Spring Cleaning Your Linux Mint:

A Complete Guide to Free Up Space and Boost Performance

Daniel Brummitt is a tech enthusiast known online as a “Linux Maximalist” and Python Automation Specialist, focusing on privacy, development, and technical strategy, often sharing his projects (like using Linux on mini PCs) on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn where he highlights his Linux Mint and Python skills. He engages in social journalism, creating automated solutions, and exploring AI art, 3D printing, and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), aiming to build Flatpaks and tackle new challenges in tech.

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Is your Linux Mint system starting to feel sluggish? Running low on disk space? Just like a physical workspace, our digital environments need regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to clean up your Linux Mint system and get it running like new again.

Why Regular System Maintenance Matters

Over time, your Linux system accumulates:

• Unused packages and dependencies

• Old kernel versions

• Cache files and temporary data

• Log files that grow indefinitely

• Orphaned configuration files

Regular cleanup not only frees up valuable disk space but can also improve system stability and boot times.

Step-by-Step Cleanup Guide

1. Start with System Updates

bash

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Always begin with updating your system to ensure you’re working with the latest packages and security patches.

2. Remove Unnecessary Packages

bash

sudo apt autoremove --purge
sudo apt-get autoclean
sudo apt-get clean

These commands remove unused dependencies, clean the package cache, and delete downloaded .deb files that are no longer needed.

3. Manage Kernel Versions

Check your installed kernels:

bash

dpkg --list | grep linux-image

You’ll typically see output like:

text

ii  linux-image-5.15.0-133-generic
ii  linux-image-5.15.0-134-generic
ii  linux-image-generic

What to keep:

• Keep the newest kernel (highest version number)

• Keep one older kernel as a backup

• Never remove the linux-image-generic meta-package

To remove an old kernel:

bash

sudo apt remove --purge linux-image-5.15.0-133-generic
sudo update-grub

4. Clean Up Log Files

bash

sudo journalctl --vacuum-time=7d

This removes log files older than 7 days. Adjust the timeframe based on your needs.

5. Clear Temporary Files

bash

sudo rm -rf /tmp/*
sudo rm -rf /var/tmp/*

6. Clean User Cache and Thumbnails

bash

rm -rf ~/.cache/thumbnails/*
# Be careful with config files:
# rm -rf ~/.config/*

7. Analyze Disk Usage

bash

sudo apt install ncdu
ncdu /

This fantastic tool helps you visualize what’s taking up space on your drive.

Advanced Cleaning Tips

For SSD Users

If you’re using an SSD, run TRIM periodically:

bash

sudo fstrim -av

Using BleachBit (GUI Option)

For those who prefer graphical tools:

bash

sudo apt install bleachbit

BleachBit provides a user-friendly interface for system cleaning, but use advanced options with caution.

Manage Startup Applications

Open Startup Applications from your menu and disable programs you don’t need launching at boot time.

Safety First: What NOT to Do

1. Don’t remove all but one kernel - always keep a backup

2. Don’t blindly delete system files - know what you’re removing

3. Don’t remove the linux-image-generic package - it manages kernel updates

4. Be cautious with ~/.config/ - it contains your application settings

Creating a Maintenance Schedule

Consider setting up regular maintenance:

• Weekly: Clear cache and temporary files

• Monthly: Remove unused packages and clean logs

• After major updates: Review and remove old kernels

Final Steps

After completing your cleanup, reboot your system:

bash

sudo reboot

Conclusion

Regular system maintenance is key to keeping your Linux Mint installation running smoothly. By following this guide, you can reclaim disk space, improve performance, and ensure your system remains stable.

Remember: The goal isn’t to remove everything possible, but to maintain a clean, efficient system while keeping necessary safety backups.

Pro tip: You can create a bash script combining these commands (excluding the destructive ones) to make future cleanups even easier!

Have questions or additional tips? Share them in the comments below!

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DANIEL BRUMMITT@dan__brummitt

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8:21 PM · Nov 2, 2025 · 2.87M Views

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