I took steps when I first got my bike from the LBS to make life a little easier, I gave it a generous bath in silicone spray. It makes a big difference in what accumulates on the bike and it facilitates in removing all the dirt, mud, sand and gunk when sparaying it off at the water hose. I do spray it off after every ride. I clean it with soap, brush water and q-tips when I do the chain which is once a month. Q-tips can go where my pudgy fingers can’t.