Abstract: A rinse-free cleaner composition is provided in a composition comprising a storage-stable volatile polymer gel solution and a cleaning agent including an alkali metal hydroxide. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer gel solution includes a hydroxypropylmethylcellulose polymer and has a lotion-like consistency when stored in a closed container until ready for use. After being applied to a surface and being exposed to air and rubbing, the cleaner composition beads up, extracting dirt, oil, grease and foreign particles, and falls off without the need for a towel and easily wipes away to provide a substantially cleaned, micro-film coated surface.