I also use q-tips to clean my chain. i use carb cleaner--i know, shudders abound here---to get the initial grime loosened. then i use the hand held chain cleaner thingamabob that one puts degreaser inside and spins the chain thru the plastic bristles inside. then out comes the q-tips to get between the links, yes more carb cleaner is used. then a rag damped by more chemicals is used to clean my cassettes, along with more q-tips if needed. of course i do reapply lubricant to the chain after it is thorougly cleaned. i usually wash and wax my bike at the same time my chain is getting cleaned. touch-ups were done last year at a local paint shop..free of charge- they were more interested in asking questions about biking and how much I had invested in this obsession.