cleaning with a rag to just 'wipe', and just using some lubricant or degreaser, will do nothing to eliminate the dirt that gets into the areas where erosion will occur. If you carefully spray a sufficient amount, or preferably 'soak' that section of the chain, while putting a rag behind (if not soaking), you have a decent chance of getting the dirt out from in between the links and pins. Soaking is best in a solvent based solution that wont cause rust. If you just lubricate you are creating nice little 'paste' that will combine with the grit, to help wear the pin contact points, and connections down a little faster. a dry lube, that goes on wet, but then dries like a 'wax' will likely be a good bet for real dusty conditions, such a desert or gravel/lime trail that hasn't been wet in a while. It helps repel, or at least not attract, as much dirt to stick on the chain and in those areas of contact as would a wet lube. You also need to consider its not just the chain, but the derailleur cogs and cassette that will wear down too. Or you can just be lazy, ignore it, and replace a chain whenever, and cassette or derailleur. These days, we live largely in a society of 'throwaway' and 'convenience' and doing maintenance on anything seems to be an 'old fashioned' approach to life, for many people who just want to 'click and buy' or use a 'remote' for everything they do. I see people literally 'cringe' or 'wince' when you tell them that 'yes, you should occasionally clean the chain.' You'd think you were asking them to clean out a septic tank. lol.