Abstract: A method for controlling corrosion of a substrate is provided herein. In one embodiment, a method for controlling corrosion of a substrate includes the steps of providing a substrate having a patterned photoresist layer with a metallic residue disposed thereon; exposing the substrate to a hydrogen-based plasma to remove the metallic residue; and removing the photoresist. The metallic residue may comprise residue from etching at least one of aluminum or copper. The metallic residue may further comprise a halogen compound from etching a metal-containing layer with a halogen-based process gas. The hydrogen-based plasma may comprise hydrogen (H2) and may further comprise at least one of nitrogen (N2) and water (H2O) vapor. The hydrogen-based plasma may further comprise an inert gas, such as argon (Ar).