diff --git a/direct/src/interval/ParticleInterval.py b/direct/src/interval/ParticleInterval.py
index 58c8d89c53..1456654330 100644
--- a/direct/src/interval/ParticleInterval.py
+++ b/direct/src/interval/ParticleInterval.py
@@ -136,6 +136,6 @@ class ParticleInterval(Interval):
     def privFinalize(self):
         Interval.privFinalize(self)
         if self.cleanup and self.particleEffect:
-            self.particleEffect.disable()
+            self.particleEffect.cleanup()
             self.particleEffect = None