Questions about chain cleaning

I just got this question and I think I might share the answer with y'all:

Question for you, Mr. Bike Expert: what is the best way to de-sand my chain after a ride on the lakefront in the rain (I know--I'm a dumdum)?

You're not a dumdum, chains are expendable. Don't worry about them too much and expect to replace it once or twice a season (or every month if you're a serious gear grinder)

But if you want to clean it, use an old brush (toothbrush will work) and a bucket of water and dish soap. Soap with citric degreaser works best. Wash the chain off with that, let it dry, then apply a "dry" style lubricant. Dry lubricants will need to be applied more often, but they do a better job of repelling grit. 

The main reason you want to get the grit off the chain is because sand and stuff damages the cogs and chainrings, so make sure you clean those off too. I use an old sock for that. 

For a new Shimano brand chain, they recommend that you never clean it with degreaser, just water and a rag. This is because degreaser will wash out the special internal lube in the rollers. But that's just what Shimano says. 

Some people take the chain off to clean it, but I don't recommend that because you might damage the master link, and you might not know it's damaged until it snaps during a ride. 

Hope that answered your question in way too much detail.