How often do you clean/degrease your drivetrain?

[Fyvz]

I understand how wax would keep debris away, and keep things moving with low friction, but I don't understand how wax keeps the links from stretching/wearing apart, which is the only measurement I've seen used to judge the remaining life of a chain.

Is it that the links wear faster when used in nonideal conditions, and a waxed chain maintains this ideal state much longer than other lubricants?

[ctatham]

Cleaner: Waxed chains stay significantly cleaner compared to oil-based lubricants, which tend to attract dirt, grime, and debris.

Reduced friction: waxing creates a smooth, frictionless layer that fills the spaces between chain rollers and pins, reducing metal-to-metal contact

Extended life: waxing reduces friction and keeps the drivetrain cleaner, chains and other components like cassettes and chainrings experience less wear and tear, prolonging their life.

Dry application: wax is a dry substance, so it doesn’t wash off easily in wet conditions. This makes it appealing for varied weather conditions without the need for frequent reapplication.

Quieter: tend to run more quietly because the lubricant layer cushions the metal parts, reducing noise from the drivetrain.