Docker Cleanup and Optimization
Cleans unused Docker images, containers, volumes and networks to free up disk space.
Published: March 01, 2024
Detailed Information
This script cleans unused resources in your Docker environment to free up disk space. Docker usage can take up a lot of disk space over time, and you can perform regular cleanup with this script.
What Does This Script Do?
This script optimizes Docker disk usage:
- Removes stopped containers
- Cleans unused (dangling) images
- Removes unused volumes
- Cleans unused networks
- Clears build cache (optional)
Why Should You Use It?
Docker can use a lot of disk space over time:
- Disk Savings: You can save gigabytes of space
- Performance: Less resource usage
- Organization: Cleans unused resources
- Cost: Lower costs on cloud servers
How to Use
Step-by-Step Usage Guide
1. Create Script File
nano docker_cleanup.sh2. Make Executable
chmod +x docker_cleanup.sh3. Run Script
./docker_cleanup.shAutomatic Cleanup
# Weekly cleanup with cron job
0 2 * * 0 /path/to/docker_cleanup.shRequirements
Requirements
- Docker: Docker must be installed and running
- Docker Access: Permission to run Docker commands
Use Cases
Use Cases
1. Regular Maintenance
Clean Docker resources weekly or monthly.
2. Disk Fullness
Quickly clean up when disk space is full.
3. Production Environments
Perform regular cleanup on production servers to maintain performance.
Examples
Usage Examples
Example 1: Basic Cleanup
./docker_cleanup.shExample 2: Full Cleanup (Careful!)
docker system prune -a --volumesCode
#!/bin/bash
# Docker Cleanup Script
echo "======================================"
echo " DOCKER CLEANUP UTILITY"
echo "======================================"
echo ""
if ! docker info > /dev/null 2>&1; then
echo "Error: Docker is not running!"
exit 1
fi
echo "Current Docker disk usage:"
docker system df
echo ""
echo "--- Cleaning stopped containers ---"
STOPPED=$(docker ps -aq -f status=exited | wc -l)
if [ $STOPPED -gt 0 ]; then
docker rm $(docker ps -aq -f status=exited)
echo "✓ Removed $STOPPED stopped containers"
else
echo "No stopped containers to remove"
fi
echo ""
echo "--- Cleaning dangling images ---"
DANGLING=$(docker images -f dangling=true -q | wc -l)
if [ $DANGLING -gt 0 ]; then
docker rmi $(docker images -f dangling=true -q)
echo "✓ Removed $DANGLING dangling images"
else
echo "No dangling images to remove"
fi
echo ""
echo "--- Cleaning unused volumes ---"
docker volume prune -f
echo "✓ Unused volumes cleaned"
echo ""
echo "--- Cleaning unused networks ---"
docker network prune -f
echo "✓ Unused networks cleaned"
echo ""
read -p "Clear build cache? (y/n): " CLEAR_CACHE
if [ "$CLEAR_CACHE" = "y" ]; then
docker builder prune -f
echo "✓ Build cache cleared"
fi
echo ""
echo "======================================"
echo "Cleanup completed!"
echo ""
echo "New Docker disk usage:"
docker system df
echo ""Usage
chmod +x docker_cleanup.sh
./docker_cleanup.sh
# Full cleanup (careful!)
docker system prune -a --volumesTroubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Problem: "Docker is not running"
Solution: Start Docker service:
sudo systemctl start docker