Originally Posted by
Kontact
It might also depend on temperature. Crock pots can keep the wax temp barely above melting point, which may not be high enough to dissolve the oil completely.
I wax my chains in a sauce pan at low heat with the chain under the wax brick. Never pre-clean anything, and I have seen zero difference in outcome. But the oily chains pollute the wax faster. So I have a dirty brick for first time waxes and cleaner stuff for re-waxes.
That's the main reason why I always strip mines from any lube or grease before waxing them the first time.
An overnight soak in fuel, then a rinse in rubbing alcohol and a final rinse under hot & soapy water, and voilà!