diff --git a/src/backends/meta-backend.c b/src/backends/meta-backend.c
index f0f9d8077..45e8b6d3b 100644
--- a/src/backends/meta-backend.c
+++ b/src/backends/meta-backend.c
@@ -199,12 +199,6 @@ meta_backend_dispose (GObject *object)
   MetaBackend *backend = META_BACKEND (object);
   MetaBackendPrivate *priv = meta_backend_get_instance_private (backend);
 
-  if (priv->gpus)
-    {
-      g_list_free_full (priv->gpus, g_object_unref);
-      priv->gpus = NULL;
-    }
-
   g_clear_object (&priv->current_device);
   g_clear_object (&priv->monitor_manager);
   g_clear_object (&priv->orientation_manager);
@@ -249,6 +243,7 @@ meta_backend_dispose (GObject *object)
   g_clear_pointer (&priv->default_seat, clutter_seat_destroy);
   g_clear_pointer (&priv->stage, clutter_actor_destroy);
   g_clear_pointer (&priv->clutter_backend, clutter_backend_destroy);
+  g_clear_list (&priv->gpus, g_object_unref);
 
   G_OBJECT_CLASS (meta_backend_parent_class)->dispose (object);
 }