Abstract: This invention relates to alkaline cleaning solutions for hard surfaces, particularly those of metal objects, which are contaminated with oil or similar materials, effective for cleaning oils from hard surfaces that cause separation of the oil in the cleaner and, when contaminated with the aforementioned oils and passed through an ultra or micro filter, the cleaner and the surfactants therein pass substantially completely through the filter membrane into the permeate leaving contaminants in the filter and/or retentate.