diff --git a/.github/workflows/stale-tidy.yml b/.github/workflows/stale-tidy.yml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..372acde37c03
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/stale-tidy.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+name: 'Close inactive issues'
+on:
+  schedule:
+    - cron: '30 1 * * 2,4,6'
+
+jobs:
+  stale:
+    if: github.repository == 'matplotlib/matplotlib'
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/stale@v9
+        with:
+          repo-token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+          operations-per-run: 300
+          days-before-stale: -1
+          stale-pr-label: "status: inactive"
+          days-before-pr-close: -1
+          stale-issue-label: "status: inactive"
+          close-issue-label: "status: closed as inactive"
+          days-before-issue-close: 30
+          ascending: true
+          exempt-issue-labels: "keep"
+          exempt-pr-labels: "keep,status: orphaned PR"
diff --git a/.github/workflows/stale.yml b/.github/workflows/stale.yml
index c4e168216145..c7268e1ea799 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/stale.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/stale.yml
@@ -8,10 +8,10 @@ jobs:
     if: github.repository == 'matplotlib/matplotlib'
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
-      - uses: actions/stale@v8
+      - uses: actions/stale@v9
         with:
           repo-token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
-          operations-per-run: 150
+          operations-per-run: 20
           stale-pr-message: 'Since this Pull Request has not been updated in 60 days, it has been marked "inactive." This does not mean that it will be closed, though it may be moved to a "Draft" state.  This helps maintainers prioritize their reviewing efforts. You can pick the PR back up anytime - please ping us if you need a review or guidance to move the PR forward!  If you do not plan on continuing the work, please let us know so that we can either find someone to take the PR over, or close it.'
           stale-pr-label: "status: inactive"
           days-before-pr-stale: 60