Thread revival!
I used to use White Lightening and I never had the issues people upthread reported. I just lubed the chain when I remembered, didn't bother de-greasing it beforehand (new or old chains), and I was a huge fan as the chain stayed clean and remained lubed on all rides. I used to ride in all weathers and in sandy conditions. I haven't been able to buy it for ages, and other chain lubes don't seem to last as long and they do pick up the grit which shortens chain life.
Chain cleaner, when I bothered, I just used water in an ultrasonic cleaner. Amazing to watch the dirt coming out of the links. I also used whatever I found in the garage, whether white spirit, meths, engine degreaser (which then washed off with water), etc.
I think the key that is being suggested here is to get back to clean metal that the wax will stick to, whereas I preferred the logic of wax in a thinner that you drizzled on the existing chain, spun the chain to evaporate the thinner, and then rode 1000km before remembering that another drizzle of wax to the bike might be an idea.