Hydrocarbon solids are removed from an oil well by feeding into the oil well a composition comprising at least 40 vol. % dense phase carbon dioxide and at least 30 vol. % of a C.sub.1 C.sub.3 alkanol component and optionally one or more surfactants, under a pressure of 300 to 10,000 psia and a temperature of 90.degree. F. to 120.degree. F., holding the composition in the well to solubilize hydrocarbon solids, and then removing from the well a liquid composition comprising solubilized hydrocarbon solids and alkanol.