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BleachBit

bleachbit.org

Free plan Open source WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit bleachbit.org
Spec score 8.9 #1 of 22 in Disk Cleanup Software

What it is

BleachBit is a free, open-source cleanup tool for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It removes junk files to free disk space and can erase data such as browser traces to help protect privacy. Before deletion, users can preview selected files and choose what to clean. For sensitive data, it can shred files and overwrite free disk space to make recovery harder. Built-in cleaners handle applications including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and VLC, along with system logs and temporary files. Windows users can add cleaners through winapp2.ini, which the maker says provides access to thousands of additional cleaners. Advanced users can write custom cleaners using CleanerML; Linux cleaners include package-manager cleanup for APT, Pacman, Snap, Yum, and DNF. A command-line interface supports scripts and automated cleanup. BleachBit is licensed under GPLv3 and costs nothing, with no payment or registration required. The maker says it has no adware, spyware, telemetry, malware, bloatware, backdoors, or browser toolbars. Support options include documentation, videos, GitHub reports and questions, and feature requests; the help page asks users not to email technical support directly.

Spec sheet

What it does
BleachBit removes caches, cookies, logs, recent-file lists and temporary files to reclaim disk space and improve privacy.Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.bleachbit.org
Purpose
BleachBit removes junk files to free disk space and helps protect privacy by erasing data such as browser traces.Read 8 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Intended users
The homepage describes use by privacy advocates, system administrators, power users, and forensics and IT professionals.Read 8 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Platforms
The download page lists Windows and Linux downloads and describes Mac OS X support as experimental with limited features.Read 8 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · bleachbit.org
Support
Support options include documentation, GitHub bug reports and questions, videos, and feature requests; the help page asks users not to email technical support directly.Read 8 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Founded
2008Read 28 Sep 2026 · bleachbit.org
Application cleaners
Built-in cleaners cover applications including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and VLC, as well as system logs and temporary files.Read 8 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Automation
CLI commands can be used in scripts, scheduled tasks and headless terminal sessions.Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.bleachbit.org
CleanerML capabilities
CleanerML supports XML rules for deleting, truncating or shredding files, registry actions, deep scans, regular expressions, OS detection and schema validation.Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.bleachbit.org
Command line
The CLI supports listing cleaners, previewing operations, cleaning by named options and wildcard selection.Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.bleachbit.org
Cookie manager
The cookie manager lets users retain selected browser cookies while cleaning others.Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.bleachbit.org
Custom cleaners
Users can create CleanerML rules to target application-specific files or patterns.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Documentation depth
Official documentation includes user guides, command-line instructions, CleanerML references, installation guides, preferences, cookie management and developer setup.Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.bleachbit.org
Download verification
The maker says Windows installers and embedded executables are digitally signed with Authenticode and download pages link to GPG-signed SHA256 checksums.Read 8 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
File shredding
It can shred selected files so ordinary recovery software cannot restore their contents.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Free-space wiping
BleachBit can overwrite previously deleted data in free disk space.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Independent distribution
SourceForge lists BleachBit with 60 reviews and distribution categories for Linux, Windows, Mac, BSD and ChromeOS.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Independent feature summary
SourceForge describes cleaning cache, internet history, temporary files, logs and cookies across Firefox, Chrome, Windows and Linux.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Independent praise
PCWorld characterized BleachBit as free, extensible and lightweight, and considered it particularly suitable for cost-conscious business users.Read 15 Oct 2026 · pcworld.com
Junk cleanup
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · bleachbit.org
Latest stable release
BleachBit 6.0.4 was released September 8, 2026 with security fixes, performance work and new cleaners.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Licence
BleachBit is open source under the GNU GPL version 3.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Limit: cookie retention
The same Trustpilot reviewer said the software lacked an option to keep cookies for frequently visited sites.Read 15 Oct 2026 · uk.trustpilot.com
Limit: performance claims
Windows Central says deleting temporary files may free space but does not directly make Windows faster in most cases.Read 15 Oct 2026 · windowscentral.com
Limit: reporting detail
PCWorld reported that cleanup results did not identify which disk drives supplied the reclaimed space.Read 15 Oct 2026 · pcworld.com
Limit: technical interface
PCWorld criticized the utilitarian interface and said some item descriptions were not informative.Read 15 Oct 2026 · pcworld.com
Linux cleaners
Advanced Linux cleaners include package manager cleanup for APT, Pacman, Snap, Yum, and DNF.Read 8 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Linux installation choices
Linux users can install distribution packages, use package managers or run BleachBit from source.Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.bleachbit.org
Linux requirements
Linux GUI use requires GTK 3.24 and Python 3.8 or newer; the GUI needs 128 MB free RAM and an 800x600 display.Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.bleachbit.org
macOS status
As of October 15, 2026, macOS work includes CLI and GTK GUI support, Safari cleaning and several cross-platform application cleaners, while a signed DMG is still planned.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Maker and founding
Andrew Ziem released the first BleachBit version in late 2008; the project says it is not a corporation or other legal entity.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Notable release
Version 6.0.0, released April 25, 2026, added the cookie manager, Vivaldi and Zen cleaners, deeper Chromium and Firefox cleaning and more than 100 improvements and fixes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Offline operation
The site says all features work offline without registration or license activation.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Open source
BleachBit is open source under the GPLv3 license.Read 8 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Praise: control and safety
Windows Central praised BleachBit for previewing choices, focusing on file cleanup and avoiding risky registry-cleaning claims.Read 15 Oct 2026 · windowscentral.com
Praise: free and unobtrusive
A Trustpilot reviewer praised its thorough cleaning, warnings for risky selections, free availability and lack of bundled junk software.Read 15 Oct 2026 · uk.trustpilot.com
Preview before deletion
The application previews the files selected for deletion before making changes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.bleachbit.org
Privacy claims
The maker says BleachBit has no adware, spyware, telemetry, malware, bloatware, backdoors, or browser toolbars.Read 8 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Privacy cleaning
Its privacy cleaner removes browser cache, cookies and history.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Rating on G2
3.0 out of 5 from 2 reviews.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Rating on Trustpilot
3.2 out of 5 from 4 reviews.Read 15 Oct 2026 · uk.trustpilot.com
Secure deletion
It can shred sensitive files and overwrite free disk space to make deleted data harder to recover.Read 8 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Security limitation
The documentation warns that wiping empty space can cause substantial SSD write wear and is less complete than manufacturer secure erase.Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.bleachbit.org
Security update
Release 6.0.2 fixed CVE-2026-55567, a Windows privilege-related issue that could permit arbitrary file deletion during elevated cleaning.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Source development
Developers can clone the Git repository or download source archives; the project documents Linux and Windows development environments.Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.bleachbit.org
Supported browsers for cookie manager
The cookie manager supports Brave, Chromium, Firefox, Chrome, LibreWolf, Edge, Opera, Pale Moon, SeaMonkey, Waterfox and Zen.Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.bleachbit.org
Windows dependencies
The Windows distribution bundles its dependencies, so additional software is not required.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Windows download
Version 6.0.4 is offered for Windows 10 and 11 as an installer, portable ZIP, English-only installer and ZIP-wrapped installer.Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Windows extensions
Windows users can import more than 2,400 community winapp2.ini cleaners.Read 15 Oct 2026 · docs.bleachbit.org
Windows extras
Windows users can add cleaners through winapp2.ini, which the maker says provides access to thousands of additional cleaners.Read 8 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Windows support
windows 10 and 11Read 20 Sep 2026 · bleachbit.org

