Jockey wheel cleaning on mtb

[Catrin]

I mountain biked all weekend in VERY dusty and dry conditions. My favorite trail system in southern Indiana looks closer to the desert right now than anything. Lots of dust and even some places where the trail tread is starting to crack from the dry conditions.

I've noted my jockey wheel is totally caked with dust. This isn't a surprise, I am just trying to figure out the easiest way to clean it. Q-tips? old toothbrush? Is it really necessary to take the chain off? I don't remember seeing it quite this bad before, and I only rode two days.

Part of me is a little concerned I will damage it, but that nervousness will pass once I've done it a time or two. That bike has survived many trail falls over the last year or so - it will survive my attempts to take care of the drive-train properly.