I have a Rubbermaid just for worn out fabrix that I keep handy for dirty jobs. It might contain old bed sheets, towels, cotton shirts and Tees, anything that will absorb goes into it instead of the garbage. But yeah, I like to wash it first and then just use the rag for drying before waxing. Hey Bill, do cats really make a good chain? Do you use the whole cat or just the catgut? A self cleaning chain would be really cool.