diff --git a/src/outputs/alsa.c b/src/outputs/alsa.c
index b7ba9253..8727c990 100644
--- a/src/outputs/alsa.c
+++ b/src/outputs/alsa.c
@@ -811,7 +811,10 @@ alsa_device_start(struct output_device *device, output_status_cb cb, uint64_t rt
 
   ret = device_open(as);
   if (ret < 0)
-    return -1;
+    {
+      alsa_session_cleanup(as);
+      return -1;
+    }
 
   as->state = ALSA_STATE_STARTED;
   alsa_status(as);