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MacPaw Releases Redesigned CleanMyMac With New Features

I have been using it for years, mostly to check for updates to software and to delete files left behind when I have deleted application that I no longer use. Never had a problem, I agree somewhat that features like clearing space on the startup disk for the most part is worthless in that most of the space it saves are cache files, that are rebuilt automatically by applications. But I have never had any issues using CleanMyMac. Now MacKeeper is another issue altogether.

So is CleanMyMac absolutely necessary, no, but it does make some tasks easier, so it's worth having if you like to keep things up-to-date and organized.
 
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I also wonder if some folks are confusing this software with legit bad software from 15-20 years ago, was it MacToolsX [Edit: MacKeeper] or something like that, which was actual bloat/malware.

I used to use CleanMyMac mainly for the app uninstall and housekeeping/cleanup functions, it would do a thorough uninstall and clean out all log files. I never noticed a slowdown from running it, but haven’t used it since Mojave.

As ignatius345 suggests, I have been using Onyx for years now. It’s a bit like Windows PowerToys (various UI tweaks and settings) and does quite a bit of housekeeping, will clean out log files, and resolve disk issues, etc. It doesn’t do anything you can’t do with a command line and Disk Utility, but puts a lot of the functions into a simple, organized, easy to use app, and it’s updated every macOS release. It’s also not something that has to run in the background, you run it when you need it.

Anyhow, I don’t think it hurts to use CleanMyMac, it has legitimate features and it augments the macOS built-in housekeeping processes, while improving app uninstall and also has malware detection. I don’t think it’s necessary software, but I also don’t think it deserves the amount of negativity it’s receiving.
 
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Kylo83 said:
Honest question does this actually help, because I’ve heard it can make things worse and macOS doesn’t need what this does
Click to expand...
It is a perfectly fine app that does a lot of maintenance tasks that can be helpful. You will find many people claiming this app is un necessary, then point to 4-5 other free apps you can use to accomplish the same tasks. This one is of course a paid app, but its user interface is really clean and its easy to use vs some others like onyx.

The main gripe with this app comes from the marketing and terrible tactics the company used to get this installed on users computers in the past. Basically the same tactics a true piece of malware would use to trick users into installing it. But in this case, the actual software here is not malicious.

So I get the hate on it, I wont use it much less ever pay for it, though it is a perfectly fine app that has a purpose.
 
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I've been using CMM since version 2, and I can confidently say it’s far from being malware.

Of course, caution is necessary when removing files, just as with Onyx.

My question is, given Wardle's reputation and the resources on Objective-See, why would MacPaw be considered trustworthy there (for years!) if it was indeed malware?

objective-see.org

The Objective-See Foundation

A non-profit foundation, focusing on macOS security.
objective-see.org objective-see.org


PS: and yes indeed, MacKeeper IS a malware.
 
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pierrespartan said:
I've been using CMM since version 2, and I can confidently say it’s far from being malware.
Of course, caution is necessary when removing files, just as with Onyx.
My question is, given Wardle's reputation and the resources on Objective-See, why would MacPaw be considered trustworthy there (for years!) if it was indeed malware?

objective-see.org

The Objective-See Foundation

A non-profit foundation, focusing on macOS security.
objective-see.org objective-see.org

PS: and yes indeed, MacKeeper IS a malware.
Click to expand...
Also, I use it regularly to remove unnecessary language packs and Binary contents (from ARM macs). I often recover Gigs of memory, on my MacBook.
 
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I would never in good conscience recommend CleanMyMac or any of its competitors.

Years ago I took the time to install and test CleanMyMac, AppCleaner and several others of this ilk. I'm sure you can find my posts in several threads on this forum. The conclusion was that not only are these types of apps unnecessary, but they are also potentially problematic and rarely thorough in "cleaning" as they claim.

When you remove an app by dragging it to the trash, there are still traces of it remaining, such as .plist files and cache files. These "cleaner" apps will clear the .plist files, which are very small, but usually leave behind the caches, which are frequently quite large. The caches serve no purpose after an app is deleted, but the .plist files can be used to restore your preferences if you decide to reinstall the app at some point.

