diff --git a/cleanup.py b/cleanup.py
index 851b263..323b2cb 100644
--- a/cleanup.py
+++ b/cleanup.py
@@ -26,6 +26,9 @@ def cleanup(limit: int = 40, id: int | None = None):
         last_posts = mastodon.account_statuses(getenv("MASTODON_USER_ID"), exclude_replies=True, limit=limit)
         id_oldest_of_last_posts = -1
         for _ in range(4):
+            # return if there are no posts to check
+            if len(last_posts) == 0:
+                return
             id_oldest_of_last_posts = last_posts[-1]["id"]
             last_posts = mastodon.account_statuses(getenv("MASTODON_USER_ID"), exclude_replies=True, max_id=id_oldest_of_last_posts, limit=limit)
     else: