diff --git a/character/Barista.gd b/character/Barista.gd
index 1174fd4..8e1e0e4 100644
--- a/character/Barista.gd
+++ b/character/Barista.gd
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ func remove_cup():
 	for item in carry_attachment.get_children():
 		if item is Cup:
 			cup = item
-		carry_attachment.remove_child(item)
+		item.queue_free()
 	if cup:
 		return cup.coffee_type
 	return null
diff --git a/level/Fridge.gd b/level/Fridge.gd
index 35227b4..fa98903 100644
--- a/level/Fridge.gd
+++ b/level/Fridge.gd
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ func set_using():
 	yield(tween, "tween_completed")
 	animation_player.play("drinkBeverage")
 	yield(animation_player, "animation_finished")
-	barista.carry_attachment.remove_child(cold_beverage)
+	cold_beverage.queue_free()
 
 # TODO: convert this into speech baloons
 func eprint(text: String):
diff --git a/level/ServingTray.gd b/level/ServingTray.gd
index f2d3732..8c1a25a 100644
--- a/level/ServingTray.gd
+++ b/level/ServingTray.gd
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ func take_items():
 		return
 	for i in items_container_object.get_children():
 		var item_type = i.coffee_type
-		items_container_object.remove_child(i)
+		i.queue_free()
 
 func set_putting():
 	should_ignore_clicks = false