Abstract: A method for removing residual hydraulic fluid from hydraulic systems employing a flushing fluid comprising a thickening agent dissolved in an organic solvent having a boiling point below about 125.degree. C. After draining fluid from a hydraulic system, flushing fluid is injected into the system and circulated to dissolve residual fluid. The flushing fluid, containing dissolved residual fluid, is then drained from the system. In a preferred embodiment, the flushing fluid comprises about one to three percent by weight ethyl cellulose dissolved in 1,1,1-trichloroethane together with about 0.1 to six percent by weight of a friction-reducing antiwear additive.