diff --git a/lbrynet/blob_exchange/client.py b/lbrynet/blob_exchange/client.py
index 8fbd19beb..749ee5e1f 100644
--- a/lbrynet/blob_exchange/client.py
+++ b/lbrynet/blob_exchange/client.py
@@ -120,8 +120,6 @@ class BlobExchangeClientProtocol(asyncio.Protocol):
             self._response_fut.cancel()
         if self.writer and not self.writer.closed():
             self.writer.close_handle()
-        if self.blob:
-            await self.blob.close()
         self._response_fut = None
         self.writer = None
         self.blob = None
diff --git a/lbrynet/blob_exchange/downloader.py b/lbrynet/blob_exchange/downloader.py
index 84c4e3282..e808a9773 100644
--- a/lbrynet/blob_exchange/downloader.py
+++ b/lbrynet/blob_exchange/downloader.py
@@ -82,6 +82,7 @@ class BlobDownloader:
                 peer, task = self.active_connections.popitem()
                 if task and not task.done():
                     task.cancel()
+            await blob.close()
             return blob
         except asyncio.CancelledError:
             while self.active_connections: