bleachbit
Securely delete files and clean system
TLDR
Start the graphical user interface (GUI) version of Bleachbit
Shred a file
List available cleaner options
Preview the files that will be deleted and other changes that will be made before actually performing the clean-up operation
Perform the clean-up operation and delete files
SYNOPSIS
bleachbit [OPTIONS] [CLEANERS]
PARAMETERS
--autoclean
Automatically clean everything in all cleaners without confirmation prompts. Use with caution.
--clean CLEANERS
Specify which cleaners to use. Example: --clean system.tmp,firefox.cache
--shred FILES
Securely shred the specified files.
--shred-free-space DIRECTORY
Securely shred all free space on the specified directory.
--list-cleaners
List all available cleaners.
--list-options CLEANER
List the options available for a specific cleaner. Example: --list-options firefox
--preset
Use preset settings. Useful for scheduled tasks.
--update
Update cleaner definitions.
--version
Show version information.
--help
Show help message and exit.
--debug
Enable debug mode.
--find
Find files matching the pattern in the clean parameters.
DESCRIPTION
BleachBit is a free and open-source system cleaner and privacy guard for Linux systems. It's designed to help users reclaim disk space by deleting unnecessary files, including caches, temporary files, cookies, log files, and broken shortcuts. More importantly, BleachBit aims to protect privacy by securely deleting files and shredding free disk space to hinder data recovery.
BleachBit supports cleaning for a wide variety of applications like web browsers (Firefox, Chrome), system utilities (bash history, apt), and various other programs. Users can choose specific cleaning options tailored to each application.
BleachBit utilizes various data sanitization techniques, like overwriting and shredding, to enhance data security. The GUI is easy to use with descriptions of each cleaning option available and checkboxes to enable or disable each option. BleachBit can also be used from the command line for automation and scripting.
CAVEATS
Running BleachBit, especially with aggressive settings or shredding, carries a risk of data loss. Double-check the selected options before proceeding. Running as root grants the program access to more files, but also increases the risk of damaging the system if used incorrectly.
CLEANERS
Cleaners are modules that define how BleachBit cleans specific applications or system areas. Each cleaner targets specific files or data, and it specifies actions like deleting files, emptying folders, or overwriting data. Example cleaners include Firefox (for cleaning cache, history, cookies), system (tmp files, logs), and apt (clean packages).
CONFIGURATION
BleachBit stores its configuration in a user-specific directory. The location of this directory depends on the operating system. It allows users to customize cleaning options, save preferences, and define exception lists.
HISTORY
BleachBit was created by Andrew Ziem in 2008. It addresses the need for a free, open-source cleaning tool inspired by proprietary software. The project has been actively developed with contributions from a global community, with regular updates to cleaner definitions and features. Initially focusing on Windows, BleachBit has since expanded to support Linux. It is popular for reclaiming disk space, protecting privacy, and maintaining system health.
