diff --git a/surfer/viz.py b/surfer/viz.py
index 2405c50..094fc37 100644
--- a/surfer/viz.py
+++ b/surfer/viz.py
@@ -2298,14 +2298,12 @@ def close(self):
         _force_render([])
 
         # should we tear down other variables?
-        if self._v is not None:
+        if getattr(self, '_v', None) is not None:
             self._v.dispose()
             self._v = None
 
     def __del__(self):
-        if hasattr(self, '_v') and self._v is not None:
-            self._v.dispose()
-            self._v = None
+        self.close()
 
     ###########################################################################
     # SAVING OUTPUT