A method for removing a metal-fluoropolymer residue from an integrated circuit structure within an integrated circuit. There is first provided an integrated circuit having formed therein a metal-fluoropolymer residue. The metal-fluoropolymer residue is formed from a first plasma etch method employing a fluorocarbon containing etchant gas composition within the presence of a conductor metal layer within the integrated circuit. The metal-fluoropolymer residue is then exposed to a second plasma etch method employing a chlorine containing etchant gas composition to form from the metal-fluoropolymer residue a chlorine containing plasma treated metal-fluoropolymer residue. Finally, the chlorine containing plasma treated metal-fluoropolymer residue is removed from the integrated circuit through a stripping method sequentially employing an aqueous acid solution followed by an organic solvent.