03/03/2013
With your bike in position, apply solvent (something like WD-40 or isopropyl alcohol) to the chain. You do this by slowly turning the pedals backwards to move the chain a section at a time so you can clean it by either spraying on the solvent as you wipe down the chain with an old rag or by wiping down the chain with a rag that is saturated with the solvent. This will loosen the collected grease and dirt on your chain and allow it to be wiped away more easily.
If you're using WD-40, take advantage of the red straw attachment to focus the spray. Keep in mind the solvent will evaporate quickly and your rag will get filthy, so you'll want to frequently rotate your rag to a clean spot as you apply more solvent.
Continue applying solvent and wiping down the chain while turning the pedals slowly until you've worked through every link. If the chain has a master link, you can start with it as an easier way to keep track of your progress. Repeat as necessary. Your chain should appear more clean each time you work through it. Finally, you'll get to the point that no more grease comes off on the rag as you pull the chain through it.