Ounces Gemini Odorless Mineral Spirits | Hobby Lobby | 598797
or
$8 for 16OZ.
16-Ounces Gemini Odorless Mineral Spirits | Hobby Lobby | 598920


Plus you can get a 40% off coupon via email or by installing their smartphone app. :thumb:

(GF just told me you can (re)use the same coupon everyday if you wanted to)

Kerosene, like gasoline, is significantly more flammable than mineral spirits which makes it less desirable on safety grounds. Think of it this way: if it is primarily a fuel, it is likely too flammable to be used safely as a cleaner. If you want to insert, "by morons" here, that's fine with me.