What floats your boat? Whatever works for you is what you should use. If you see that it's causing some other issue further down the road then you'll know to try something else.
I use to just take an old rag and wet it with oil or mineral spirits, or WD40 or sometimes just dry and wipe the gunk off my chain and cogs. I'd fold it or roll it some and see-saw it down between the cogs.
Currently I've just been using those premoistened cleaning wipes that come in a canister. Only takes two or three for a road bike. Use them on the frame first then the chain and cogs.