Abstract: A composition for removing paraffin, wax, or asphaltine deposits from the surface of a crude oil transmission system, such as a downhole tubular, a pipeline, or a surface tank, includes an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution containing from 18% to 25% by weight sodium hydroxide. The composition further includes an acetic acid solution containing from 30% to 55% by weight acetic acid compared to the sodium hydroxide, and a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms and from 15% to 40% by weight compared to the sodium hydroxide. According to the method of the invention, the aqueous sodium hydroxide solution may be metered in a downhole tubular or a pipeline separate from the acetic acid solution, such that heat generated by the mixed composition is generated within the downhole tubular or the pipeline.