Abstract: A thickened aqueous cleaning solution for removing residual ink images from the surface of a blanket used in offset lithographic printing which has been subjected to printing using radiation-curable ink. The cleaning solution comprises an alkaline builder, a thickener, a co-solvent, a surfactant and water. A method for removing the residual ink images from the blanket comprises removing the blanket from the offset lithographic printing press, applying a layer of the thickened aqueous cleaning solution to the blanket, rubbing the surface of the blanket, for example with rags or a scouring pad, and removing the soiled cleaning solution.