A family of sprayable, high viscosity thixotropic surface cleaners which include (i) a thickening agent present in a sufficient amount to impart a viscosity of at least 6,000 cP at standard temperature and pressure when the cleaners are in a rest state; (ii) an aqueous solvent system including water and at least one miscible organic solvent; (iii) a sufficient amount of a thickening agent compatible surfactant; and (iv) sufficient base to provide a pH range to the cleaners ranging from about 5 to about 10. The family of surface cleaners become finely divided fluids when dispensed under high flow or high shear conditions from a sprayer and undergo transformation to semisolid states after dispensing.