Abstract: A cleaning composition is provided comprising a solvent system and at least one inorganic alkaline salt, wherein the solvent system includes at least one polyhydric alcohol. The inventive composition may also include a thickener, a corrosion-inhibition system, surfactant. The invention also provides a method of cleaning soil from a cooking related surface comprising, applying a cleaning composition to the surface, allowing the cleaning composition to remain on the surface for a period of time and removing the composition from the surface along with the soil. After application of the composition, the surface can be heated prior to removal of the composition and soil from the surface.