A process for removing or reducing the accumulation of fouling deposits within furnaces and heat exchangers in industrial systems by introducing a periodic steam blast. The steam blast is directed into the process fluid from which fouling deposits precipitate onto the heat exchanger surfaces. The steam blast increases the flow rates, creates turbulence and increases the temperature within the heat exchanger to dislodge foulant in both soft and hardened states from internal surfaces upon which foulants have adhered and accumulated.