In reply to Martin W:
My routine for a winter ride-
1. Bar towel to get rid of dried mud if done a day or so later.
2.Hot water and fairy liquid over the bike with a car sponge or something. Use a different sponge/rag for the chain.
3.If chain and Cassette is really bad then I'll use some chain cleaner from which ever brand was last on offer.
4.More hot water to rinse the bike off, leaving the chain until last.
5.I run the chain with an old t-shirt/rag/ towel and hot water, sometimes using a toothbrush to get inside the links and cassette.
Leave to dry / use some GT85 then lube up.
I will also clean my rims and remove give the brake pads a quick clean using only hot water to help the life of my wheels.
If you use a hose pipe avoid pressure on any areas with a bearing (headset, BB)
Don't put the bike upside down, water can run up rather than down (not sure it really matters but I am told it does). Recently I got an aldi/lild works tand which saved me crawling around/turning the bike over and general back ache. £30 well invested.