diff --git a/sleekxmpp/xmlstream/xmlstream.py b/sleekxmpp/xmlstream/xmlstream.py
index d5a7e827..46ff02bb 100644
--- a/sleekxmpp/xmlstream/xmlstream.py
+++ b/sleekxmpp/xmlstream/xmlstream.py
@@ -771,7 +771,7 @@ class XMLStream(object):
         stanza objects, but may still be processed using handlers and
         matchers.
         """
-        del self.__root_stanza.remove(stanza_class)
+        self.__root_stanza.remove(stanza_class)
 
     def add_filter(self, mode, handler, order=None):
         """Add a filter for incoming or outgoing stanzas.