A method is provided for forming a Si film in sequential deposition process. The method includes providing a substrate in a process chamber, forming a chlorinated Si film by exposing the substrate to a chlorinated silane gas, and dry etching the chlorinated Si film to reduce the chlorine content of the Si film. The Si film may be deposited selectively or non-selectively on the substrate and the deposition may be self-limiting or non-self-limiting. Other embodiments provide a method for forming SiGe films in a sequential deposition process.