In article ,
"Joseph Meehan" wrote:

For the bike, stop by a bike shop. They have cleaner (really just the
orange or green stuff repackaged) that is effective and safe. DON'T use
gasoline as someone suggested. You can use the orange or green stuff from
the hardware store not the bike shop. For lube use the stuff the bike shops
have. It is formulated special for bikes. It is "dry" but goes on wet. It
will stay on better in the rain than other lubes and is less likely to drip
or stain clothing etc. Well worth the small cost. They even have chain
cleaners so you don't need to remove the chain to clean it.

What he said. The chain cleaners work pretty well. removing a chain off
a bike can be a pain, you need a chain tool, and some patience. Well
actually removing it is easy, getting it back on securely, without a
stiff link, can be hard.
Sue