Did anyone ever try applying car shampoo or dish washing liquid directly to the chain before washing the bike? - Seems to me many of the "forum approved" chain cleaning methods are endless faff. I tried applying paint thinner directly with a brush before washing the bike, Worked just fine. If you really like a clean chain, place it in a pickle jar with paint thinner or similar solvent and shake it about for a few minutes. - That is a sure fire method.