diff --git a/backend/routers/items.py b/backend/routers/items.py
index 5a1a29a8..913fdf42 100644
--- a/backend/routers/items.py
+++ b/backend/routers/items.py
@@ -276,6 +276,25 @@ def delete_item(
     # [CLEANUP] Delete related InterventionItems to prevent foreign key issues
     db.query(models.InterventionItem).filter(models.InterventionItem.item_id == item_id).delete()
 
+    # [CLEANUP] Delete associated image files
+    if db_item.photo_path:
+        try:
+            photo_file = Path(db_item.photo_path.lstrip("/"))
+            if photo_file.exists():
+                photo_file.unlink()
+                log.info(f"Deleted photo file: {db_item.photo_path}")
+        except Exception as e:
+            log.warning(f"Failed to delete photo file {db_item.photo_path}: {e}")
+
+    if db_item.photo_thumbnail_path:
+        try:
+            thumb_file = Path(db_item.photo_thumbnail_path.lstrip("/"))
+            if thumb_file.exists():
+                thumb_file.unlink()
+                log.info(f"Deleted thumbnail file: {db_item.photo_thumbnail_path}")
+        except Exception as e:
+            log.warning(f"Failed to delete thumbnail file {db_item.photo_thumbnail_path}: {e}")
+
     # Audit Logs in database are NOT deleted here to preserve history of actions
     db.delete(db_item)
     db.commit()