Exactly. There is no need to wipe the guide rod, hence no need to manually compress the spring. Guide rods and recoil springs do not need to be squeaky clean because their operating clearances are huge. If you insist on cleaning the spring assembly, spray it down with brake cleaner nd let it dry. Drip a drop or two of oil onto the rod and be happy.
PS: I don't think the OP broke his spring. Chances are it was defective when assembled at the factory. Probably cracked during the forming process. Those thin section wire springs worry me. Stronger in torsion, but weaker in bending compared to round section springs.