[header] How to clean a bicycle chain [title] Secure your bike. [step] A kickstand won't likely be good enough to hold your bike in place while you're working on it. A jostle or a bump could knock your bike on the ground and cause damage. 
You should use a bike stand that securely holds your bike, or you can set your bike upside down on the ground so it rests on the seat and handlebars. [substeps] Having your bike oriented wheels upward is a definite bonus.