diff --git a/comfy/model_management.py b/comfy/model_management.py
index ca7221f3..33401b24 100644
--- a/comfy/model_management.py
+++ b/comfy/model_management.py
@@ -561,7 +561,9 @@ def loaded_models(only_currently_used=False):
 def cleanup_models(keep_clone_weights_loaded=False):
     to_delete = []
     for i in range(len(current_loaded_models)):
-        if sys.getrefcount(current_loaded_models[i].model) <= 2:
+        #TODO: very fragile function needs improvement
+        num_refs = sys.getrefcount(current_loaded_models[i].model) - current_loaded_models[i].model.lowvram_patch_counter()
+        if num_refs <= 2:
             if not keep_clone_weights_loaded:
                 to_delete = [i] + to_delete
             #TODO: find a less fragile way to do this.