Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a solution for use in downhole drilling to reduce the torque necessary to rotate the drill string. The solution comprises a sulfonate according to the formula (RSO.sub.3).sub.x Me.sup.x, where R is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylaryl group, and mixtures thereof having a molecular weight between about 280 and about 650, x is the number of (RSO.sub.3) groups, and Me.sup.x is a metal ion having a valence x. The solution is pumped down a drill string as a slug in order to coat solids which accumulate in the well and allow them to be removed along with the drilling fluid.