diff --git a/daemon.c b/daemon.c
index 4be10914e6..385934d46e 100644
--- a/daemon.c
+++ b/daemon.c
@@ -802,6 +802,7 @@ static void check_dead_children(void)
 			/* remove the child */
 			*cradle = blanket->next;
 			live_children--;
+			child_process_clear(&blanket->cld);
 			free(blanket);
 		} else
 			cradle = &blanket->next;