Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning and degreasing a plurality of components comprising surfaces of zinc-magnesium hot-dip coated steel, in which the components are brought into contact with an alkaline, aqueous cleaner having a pH value of at least 9.50, which has a minimum amount of oxyanions of the elements B, C, N, P, S and Cl in their respectively highest oxidation state, a minimum quantity of bivalent metal cations of the elements Zn, Mg and/or Ca, wherein a minimum quantity of zinc ions is required, and an organic complexing agent which contains at least one phosphonate group. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning and anti-corrosion surface treatment using the method for cleaning and degreasing, and to an alkaline aqueous composition suitable for the method for cleaning and degreasing.