Abstract: A method for making conductive plugs in a semiconductor wafer. In involves the steps of: (a) forming at least one through hole in a dielectric layer, which is formed above a conductive substrate; (b) subjecting the wafer to a NH4OH/H2O2 wet washing process and HCl/H2O2 wet washing process; (c) drying the wafer; (d) subjecting the wafer to a dilute hydrogen fluoride or buffered hydrogen fluoride wet washing process to remove the native oxide layer that maybe formed on the conductive substrate; (e) drying the wafer again; and (i) filling the at least one through hole with a conductive material to form at least one conductive channel. The wet washing station is modified such that the wet washing processes and the drying process are performed in the same station and without removing the wafer from the washing station during the wet washing and drying process.