diff --git a/sleekxmpp/xmlstream/xmlstream.py b/sleekxmpp/xmlstream/xmlstream.py
index 8305a91..9799c29 100644
--- a/sleekxmpp/xmlstream/xmlstream.py
+++ b/sleekxmpp/xmlstream/xmlstream.py
@@ -769,7 +769,7 @@ class XMLStream(object):
         stanza objects, but may still be processed using handlers and
         matchers.
         """
-        del self.__root_stanza[stanza_class]
+        del self.__root_stanza.remove(stanza_class)
 
     def add_filter(self, mode, handler, order=None):
         """Add a filter for incoming or outgoing stanzas.