Abstract: A method for preventing fouling of equipment used in hydrocarbon processing is provided comprising adding to said hydrocarbon a polyalkyleneoxy sulfoxy salt represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a linear alkyl radical having from about 6 to 15 carbon atoms or an alkyl phenyl radical wherein the alkyl group contains from about 8 to 10 carbon atoms, R.sub.1 is H or CH.sub.3, n is a number from 3 to 8, x is 3 or 4 and M.sup.+ is an ammonium or an alkali metal cation.An antifouling formulation is also provided which comprises an alcohol-water dispersion of the above antifouling agent and a surfactant comprising a fatty acid dialkanol amide.