Abstract: Compositions are disclosed which are suitable for the safe cleaning of delicate surfaces, i.e. marble and lacquered surfaces, e.g. lacquered wooden floors. The compositions disclosed herein comprise at least one anionic surfactant, they are free of strong builders, they are formulated in the mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH range, and they comprise positive divalent ions in amounts so as to saturate the anionic surfactant in the composition.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for delicate surfaces, such as marble or lacquered surfaces, comprises from 5% to 85% surfactant, 0.1% to 20% of an organic polycarboxylate builder, and an effective amount of positive divalent ions to saturate the builder. The highest LogKa of the organic polycarboxylate builder, measured at 25.degree. C./0.1M ionic strength, is between 3 and 8; the sum of the LogKCa+LogKMg, measured at 25.degree. C./0.1M ionic strength, is higher than 4; and LogKCa=LogKMg.+-.2 units, measured at 25.degree. C./0.1M ionic strength. A method of cleaning a delicate surface, such as marble or lacquered surfaces, comprises contacting the surface with an effective amount of the present composition to clean the surface, and optionally rinsing the composition from the surface.