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Should I use BleachBit?

BleachBit is a free, open-source disk space cleaner and privacy manager for Windows and Linux. Shred files, wipe free space, and delete junk files safely. - bleachbit.org

Worth it. Buy if you are an individual on Windows or Linux who wants a free, no-subscription cleaner with file shredding for privacy. Skip it if you are on macOS, want vendor support, or expect one-click speed boosts.

Confidence

Medium. Based on ~20 public sources; low-quality scrapes (eBay, Pinterest, link farms) were excluded.

Ratings

  • Value for money
  • Ease of use
  • Feature depth
  • Support qualityCommunity project; no support evidence found
  • Security posture

Pricing

Free

BleachBit

ModelNot disclosed
Monthly feesNot disclosed
HardwareNot disclosed
Free tierYes

Best for

  • Windows and Linux users with full disks
  • Privacy-minded users shredding sensitive files
  • Anyone avoiding paid cleaner subscriptions
  • Linux Mint beginners

Not for

  • Mac users — no macOS version exists
  • Teams wanting SLA-backed vendor support
  • Anyone who won't read checkbox descriptions — deletion is permanent
  • Guess: buyers expecting big speed gains — it frees space, not performance

Gotchas - check before you buy

high

Run the latest release: a Windows DLL search-order hijacking flaw was disclosed Nov 2023, then patched.

medium

Every checkbox permanently deletes; read each description before selecting or you'll shred wanted files.

medium

Distro-packaged versions can lag behind; verify your installed version.

low

Review found no dedicated security page on.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Free and open-source — no subscriptions
  • Shreds files and wipes free space for privacy
  • Ranked #1 of 16 CCleaner alternatives by Medevel
  • Simple operation: read descriptions, check boxes
  • ZDNet published a step-by-step cleanup walkthrough

Cons

  • Windows build had a DLL search-order hijacking vulnerability, Nov 2023
  • Guess: no native macOS build — Windows and Linux only
  • Linux Mint's packaged version reportedly outdated
  • Shred and wipe options are irreversible — misclicks destroy data

Sources & method

Analyzed 9/20/2026 - 12 sources - One disclosed Windows DLL search-order hijacking vulnerability (Nov 2023), since patched; open-source codebase.

official x1review x7security x3news x1
  • DLL Search Order Hijacking (Windows), Disclosed Nov 5, 2023 in the Windows build; BleachBit shipped a patch/workaround for the DLL-related flaw.

Key stats

  • Value for money: 5/5

    Rating

  • Free

    Starting price

  • 12

    Sources

  • Analyzed

  • Value for money: 5/5. Entirely free and open-source
  • Ease of use: 4/5. Reviewers cite simple check-box operation
  • Feature depth: 3/5. Clean and shred only, fewer extras than suites
  • Support quality. Community project; no support evidence found
  • Security posture: 3/5. One patched DLL flaw, Nov 2023
  • Free Price Open-source, no subscriptions
  • 88/100 GridinSoft trust score bleachbit.org reputation check
  • #1 of 16 Medevel ranking CCleaner alternatives list, Apr 2024
  • 2 Platforms Windows and Linux; no macOS

Pricing

BleachBit

Free

  • Junk, cache, and log cleanup
  • File shredding and free-space wiping
  • Windows and Linux

Security

One disclosed Windows DLL search-order hijacking vulnerability (Nov 2023), since patched; open-source codebase.

  • DLL Search Order Hijacking (Windows)Disclosed Nov 5, 2023 in the Windows build; BleachBit shipped a patch/workaround for the DLL-related flaw.⁷

What users say

Users and reviewers call it a simple, effective free cleaner; complaints center on outdated distro-packaged versions.

“IMO, bleachbit: clean your system and free disk space”
Reddit, u/roiquant-community
“But, if you absolutely want to use a PC cleaner tool, use "Bleachbit"”
Quora answer
“BleachBit is a popular choice, but some users note the version in Linux Mint is outdated.”
Facebook, Linux Fans group

Alternatives

Compare BleachBit with each alternative.

  • Windows Disk Cleanup

    Built into Windows; enough for basic junk

  • CCleaner

    Commercial alternative with more automation; free tier exists

    BleachBit vs CCleaner

  • Stacer

    Open-source Linux optimizer with monitoring dashboard

  • Fluent Cleaner

    Modern Windows cleaner users compare directly against BleachBit

Full analysis

Based on ~20 public sources; low-quality scrapes (eBay, Pinterest, link farms) were excluded.

Free, open-source disk cleaner that works on Windows and Linux — but read every checkbox, and skip it on Mac.

Methodology

Based on ~20 public sources; low-quality scrapes (eBay, Pinterest, link farms) were excluded.

Sources

  1. Clean Your System and Free Disk Space | BleachBit (official)bleachbit.org
    official
  2. How to easily and quickly clean your system and free disk space with BleachBit — ZDNetzdnet.com
    news
  3. BleachBit — clean your system and free disk space — LinuxLinkslinuxlinks.com
    review
  4. Optimize Your Windows for Free: 16 CCleaner Alternatives — Medevelmedevel.com
    review
  5. What is the best free PC cleaner? — Quoraquora.com
    review
  6. Reddit recommendation threadreddit.com
    review
  7. BleachBit DLL Search Order Hijacking vulnerability — Awesome Privacyawesome-privacy.xyz
    security
  8. BleachBit update and DLL vulnerability workaround — MalwareTipsmalwaretips.com
    security
  9. Bleachbit.org Reviews and Reputation (88/100 Trust Score) — GridinSoftgridinsoft.com
    security
  10. Linux Mint beginners discussion — Linux Fans groupfacebook.com
    review
  11. Is BleachBit download work on Mac — Apple Discussionsdiscussions.apple.com
    review
  12. Fluent Cleaner vs. CCleaner vs. Windows Disk Cleanup — ElevenForumelevenforum.com
    review

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