A composition for removing paint, ink or resin from an article comprising a first alkyl glycoside surfactant, a second alkyl glycoside surfactant, sodium hydroxide, and citric acid. Optionally, the sodium hydroxide and citric acid may be replaced by sodium citrate. Alternatively, the composition comprises an alkyl glycoside surfactant, an alkyl polyethylene glycol ether surfactant and a sodium citrate. The composition rapidly and efficiently removes paint, ink and resin from brushes, rollers, tools and equipment by dispersing the paint, ink and resin and has very limited environmental impact. The removed paint, ink or resin sediments and collects on the bottom of the container. The sedimentation can be sped up with the addition of a flocculent. The top layer of the solution may be removed and reused, while the bottom paint, ink or resin layer can be dried and disposed of as solid waste.