One of my least favorite parts of cycling. But it's so much better for the lifespan of all the parts!

Mine too, but it's so nice show smooth everything is running once you're finished.

With my gravel bike I often pass by the local carwash directly after a muddy ride. It's not a deep clean, but it is much less hassle to get the main gunk off.

I sometimes use the hose when I get back after a muddy ride. It removes the mud, but doesn't get the grease and dirt from the chain and gears.
So I do this deep cleaning once in a while.