This is still pretty terrible (#33495)

code/game/objects/effects/effect_system/effect_system.dm

@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ would spawn and follow the beaker, even if it is carried or thrown.
 	var/atom/holder
 	var/effect_type
 	var/total_effects = 0
+	var/autocleanup = FALSE //will delete itself after use
 
 /datum/effect_system/Destroy()
 	holder = null
@@ -69,3 +70,5 @@ would spawn and follow the beaker, even if it is carried or thrown.
 
 /datum/effect_system/proc/decrement_total_effect()
 	total_effects--
+	if(autocleanup && total_effects <= 0)
+		qdel(src)

code/game/objects/effects/effect_system/effects_sparks.dm

@@ -12,8 +12,8 @@
 
 	var/datum/effect_system/spark_spread/sparks = new
 	sparks.set_up(n, c, source)
+	sparks.autocleanup = TRUE
 	sparks.start()
-	qdel(sparks)
 
 
 /obj/effect/particle_effect/sparks