How to Use BleachBit: The Free App That Cleans Your Windows PC Junk

Your computer’s operating system and active programs generate a multitude of temporary files stored on its hard drive. Web browsers are a prime example of this, leaving behind cache data, download logs, cookies, saved passwords, background downloaded updates, and log files.

Often, these files aren’t automatically removed by system or application processes, leading to a buildup of unnecessary data. Over time, this clutter consumes valuable storage space and can slow down backup procedures. BleachBit is a tool designed to address this issue. Its latest release, version 5.0, marks the first significant update in nearly two years.

Highlights of Version 5.0

Already acquainted with BleachBit? Then you’re likely eager to explore what’s new in the latest version.

Primarily, this update extends the range of supported applications. The new version can now delete broken “.desktop” shortcut files and clean temporary data generated by Discord, Geary, Librewolf, and Microsoft Edge. Bash-created temporary files can also be removed.

The developers have further optimized log file cleanup, and the desktop icon now offers a more concise indicator of the program’s active status for quicker recognition.

Operation Mechanics

BleachBit primarily performs two key functions.

First, it securely deletes files and directories, ensuring they cannot be recovered later. Use this mode to permanently erase sensitive information through the GUI. To delete specific files or entire folders, launch the app and access the top-right menu.

Select either “Delete Files” or “Delete Folders” and pick the desired objects via the system’s file dialog box.

The second, more popular capability revolves around cleaning residual data left by programs or the system. This is done by choosing applications under “Places” on the left menu; for each selected app, further options may appear. For example, with Firefox, you can opt to clear cache, cookies, browsing history, or crash reports individually, allowing selective cleaning without impairing performance.

Sam Singleton

The “System” section offers access to system info such as running processes, clipboard contents, and rotating log files, which can be managed step-by-step.

Before executing actual deletions, it’s wise to click “Preview,” which estimates the space that will be freed and lists potential deletions. This preview helps verify the selection beforehand.

Once satisfied, clicking “Clean” confirms and executes the cleanup. The program saves these choices for subsequent runs, streamlining regular maintenance tasks.

BleachBit also handles system-specific files like Mac’s “DS_Store,” which contain metadata but are unnecessary on Linux and Windows, allowing for their clean removal.

For added data security, BleachBit provides two additional functions. The first is “Clean up free storage space,” which overwrites free space to prevent recovery of previously deleted files. You can specify target drives in the “Drives” section.

The second function, “Create chaff,” populates a folder with dummy files to obscure sensitive data, functioning as a form of data camouflage—though it’s less secure than encryption methods.

Command Line Interface (CLI) Mode

BleachBit also operates fully from the command line, enabling automations like scripts and cron jobs. Running just “bleachbit” opens the GUI, but including parameters changes the behavior.

bleachbit --list

This command displays all available modules. To preview potential cleaning effects without actual deletion, add the “–preview” or “-p” flag, e.g.,

bleachbit --preview firefox.cache

If the preview confirms your choices, executing the same command with “–clean” or “-c” will perform the cleanup.