One may think that today there should not be any problems with the disk space on Mac. However, as the developers increase the storage capacity, the users increase the number of resource-demanding apps and large files on their Apple devices. Looks like a dead-end situation. They say hard drive and memory upgrade is the best way out, but it costs a good buck. Users have already paid for the Apple’s original design and capacity, so they barely want to waste their hard-earned money on additional components. These people are interested in the free ways to clean up Mac’s system so that they don’t happen to see the ‘spinning wheel’ on their computer screen too often.

For MacBook users, it is even more complicated to have at least 10-15% of free space all the time because modern Apple laptops come with relatively small SSDs. Though, it is a bare minimum required to let the computer’s system operate normally.

The initial step to cleaning a MacBook is pruning away large files and apps you do not need any longer. Users often forget to delete videos once they have viewed them as well as games once they have completed all levels or campaigns. Photos and outdated songs from iTunes also occupy plenty of precious space.

clean macbook pro

However, tossing away the files mentioned above is just half the battle. You need a deeper insight if you wish to clean Mac Book perfectly. It includes language files, temporary files, caches, duplicates, and other junk. Moreover, you should remember about the multiple Trash bins that have to be emptied by the end of your cleaning procedures.

My MacBook Pro Is Running Slow: 5 Reason You Got a Slowpoke

Once you receive a brand new Apple device, you hope it will always be lightning fast. As the time passes by, you forget to remove the files you don’t care about anymore. Besides, some useless items appear without notifying the user. Mostly, those are files produced by various third-party apps. This junk turns your MacBook into the old, sluggish device, which cannot run faster than the turtle. So, does it take the eternity for your MacBook to boot up? Is there an effective way to speed up its work?

If the answer to the first question is ‘yes,’ calm down after discovering that the answer to the second question is the same – ‘yes.’ Moreover, there are several methods to speed up the Apple’s device. However, you should know the reasons for the failure to happen first. They include:

  • The hard drive is overloaded (in most cases, it is the root of all evil);
  • Outdated macOS (it is difficult to catch up with all Apple’s releases);
  • Overcrowded startup list (a lot of things launch in the background during the bootup process);
  • Other things running in the background (many useless things are active during your computer’s work);
  • Old hardware (in some cases, the Mac gets too old to be fixed).
  • Only the latter reason requires a solid financial investment. It means that you can solve other problems with the help of techniques listed below.

How to Clean Startup Disk on MacBook Pro

We have covered the main reasons why MacBooks slow down with time, but we did not include the list of all harmful items. If you get the “Your startup disk is full” message, you need to free up some storage space as fast as possible. Here are several file types that you should take care of first and foremost:

  • Game demos;
  • Shareware the user no longer plays
  • Movie trailers;
  • Videos you have already watched;
  • Temporary files created by the user;
  • Log items that chronicle software set up processes and failures;
  • ZIP & StuffIt archives that the person no longer covets;
  • iTunes audios and videos that no longer appear to an eye.

It looks like you have a plenty of work to do! However, getting rid of this trash is simpler than an inexperienced user might think.

How to Wipe MacBook Pro Clean: Chip and Dale are There for You!

You may be surprised, but you don’t have to search for your saviors elsewhere: MacBooks have the solutions set by default. There are several things a user can do to achieve the cleaning goals:

  • Just remove the useless items.
  • Place seldom used files and folders to external HD or USB flash drive.
  • Uninstall the third-party software with the help of Launchpad by clicking and holding down the icon until it wiggles.
  • Erase the unwanted app by removing its application folder created during the setup

Watch out! If we speak about applications, pay attention to their README files, so often ignored by an average user. Their instructions might contain valuable tips that will save you a plenty of time.

Here is how you can eliminate the apps step-by-step:

  1. Display the file/Application folder in your Finder;
  2. Get rid of the file/folder with the help of one of the methods:
  • Drag the icon to the Trash;
  • Choose Command+Delete;
  • Right-click the icon and select Move to Trash;
  • Pick the icon and click the Delete button on the Finder toolbar.

See, no big whoop at all!

Now, let’s consider several more methods for cleaning MacBook Pro hard drive.

macbook pro cleaning

How to Clean MacBook Pro Hard Drive: Free vs. Paid Ways

You can use the brief guide above to delete other types of files following the same principle. By getting rid of the useless applications, outdated files, and duplicates, you solve just the first problem which is a full HD. What about the other four cases?

Having an old version of macOS is not a good practice. Make sure to follow the news from Apple to be aware of all new releases. To make your MacBook run more smoothly, move to the AppStore and type the name of the latest OS version (e.g., “High Sierra”). Usually, it is not difficult to install the system on your own.

Also, the disk’s permissions may be broken. Repair them with the appropriate third-party app using “Repair Disk Permissions” option.

If it takes too long for the machine to boot up, the smartest thing a user can do is to manage the startup items.

  1. Find System Preferences and Users & Groups.
  2. Click on the username.
  3. Select Login Items and choose the name of the item you don’t wish to launch along with the bootup
  4. Press the minus sign next to it to deactivate this feature.

Finish processes using Activity Monitor to stop things running in the background.

  1. Launch the Applications Folder. Choose Utilities.
  2. Launch Activity Monitor.
  3. Observe the list of applications & processes occurring on your device in real-time.
  4. Go to the Memory tab à Memory filter.
  5. Stop the particular application by clicking on it in the list and push the gray “x” icon to finish the process.

Finally, upgrading the old hardware will help to solve the issues that can’t be dealt with by cleaning the system. Of course, it is not the cheapest option. Mind that not all Macs can be upgraded, but that is mostly the problem of the outdated models. Even though it costs a pretty penny, it might be the only smart solution.

You should not underestimate the power of the third-party apps. Sometimes, when the native utilities are unable to handle the problem of space and speed, it makes sense to try a software specially developed for Mac.

And Don’t Forget about the Outward Appearance

We have dedicated a plenty of time to discussing how to clean up your MacBook drives. However, keeping it clean outwardly is also important, especially for the respected business people. Remove the dust from the device’s screen, keyboard, trackpad, exterior, and Touch Bar while your Mac is off. Unplugging the power cable with other accessories is also important.

Take a microfiber or other soft lint-free cloth. Lightly spray the chosen object with the distilled water. That is how you can wipe the surface of your Apple laptop. Do not apply the water directly to your MacBook.

It seems that you have learned a lesson. Now, it is time to apply your knowledge in order to keep your favorite MacBook Pro clean and fast-&-furious in any situation!