Cleaning compositions and methods for removing baked on grease from fryers and other hot surfaces

Cleaning compositions and methods of use thereof for cleaning fryers and other hard surfaces soiled by grease, shortening, oils and other soils commonly encountered in the food service industry are disclosed. Cleaning compositions and methods of use which beneficially remove soils from vertical and/or inverted surfaces, reduce the cleaning time required for removing such difficult to remove and baked on soils, reduce exposure to hot surfaces by allowing cleaning at or near room temperature, reduce exposure to caustic chemicals, and/or eliminate the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for use of the cleaning compositions are disclosed.