diff --git a/srtcore/api.cpp b/srtcore/api.cpp
index 46eb4fe12..00a81840c 100644
--- a/srtcore/api.cpp
+++ b/srtcore/api.cpp
@@ -282,9 +282,8 @@ int srt::CUDTUnited::cleanup(bool force)
     // executing this procedure.
     ScopedLock gcinit(m_InitLock);
 
-    if (!force)
+    if (!force && (m_iInstanceCount == 0 || --m_iInstanceCount > 0))
     {
-        if (m_iInstanceCount == 0 || --m_iInstanceCount > 0)
             // [reinstate in 1.6.0] return m_iInstanceCount;
             return 0;
     }