A substantial reduction in the foreign particulate matter contamination on surfaces, such as the surfaces of semiconductor wafers, is achieved by treating the surfaces with a solution comprising a strong acid and a very small amount of a fluorine-containing compound. A preferred method employs a solution containing sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide and a very small amount of hydrofluoric acid, which is effective in reducing foreign particulate matter contamination, without significant etching, of the surface being treated.