A cleaning composition, and method for use of the cleaning composition to clean metal surfaces, such as the surfaces of turbomachinery components, is presented. For example, a method includes contacting a surface of an article with a cleaning composition, wherein the article comprises a metal and wherein the surface includes an oxide; and removing the cleaning composition from the surface. The cleaning composition has a viscosity of at least 10.sup.4 poise, and comprises a thickening agent and an acidic matrix having selective reactivity with the oxide.

A method of removing at least a portion of an oxide layer from the surface of a metal substrate comprising exposing the metal substrate to a body of treatment liquor comprising a treatment formulation and a multiplicity of solid particles which comprise or consists of a multiplicity of polymeric particles and wherein said treatment formulation comprises one or more promoters selected from the group consisting of acids, bases and surfactants wherein the method further comprises causing the solid particles and the metal substrate to enter into contacting relative movement.