Things only a parent would know

Chains need looking after... cleaning and lubing.  After four years of bike commuting, in my opinion this is a 50/50 split (if you want the chain to last).

There is a whole assortment of cleaning devices... and in the last 20 odd years I've bought a number of the clip on machines; and always been disappointed (bits fall off, degreaser leaks, the chain never gets really clean).

So as part of my chain nightmares over the last few snowy winters I started using the same technique I use for my motorcycle chain:

• Spray with WD40 (or the green version of Gunk)
• Use old T-shirt to wipe of... removing oil and grit
• Lube 

This works but takes time and is still messy.  I now use baby wipes (fragrance free, but that's just old habits)...

• Use wipes to rub the chain on the largest chain wheel, wiping top/sides and rolling the links to clean these two
• Move chain around a bit and repeat

This normally uses three wipes in total, and is very quick.  Then remember to lube when done.