A semiconductor wafer cleaning formulation for use in post plasma ashing semiconductor fabrication comprising at least one organic chelating agent and at least one polar solvent, wherein the chelating agent and polar solvent are in sufficient amounts to effectively remove inorganic compound residue from a semiconductor wafer. Preferably, the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of 2,4-Pentanedione, Malonic acid, Oxalic acid, p-Toluenesulfonic acid, and Trifluoroacetic acid; and the polar solvent is selected from the group consisting of Water, Ethylene glycol, N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP), Gamma butyrolactone (BLO), Cyclohexylpyrrolidone (CHP), Sulfolane, 1,4-Butanediol, and Butyl carbitol.