An aqueous composition for cleaning surfaces, for removing coatings from surfaces, or for plasticizing or softening coatings or other surface-adhered materials prior to stripping or mechanical removal thereof from the surface, comprises a trialkyi or triaryl phosphate, a dibasic or tribasic carboxylic acid ester, and greater than 80% by weight of water. The composition is useful in removing grease, waxes, oil, resins, tar, ink, magic marker ink, paint (including spray-paint), varnish, lacquer, stains (including wood staining compositions applied to a wooden surface), dirt, mold or foodstuffs from surfaces.