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BleachBit
BleachBit · founded 2008
What it is
BleachBit is a free, open-source utility for clearing junk files and helping protect privacy on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It can remove temporary files, system logs, and data from applications such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and VLC. Before cleanup, users can preview selected files and choose what to remove. It can shred sensitive files and overwrite free disk space to make deleted data harder to recover. A command-line interface supports scripting and automated cleanup, while advanced users can create custom cleaners with CleanerML. Linux cleaners include package-manager cleanup for APT, Pacman, Snap, Yum, and DNF. Windows users can add cleaners through winapp2.ini, which the maker says provides access to thousands more. BleachBit is licensed under GPLv3 and requires no payment or registration. 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.
For and against
For
- Free and open source under GPLv3.
- Preview selected files before cleanup.
- Can shred files and overwrite free disk space.
- Command-line interface supports scripting and automation.
- Supports custom cleaners through CleanerML.
Against
- No trial is offered.
- Technical support requests should not be emailed directly.
The verdict
BleachBit offers cleanup controls for multiple platforms, including preview and secure deletion options. Review selected files before cleaning, and use the listed documentation or GitHub options for support.
Who it suits
BleachBit suits people who want to clear junk files or remove browser traces across Linux, macOS, or Windows. Its command-line and custom-cleaner options may also suit system administrators and advanced users.
Plans and prices
Free
All features · Personal, commercial, governmental and educational use · Desktop, laptop and server use · No registration
Read 15 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
BleachBit
Free and open source · No payment or registration required
Read 8 Oct 2026 · bleachbit.org
On the record
- Application cleaners
- Built-in cleaners cover applications including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and VLC, as well as system logs and temporary files.bleachbit.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Automation
- CLI commands can be used in scripts, scheduled tasks and headless terminal sessions.docs.bleachbit.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- CleanerML capabilities
- CleanerML supports XML rules for deleting, truncating or shredding files, registry actions, deep scans, regular expressions, OS detection and schema validation.docs.bleachbit.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Command line
- The CLI supports listing cleaners, previewing operations, cleaning by named options and wildcard selection.docs.bleachbit.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Cookie manager
- The cookie manager lets users retain selected browser cookies while cleaning others.docs.bleachbit.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Custom cleaners
- Users can create CleanerML rules to target application-specific files or patterns.bleachbit.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- Official documentation includes user guides, command-line instructions, CleanerML references, installation guides, preferences, cookie management and developer setup.docs.bleachbit.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Download verification
- The maker says Windows installers and embedded executables are digitally signed with Authenticode and download pages link to GPG-signed SHA256 checksums.bleachbit.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- File shredding
- It can shred selected files so ordinary recovery software cannot restore their contents.bleachbit.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Free-space wiping
- BleachBit can overwrite previously deleted data in free disk space.bleachbit.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent distribution
- SourceForge lists BleachBit with 60 reviews and distribution categories for Linux, Windows, Mac, BSD and ChromeOS.sourceforge.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent feature summary
- SourceForge describes cleaning cache, internet history, temporary files, logs and cookies across Firefox, Chrome, Windows and Linux.sourceforge.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent praise
- PCWorld characterized BleachBit as free, extensible and lightweight, and considered it particularly suitable for cost-conscious business users.pcworld.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The homepage describes use by privacy advocates, system administrators, power users, and forensics and IT professionals.bleachbit.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Junk cleanup
- Yesbleachbit.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Latest stable release
- BleachBit 6.0.4 was released September 8, 2026 with security fixes, performance work and new cleaners.bleachbit.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Licence
- BleachBit is open source under the GNU GPL version 3.bleachbit.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: cookie retention
- The same Trustpilot reviewer said the software lacked an option to keep cookies for frequently visited sites.uk.trustpilot.com · read 15 Oct 2026