Plans and prices

BleachBit Free Free and open source · No payment or registration required Read 8 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
Free Free No one-time costs or monthly subscriptions All features · Personal, commercial, governmental and educational use · Desktop, laptop and server use · No registration Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org

Every BleachBit plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open source under GPLv3
  • Preview selected files before cleaning
  • Can shred files and overwrite free disk space
  • Command-line support for scripting and automation

Limits

  • Windows support is limited to Windows 10 and 11
  • Technical support requests should not be emailed directly

Who it suits

BleachBit suits privacy advocates, system administrators, power users, and forensics or IT professionals who want to manage cleanup. Its command-line interface and custom-cleaner support may appeal to users who automate or tailor maintenance.

BleachBit in depth

Read the full write-up

BleachBit is a free, open-source desktop cleaner for removing junk files and privacy traces. It fits privacy advocates, administrators, power users, and IT professionals who want to decide exactly what is removed. It is less suitable for people who want a completely hands-off maintenance utility.

Overview

BleachBit targets two related jobs: reclaiming space from temporary and other unwanted files, and reducing the persistence of activity data such as browser traces. Its selective approach makes the consequences of a cleanup more visible than an indiscriminate purge, while its secure-deletion tools address situations where ordinary deletion is not enough.

The project has been developed by BleachBit since 2008 and is released as open source under the GPLv3 license. The maker says the software contains no adware, spyware, telemetry, malware, bloatware, backdoors, or browser toolbars, which is particularly relevant when the utility itself handles sensitive local data.

Key features

Before deleting, users can preview the files selected and choose which cleaners to run. Built-in coverage includes Chrome, Edge, Firefox, VLC, system logs, and temporary files, so routine cleanup can be narrowed to particular applications or categories rather than treated as an all-or-nothing operation.

