A method of lubricating a sootblower comprising use of an oil or grease that is thermally stable at temperatures of at least 160.degree. C. Sootblower components which can be lubricated include lance support bearings, gears, chains, seals, and shaft bearings. The oil or grease can be an ester, silicone, or halogenated oil or grease including perfluoropolyether or perfluoroalkyl ether, a fluorosilicone, a polytrifluorochloroethylene, derivatized perfluoropolyethers, such as fluoroether triazines, and mixtures of two or more thereof.