So essentially, these "cleaner" apps remove the small files that may be of use if you reinstall, but leave behind the larger files that serve no purpose. The most effective method of thoroughly removing all traces of an app is by doing it manually.

I'm sure things have changed since I did my tests years ago, but generally speaking, "cleaner" apps and anti-malware apps are not necessary on Macs, as long as you practice care about what apps you install. Don't let anyone trick you into installing apps you didn't intend to. Don't install pirated apps. Don't open email attachments from unknown senders.

With the advent of AI, scammers are better equipped, so it's even more important to be vigilant.
 
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One of my friends has a really old mac which used to take 20-30 minutes just to boot up. I recommended Clean My Mac and he says it's running like new. My Mac is also 8 years old and runs like new. When I switched to Mac from Windows my computer admin time went down by 95%, and this makes it even less. You command line boffins and free software (nothing is EVER free) collectors enjoy your admin, I'll just use my Mac thanks!
 
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Honestly, all it does is run scripts in the background to the macOS as itself to run maintenance scripts and clean things. It's just a graphical interface to make things easier similar to OnyX and a little more automated never had an issue with it always ran well always help. Keep my garbage on my machine down to a which is always helpful and not having to think about it. Sure if you wanna be a bit taller you can use terminal or Console or OnyX or whatever and run your own scripts. Whatever you know it's automated it's easy. It's always worked anything that run scripts to the The macOS can be considered malware but it doesn't mean that it's bad. I know I said it annual all comment and bash me that's fine but you know what that's OK because until you actually develop software like I do then you'd understand
 
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ignatius345 said:
Free, works great, has been actively maintained for many years:

Titanium Software | Operating System Utilities for Mac - OnyX

OnyX is a multifunction utility that you can use to verify the startup disk and the structure of its system files, perform cleaning and computer maintenance tasks, configure some hidden parameters of many Apple applications, and more.
titanium-software.fr titanium-software.fr

Though as many have pointed out, macOS does its own maintenance scripts so you don't really need to be actively futzing with stuff, clearing caches, etc.

I do use OnyX sometimes to tweak some little Finder settings, but I don't think any of this is essential.
Click to expand...
I use this to delete my snapshots of Time Machine if I need more space. Especially when my whisky/steam combo can’t see free space on the drive.
 
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TMRJIJ said:
Placebo Effect. It doesn't do anything that free apps and macOS itself don't do already.

Source: AASP Technician
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What's your point? Many free apps do things as paid apps. macOS is not perfect like any other operating system. It's not placebo when you uninstall apps, update apps, clear cache, search for & delete files, and many other things from one place. Also, it's like 1-3 months to become AASP Technician. Not a big deal bruh.
 
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abatabia said:
Stay far away from this. Sure it cleans up stuff, I guess, but it made my Mac run so much worse until I deleted it. Mac’s don’t need junk like this.
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People won't stick to it. There are just those who know their system really well and are also familiar with installations and hardware and others who don't feel like dealing with their computer properly. I used to help a lot; but at some point I dropped out and advised everyone to buy a book about the operating system. This means that really the last incompetent person can learn how to do everything in 2-3 weeks. In about 30 years, how many of them have bought such a buck? Correct. 0... And all of them are going to give you a thumbs down now:cool:.
 
ignatius345 said:
Free, works great, has been actively maintained for many years:

Titanium Software | Operating System Utilities for Mac - OnyX

OnyX is a multifunction utility that you can use to verify the startup disk and the structure of its system files, perform cleaning and computer maintenance tasks, configure some hidden parameters of many Apple applications, and more.
titanium-software.fr titanium-software.fr

Though as many have pointed out, macOS does its own maintenance scripts so you don't really need to be actively futzing with stuff, clearing caches, etc.

I do use OnyX sometimes to tweak some little Finder settings, but I don't think any of this is essential.
Click to expand...

I've always been a huge Onyx fan. It can be clunky but it is free.
 
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