Abstract: A composition comprising a basic solution of oxyalkylated materials wherein at least one of the oxyalkylated materials is an oxyalkylated amine and at least one of the oxyalkylated materials contains an anionic group. Preferably the oxyalkylated materials are derived from hydroxy-compounds such as phenols, alcohols, etc. and amines such as hydroxyamines for example tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane and at least one of the oxyalkylates contains a terminal sulfate group preferably derived from reacting the oxyalkylate with sulfamic acid. Preferably the composition contains a CELLOSOLVE such as butyl CELLOSOLVE. A typical composition which is a solution made basic with trisodium phosphate contains1. an oxyalkylated alkyl phenol2. an oxyalkylated tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane3. a sulfated, oxyalkylated fatty alcohol, and4. butyl CELLOSOLVE.These compositions are employed as paraffin removers, particularly in petroleum systems.