A novel method for generating hydroxyl radicals, ·OH, was developed, by applying slightly negative electric potentials (-0.2 ∼ -0.8 V vs Ag/AgCl) to the surface of a metal in contact with a hydrogen peroxide solution containing a supporting electrolyte. Namely, ·OH radicals are generated at the surface by the electrolysis of hydrogen peroxide according to the equation, H₂O₂ + e- -> ·OH + OH-. In this study, the kinetics of the removal of a model proteinaceous soiling (ß-lactoglobulin, ß-Lg) adsorbed to a stainless steel surface by the H₂O₂-electrolysis treatment were investigated. The rate of removal of the adsorbed ß-Lg from the stainless steel surface during the treatment was monitored in situ by ellipsometry, and the dependencies of the removal rate on H₂O₂ concentration, the electric potential applied to the surface, and the concentration and type of supporting electrolyte were examined.