diff --git a/lib/compass/commands/update_project.rb b/lib/compass/commands/update_project.rb
index 99474b86..1eb0a595 100644
--- a/lib/compass/commands/update_project.rb
+++ b/lib/compass/commands/update_project.rb
@@ -33,11 +33,11 @@ module Compass
       def perform
         compiler = new_compiler_instance
         check_for_sass_files!(compiler)
+        compiler.clean! if compiler.new_config?
         compiler.run
       end
 
       def check_for_sass_files!(compiler)
-        compiler.clean! if compiler.new_config?
         if compiler.sass_files.empty? && !dry_run?
           message = "Nothing to compile. If you're trying to start a new project, you have left off the directory argument.\n"
           message << "Run \"compass -h\" to get help."