How to Use CleanMyMac to Free Up Disk Space

Edited 2 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

CleanMyMacMacDisk SpaceStorageCleanupPerformanceEfficiencyOptimizationFile ManagementMaintenance

As we keep using our Mac computers, they tend to accumulate files and programs that can take up a lot of disk space. Over time, this can lead to slow system performance and limited space for new applications or files. CleanMyMac is a handy application that helps free up disk space by identifying and cleaning unnecessary files and data. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide detailed steps on how to use CleanMyMac to efficiently manage and optimize disk storage on your Mac. By following these steps, you will be able to enjoy a more responsive Mac with ample available storage.

Understanding CleanMyMac

CleanMyMac is a software application developed by MacPaw, designed specifically for macOS. It provides a set of tools that help you clean, optimize, and maintain the health of your Mac. The program can scan for system junk, unnecessary files, large and old files, malware, and more, allowing you to safely delete or manage them to recover disk space. Before diving into the detailed usage steps, it is useful to understand the main features of CleanMyMac:

• Smart Scan: Provides a quick overview of problems on your Mac and provides recommendations for items that can be cleaned or optimized.
• System Junk: Scans and removes unnecessary files such as cache files, log files, language files, and other system-generated data that is not needed.
• Mail Attachments: Deletes locally stored mail downloads to recover space without affecting the original emails stored on Apple Mail or other email clients.
• Large & Old Files: Identifies large files and files that have not been accessed for a long time, and gives you the option to delete or back them up.
• Uninstaller: Removes unwanted applications and frees up more space by identifying leftovers of previously uninstalled applications.
• Malware Removal: Protects your Mac by detecting and removing malware and threats.

Installing CleanMyMac

To get started with CleanMyMac, you first need to download and install it on your Mac:

1. Visit the official CleanMyMac website: macpaw.com/cleanmymac.
2. Click the "Free Download" or "Buy Now" button to begin downloading the app.
3. Once the download is complete, open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install CleanMyMac.
4. After installation, launch CleanMyMac from your Applications folder.

Using CleanMyMac to free up disk space

After CleanMyMac is installed, you can now proceed to clean up disk space. Follow these detailed steps to take advantage of its features:

1. Use Smart Scan

The Smart Scan feature is a great starting point for those who want to optimize their Mac. It provides a general overview of potential junk that can be removed:

1. Open CleanMyMac from your Applications.
2. On the main interface, click “Smart Scan” located in the sidebar.
3. Press the "Scan" button to start the scanning process.
4. Once the scanning is complete, you will receive a detailed report about system junk, privacy issues, and potential malware.
5. Click "Run" to clear the highlighted items and free up disk space.

2. Clear system junk

System junk consists of many unnecessary files that accumulate on your Mac over time. To clean these files using CleanMyMac, follow these steps:

1. Go to "System Junk" in the sidebar.
2. Click "Scan" to search for all types of system junk.
3. Once the scan is complete, review the items and select the specific files you want to delete. Examples include system cache files, language files, and user log files.
4. After making your selection, click "Clean" to delete these files and free up space.

3. Delete mail attachments

Email attachments can take up a lot of space if left unchecked. CleanMyMac helps manage stored mail attachments:

1. Select "Mail Attachments" from the sidebar.
2. Click "Scan" to search for email attachments downloaded locally.
3. Review the list and confirm which attachments you want to delete.
4. Click "Delete" to safely remove unnecessary attachments.

4. Identify large and old files

Identify and manage files that take up a significant amount of disk space and haven't been accessed in a while:

1. In the sidebar, click "Large & Old Files."
2. Press the "Scan" button to find large files or files that have not been opened for a long time.
3. You can sort files by size, date accessed, or type to make the selection process easier.
4. Select the files you want to delete or backup and click "Delete" or follow the corresponding operation.

5. Uninstall unused apps

Unused applications can take up space. CleanMyMac's uninstaller tool makes this process simple:

1. Access "Uninstaller" from the sidebar.
2. A list of all installed applications will be presented. You can view them based on application name, size, or developer.
3. Click the checkbox next to the applications you want to uninstall.
4. Once you've made your selections, click "Uninstall" to remove them from your system.
5. CleanMyMac will also search for leftover files from previously removed applications and remove them if selected.

6. Run Malware Removal

Although cleaning up disk space is the primary goal, it's also important to ensure that your Mac remains safe from malware:

1. Click "Malware Removal" in the sidebar.
2. Select "Scan" to search for any threats or malware on your Mac.
3. If any threats are identified, review them and press the "Delete" button to free your system from these potential threats.

Maintaining a clean Mac regularly

Using CleanMyMac to clean up your disk space is not a one-time job. Regular maintenance will help you enjoy a consistently fast and efficient Mac. It is recommended to schedule regular cleaning using CleanMyMac's features:

• Set reminders: Use CleanMyMac's settings to set monthly or weekly reminders to perform maintenance.
• Check for Updates: Make sure CleanMyMac is always up to date to take advantage of the latest cleaning algorithms and system enhancements.
• Continuous Scan: Perform smart scans regularly to catch any newly accumulated junk or files.

Conclusion

CleanMyMac is a powerful tool that can help your Mac run smoothly by freeing up disk space and deleting unnecessary files. By effectively using its various features such as Smart Scan, System Junk Cleanup, Large File Finder, Uninstaller, and Malware Removal, you can easily manage your Mac's disk space, boost system performance, and enhance security. Regular use significantly reduces the chances of unwanted lag or system slow-down, thereby extending the life of your device. Always remember to handle file deletions responsibly, ensuring that no important data is inadvertently deleted. With this guide, you're well on your way to efficiently unlocking and maintaining the newly available disk space on your Mac using CleanMyMac.

  Share This Article

If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can request an update