If you use something like gasoline or diesel fuel to clean a chain it
will dry out afterwards but yet leave a microscopic film of lubricant
to keep it from rusting inside until you apply a proper lubricant. Even
if the insides of the chain are not completely dried out, the solvent
will still continue to dry out, leaving just your lubricant.

By contrast if you use a soap or detergent to do the cleaning you must
dry it thoroughly INSIDE and out, then apply your lubricant. The
problem this creates is that you never know if it is dry inside and if
it is dry inside, oxidation (rust) begins to take its toll.

Greg