A processing method of a semiconductor wafer is provided. The method
comprising the steps of: removing at least part of oxide film from a
surface of the semiconductor wafer; removing liquid from the surface; and
providing at least partial oxide film on the surface by applying an
oxidizing gas wherein a gas flow of the oxidizing gas and/or an ambient
gas involved by the oxidizing gas is characterized by an unsaturated
vapor pressure of the liquid such that the liquid on the surface
vaporizes. The above-described steps are conducted in this order.