A new particle sal tation removal model in laser-induced plasma shockwave cleaning is presented due to the drawbacks in other particle removal models. Considering the elastic energy stored in the adhered particle during shockwave-particle interaction, the threshold of the particle elastic deformation height, leading to the particle removal, is obtained. With taking the collision between gas molecules in plasma shockwave rear and adhered particle into account, the threshold of the plasma shockwave Mach number is also obtained which is a requirement to the shockwave strength. It is found that the smaller particle needs stronger shockwave than the larger particle. The gas pressure distribution characteristics in the plasma shockwave rear offer a saltation surrounding to the particle, and it is another requirement to the shockwave strength for a successful particle saltation. Finally, particle-cleaning experiment using laser-induced plasma shockwave proves the correctness of the particle saltation model. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.