My bad I did not mean to say avoid all petroleum based. I think I meant to say most don’t recommend “petrol” or diesel to clean chains. I don’t think the flash point or toxic fumes are that big of a deal if one is not cooking or if using outside/well ventilated. I am not that worried about it being flammable or I would never go near my lawn mower. Avoid stupid moves with gasolines/petrol and would be fine.
I believe the main reason to avoid gasolines/diesels/petrol is that they leave a heavy film behind, and this can block a lubes or wax ability to bond to chain metal. Mineral spirits is usually the preferred.
Also not that soaking too long could also cause corrosion with mineral spirits, but gasolines/diesels err further on that side of corrosion and weakening metals