Compositions and methods for removing surface deposits in situ from filtration media contained in water filtration beds may include a solid acid component, a solid oxidizer, low temperature activator, a dessicant, an anti-caking agent, a pH indicator, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a chelating agent, and/or a defoaming agent. A granular acid component may include sodium bisulfate, and a granular oxidizing component may include at least one of sodium percarbonate, sodium perborate, potassium percarbonate, and potassium perborate. Compositions may be applied to top surface and/or subsurface regions of a filter bed, in wetted or dry form. A kit includes a container with dry composition and instructions or indicia for cleaning water filtration media using the composition.