In this study we report on the spatial distribution and composition of residuals on the CdTe surface following a typical wet CdCl2 treatment, and the effect that our ion-beam milling has on this residual-coated surface. Results show that residuals are spatially discrete, located primarily along grain boundaries, and are likely a cadmium oxychloride. Results also show that the residuals may penetrate deep into the CdTe surface such that typical ion-beam milling procedures do not produce complete residual removal.