diff --git a/main.py b/main.py
index 9460de5..cbb527b 100644
--- a/main.py
+++ b/main.py
@@ -845,6 +845,7 @@ def main() -> int:
     try:
         import gc
         gc.disable()
+        gc.collect()  # One final sweep to clear boot-time cyclic garbage
         logger.info("GC disabled for RT audio stability")
     except Exception as exc:
         logger.warning("Could not disable GC: %s", exc)
diff --git a/src/web/server.py b/src/web/server.py
index 7c22da2..6765236 100644
--- a/src/web/server.py
+++ b/src/web/server.py
@@ -487,9 +487,16 @@ class WebServer:
             """Full pedal state snapshot.
 
             Without parameters returns the active (guitar) channel's flat state.
-            ``?channel=guitar|bass`` returns per-channel state.
-            ``?combined=true`` returns both channel states in a combined view.
+            ?channel=guitar|bass returns per-channel state.
+            ?combined=true returns both channel states in a combined view.
             """
+            # Periodic GC collection — GC is disabled for RT audio stability,
+            # so collect cyclics here on the HTTP thread every state poll (~2s)
+            try:
+                import gc
+                gc.collect()
+            except Exception:
+                pass
             if combined:
                 state = self._gather_state_combined()
             else: