Does a cleaner chainsaw chain mean more efficient cutting?

The cleaner the chainsaw chain, the higher the cutting efficiency.
On the one hand, keeping the chainsaw chain clean to a certain extent does help improve cutting efficiency. If there are too many impurities such as dust, sawdust, and resin accumulated on the chain, it will increase the resistance of the chain running on the guide plate, causing the chain saw to consume more power during cutting, thereby reducing cutting efficiency. Moreover, excessive impurities may affect the lubrication effect of the chain, cause to increased wear between the chain and guide plate, further affecting cutting performance.
However, on the other hand, if the chain is cleaned too thoroughly, completely removing some normal grease and slight attachments on the surface of the chain, it may also have an adverse effect on cutting efficiency. The chain needs proper lubrication during operation to reduce friction and wear, and maintain good running condition. Some residual grease and slight attachments can play a lubricating role to a certain extent. In addition, for some newer chainsaws, there will be a running in process during the initial use of the chain, which will generate some normal wear debris. These debris also contribute to the running in between the chain and the guide plate to a certain extent, and excessive cleaning may interfere with this grinding process.