Remove old items when moving to esphome on hassio

I am gradually moving from MQTT to esphome for a number of my sensors, but when i create the new sensor the old sensor remains and the new sensor has _2 added.

Is there a way to remove previous items just to try to clean up my installation - ie remove both entities, then let the now one be discovered?

this also applies where i have stopped using some sensors or items.

many thanks in advance