when it looks dirty I clean with a hose, not too powerfull, soak with water dispersant for 5 mins and clean with a good degreaser and a rag and for all of about 5 mins. squirt it with copious amounts of dry ptfe chain lube by muc-off, go for a ride, then give it another blast for good measure when the chain is warm. works well for me. no splatter, chain looks clean for ages, well lubed but looks bare. win win.