A cleaning solution and method for removing submicron particles from the surface of an electronic substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. The cleaning solution comprises a polycarboxylate polymer, a base and water. The method comprises the step of contacting a surface of the substrate with a cleaning solution comprised of the polycarboxylate polymer. Additional optional steps in the method include applying acoustic energy to the cleaning solution and/or rinsing the surface with a rinsing solution with or without the application of acoustic energy to the rinsing solution.