Hey all-
So, I just moved into this hoity-toity neighborhood where I am proud to say our household is definitely the riff-raff of the neighborhood.  We are about ready to do our first batch of chain cleaning.  How do you guys do it minimizing mess?  Our usual method is to just spray the chain down with kerosene, scrub the crap off, then lube it on up.  We did not collect the kerosene at all, just sort of sprayed it away with the hose.  Not the most environmentally friendly thing to do.  Also leaves residue on the driveway.  Suggestions?  Ideas? 

Clean it with WD40 (or similar) and a rag, alternativley a kerosene soaked rag, do this on the centre stand so that you can wind the chain around with the wheel. Dont be tempted to let the engine do the work, it's a good way to loose a finger!. If its really crappy you may have to use a nylon washing-up brush. Put paper or plastic sheet on the ground to catch the crap. Then simply lube it with chain-wax or your preffered lubricant.

If it's real bad it has to come off and be soaked in a solvent like kerosene but it is best to avoid this if you can 'cos it's a pain to do and solvents can affect the "O" rings, the rag method minimises this. Keep it clean, wax every 600 miles and you wont have to resort to such exreemes, your chain and sprockets will last longer too.

I was always a fan of laying out a big big cardboard sheet (or several smaller), and doing the "Spray" method myself.


you just trash the cardboard, and minimal mess afterwards....

Ditto the cardboard, kerosene, soft plastic brush (old toothbrush) and lube.  Also, I clean when the chain is cold, and lube when it's warm.

Carboard + Paper Towels under the "Drip Zone"

Then...  FIRE!!!  (ok... I just throw it in the trash when it dries out a little).

fire is good.

Fire is fun.

we shoudl find a song about Fire.

Also, I clean when the chain is cold, and lube when it's warm.