You never need to remove your chain to clean it. It only needs to be removed if you are replacing it. I'd recommend looking at your bike at the end of each ride. Wipe it down with a wet rag if it got dirty. Only hose it with NO pressure if it is REALLY dirty. Wipe with Pledge when done to protect the finish. I read an article recently, I think it was Bicycling Magazine, that said to just put a lot of lube on the chain. It will work out the gunk without stripping away the lube within the links. Just wipe down the chain really good afterwards. Clean the rear cassette with a brush and degreaser when you see gunk building up on it. That's my recommendation.