An electrolytic capacitor anode etched with an organic acid prior to anodic oxidation of the anode to create the dielectric layer. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the organic acid can etch away at least a portion of any oxides on the anode. This provides a relatively uniform surface for the creation of the dielectric, which in turn leads to a dielectric layer having a substantially uniform thickness and homogeneous amorphous structure and thus improved leakage current and stability. The organic acid may also have other residual benefits, such as removing any metallic impurities from the surface of the anode.