Abstract: A process for facilitating the removal of undesired contamination from a surface, comprising the steps:(a) applying a solution containing a polysaccharide and a solvent therefor onto said surface before it is subjected to contamination, said polysaccharide being capable of forming a redissolvable or swelling solid film upon drying;(b) allowing the applied solution to dry to form a solid film on said surface;(c) treating the coated surface with a liquid capable of redissolving the film or providing for swelling thereof; and(d) removing the undesired contamination by removing the dissolved or swelled surface layer of the film.