CCleaner used to be my default system cleaner, which I installed without thinking all the way back to my Windows XP days. But somewhere along the line, it started feeling heavy and included many upsells. Today, it’s one of the PC optimizers I no longer use. In fact, with Windows 11, I mainly rely on built-in features for optimization.
So while I didn’t intentionally set out looking for a new system cleaner, several friends and colleagues recommended BleachBit. With low expectations after using several subpar cleaner apps, I tested it and was genuinely surprised.
Lightweight by design: light on resources
When I first launched BleachBit, it instantly felt focused. This was a pleasant surprise because I was expecting it to bundle extras like CCleaner does. I didn’t see a major spike in background processes, which I found particularly interesting because I was running it on a low-end computer. The scans were fast, and my computer remained responsive throughout the process.
I like that it has a lightweight approach reinforced by a minimalist interface. All the targets for cleaning are clearly listed, and there is no dashboard clutter or confusing menus. The simplicity is reflected in reduced overhead, and the tool does just what it promises without any extras that can be distracting.
Its approach to system changes is conservative. It lacks a registry cleaner and automatic optimizations, which reduces the risk of breaking core system functions. I’ve always advised against registry cleaners, and BleachBit’s philosophy aligns with this safe approach to cleaning.
- OS
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Windows, Linux, macOS, Portable
- Developer
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Andrew Ziem
BleachBit is a software tool that you may use to clean disk space, delete cookies and cache, clear internet history, shred files, and wipe free disk space without installation.Â
Transparency and trust through open source
Why open-source software is safer for privacy
Trust is the one element where BleachBit shines the most. The tool is released under the GPLv3 license, meaning it’s open source and the code can be inspected for telemetry or any security risks. Unlike CCleaner, which is a proprietary tool, BleachBit is community-developed and has no ads or paid tiers.
An advantage of the open-source model is that it encourages continuous development. The public scrutiny that BleachBit and other open-source projects receive enhances transparency and provides greater assurance that the tool delivers on its promises.
It’s a better choice for me and anyone who’s concerned about privacy. You can be confident there’s no hidden data collection, usage isn’t tracked, and you won’t be pressured to upgrade to a paid version.
Advanced privacy and secure deletion
Shredding files and wiping disk space effectively
In Windows and macOS, deleting a file doesn’t permanently remove the data, but rather the pointers to it. BleachBit’s secure shredding fixes this by overwriting the content of files to make it nearly impossible to recover. I always use this feature for temporary files, downloads, and logs I no longer need.
It has a Wipe Free Disk Space feature that even goes a step further. While standard deletes typically leave remnants, this BleachBit feature scans the disk for free areas and securely overwrites them. It uses a single-pass method that balances speed with effective security, giving you a thorough cleanup without prolonged wait times.
It makes these advanced features accessible to everyone, including casual users. You can even customize how files are shredded for maximum control, adding privacy directly into the cleaning process.
Deeper and more thorough system cleaning
Cleaning files and traces that other tools overlook
BleachBit clears temporary files and targets other files that often accumulate unnoticed, like memory dumps, Prefetch files, and MUICache entries. After using it for a few weeks, my disk felt lighter, and system operations also felt more responsive.
It also excels at database vacuuming for apps like the web browsers I use. This is a handy feature because, over time, SQLite databases can grow large and become fragmented, leading to slower performance. This feature allows BleachBit to safely restructure databases. It reduces their size and improves application speed without affecting stored data.
I also take advantage of its CleanerML rules and command-line support, automating and customizing cleaning for certain niche applications. If you’re not a power user and never use these features, you at least have the assurance that the tool can do deeper and more comprehensive cleaning than regular clean-and-scan utilities.
Cross-platform and portable flexibility
Consistent cleaning across Windows, Linux, and macOS
I use Windows and Linux a lot, which makes BleachBit perfect for me since it’s cross-platform and the interface is consistent across the OSes.
It also has a portable mode that lets me run it from my USB drive. I turned a USB stick into my personal security toolkit, and the portable version of BleachBit is now a useful part of that stack. It’s a privacy option that ensures the tool leaves no trace.
BleachBit has dedicated community contributions and support for winapp2.ini definitions, making it capable of cleaning several applications. This makes it a perfect fit, since I use hundreds of apps.
This open-source app nukes Windows bloat and the performance boost is significant
Give your Windows installation the sparkle it deserves.
A cleaner that actually stays out of the way
BleachBit has not magically transformed my computer, but it has changed how I look at maintenance tools. It doesn’t demand attention; it stays out of the way and doesn’t behave like a full-blown suite. It’s shown how maintenance tools can be simple yet powerful.
There are other free tools that will optimize and clean Windows or Linux, but BleachBit already plays the role well. Even though initially, I didn’t know I needed it.