BleachBit can shred sensitive files and overwrite free disk space, making previously deleted data harder to recover. That is useful for privacy-conscious disposal and certain IT or forensic workflows, but it raises the cost of a mistake: secure operations should follow a careful review of the selection.

Its command-line interface supports scripting and automated cleanup, including fleet-wide workflows. Advanced users can create custom cleaners with CleanerML. Windows users can add cleaners through winapp2.ini, which the maker says provides access to thousands of additional cleaners. On Linux, package-manager cleaners cover APT, Pacman, Snap, Yum, and DNF. These facilities give technical users substantial control; they are unnecessary overhead for someone who only wants a one-click sweep.

The maker says Windows installers and embedded executables are digitally signed with Authenticode, and download pages provide links to GPG-signed SHA256 checksums. Support consists of documentation, videos, GitHub bug reports and questions, and feature requests; the help page directs users not to email technical support directly.

Pricing

PlanPriceIncludesBleachBitfreeFree and open source; no payment or registration requiredThere is no paid tier, trial period, seat charge, quota, or renewal commitment. Every supported user gets the same feature set, including command-line automation and custom-cleaner capabilities. That makes it a straightforward choice for individuals and organizations willing to manage their own cleanup, with no commercial support plan or paid escalation indicated.

Platforms

BleachBit runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows 10 and 11. The platform-specific cleaners make the Linux and Windows editions more than nominal ports: Linux includes several package managers, while Windows can use winapp2.ini for additional application coverage. macOS users receive the core cross-platform cleanup and privacy functions, but the Linux and Windows-specific extensions do not apply.

Who it's for

Choose BleachBit if you are a privacy advocate, system administrator, power user, or forensics or IT professional who needs inspectable selections, repeatable scripts, or stronger data-disposal options. It is also a sensible free choice for a technically comfortable desktop user who wants one tool across Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Look elsewhere if your priority is an unattended cleaner with minimal decisions, or if you need a vendor-backed support arrangement rather than documentation and community channels. The breadth of controls is an advantage only when someone is prepared to use them carefully.

Pros and cons

Pros: Free with no registration or payment; GPLv3 open source; runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows 10/11.

Pros: Preview-and-select cleanup limits unwanted deletions and covers major browsers, VLC, logs, and temporary files.

Pros: File shredding, free-space overwriting, command-line scripting, CleanerML, winapp2.ini, and Linux package-manager cleaners support specialist workflows.

Pros: Authenticode signatures and GPG-signed SHA256 checksum links provide verification options for downloads.

Cons: Secure deletion and extensive cleaner choices demand careful judgment, so the software is not ideal for users seeking a set-and-forget experience.

Cons: Support is centered on documentation, videos, GitHub, and feature requests; direct technical support by email is not offered.

Alternatives

For a directory of dedicated shredding tools, see File Shredder Software. For broader system-maintenance choices, see PC Optimization Software.

Active@ KillDisk is the better fit when you want a paid personal license for secure data erasure: Personal Professional costs $64.95, paid once, while Personal Suite costs $79.95, paid once, and it supports Linux, macOS, and Windows.

R-Wipe & Clean suits macOS and Windows users who want a freemium cleaner with a free trial and a lighter Lite edition; Lite omits detectable-trace cleaning, scheduled tasks, and Windows Server support.

HDShredder is preferable for private-use drive work on Linux or Windows when a free edition capped at 4 TB and one security level, or a €19.90, paid once Basic edition with three levels and selectable partitions, matches the job.

BCWipe Total WipeOut is a paid Linux, macOS, and Windows option with a free trial and Home and Enterprise offerings.

Macrorit Data Wiper is a Windows-only alternative whose free edition limits recycle-bin wiping to files under 100 MB and fewer than five files, while wiping non-system disks.

Blancco Drive Eraser is a paid Linux and Windows product with Starter, Essentials, and Power plans for certified erasure and related operational needs.

Crypto Shredder is a free Windows-only file-erasure utility.

D-Secure File Eraser fits organizations wanting file and folder erasure across Windows, Mac, and Linux through an annual subscription starting at $40 a year.

Verdict

BleachBit is the right choice for technically confident users who want free, cross-platform cleanup with visible selections, scripting, and harder-to-recover deletion. Look elsewhere if you need an effortless automated cleaner or formal direct support, because its flexibility comes with responsibility for choosing and verifying every operation.

Verdict

BleachBit combines selectable cleanup with tools for making deleted data harder to recover. Its Linux, macOS, and Windows support and free license make it a straightforward option for users comfortable managing cleanup choices.

Where Specifiction places it

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