Analysis: Stop paying for Mac cleaners: Use this free command-line tool instead

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If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake viathis form.CloseHomeTechServices & SoftwareOperating SystemsMac OSStop paying for Mac cleaners: Use this free command-line tool insteadIf you'd like to free up space on your Mac, there's no need to do it manually when you can employ a mole.Written byJack Wallen,Contributing WriterContributing WriterFeb. 2, 2026 at 11:29 p.m. PTKerry Wan/ZDNETZDNET key takeawaysThere's no need to purchase pricey apps to clean your Mac.Mole is a command-line tool that does a great job.Mole is free and can be installed with Homebrew.Because I work with a lot of video, myMacdrives can fill quickly. When that happens, things can get a bit tricky. The machine might slow down, or I won't be able to create or save files.Before that situation arises, I like to clean my Mac drives of unnecessary items. When I do that task, I turn to a handy command-line tool called Mole.Also:I've tried nearly every browser out there and these are my top 4 (spoiler: none are Chrome)Mole deep cleans and optimizes your Mac, without you having to install expensive solutions. Sure, if you're not used to working with the command line, you might feel a bit daunted don't. Mole is actually quite easy to use.I want to show you how to install and use Mole.Installing HomebrewWhat you'll need: To install and use Mole, you'll need an up-to-date Mac. That's it. Let's get cleaning.1. Open your terminal appThe first thing to do is click the Launch Pad icon on your dock, search for Terminal, and click to open the app.Show more2. Install HomebrewTo install Homebrew, issue the following command:Show more/ bin / bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"Note: Remove the spaces after the first two / characters.Also:A MacOS 26 bug bricked my (/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zprofileeval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"3. Add Homebrew to your pathTo run Homebrew, you'll need to add the installed command to your $PATH, which is done with the following command:Show moreecho "export PATH=/opt/homebrew/bin:$PATH" >> ~/.bash_profile && source ~/.bash_profileYou're now ready to install Mole.Installing MoleWithin the terminal app, install Mole with the command:brew install moleThat should do the trick. You're now ready to use Mole.Using MoleTo use mole, issue the command:moleWhen Mole opens, you'll see a text-based menu which lists:CleanUninstallOptimizeAnalyzeStatusFirst, select 1 (Clean), and you'll then be prompted that the action requires sudo. Hit Enter on your keyboard, and you'll be prompted for your sudo password.Also:I tested local AI on my M1 Mac, expecting magic - and got a reality check insteadMole will begin a deep scan of your system. Depending on how much data you have in your system, this could take some time. Give Mole time to complete the process.When the scan completes, Mole will report on how much it cleaned. In my case, Mole cleared up 19.85GB of space. Yeah, it's pretty effective.You can also use Mole to optimize and analyze your system. The Mole optimizer does the following: rebuilds system databases, clears diagnostic logs, resets network services, cleans up swap files, and refreshes Spotlight indexing. Again, the optimization will take some time, so allow it to complete its task.Also:M3 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Air: Which Apple laptop should you buy?After you done just these two things, you should find that your Mac runs better and has more free space.Mole should be considered a must for those who like to keep theirMacsfree of unnecessary files and optimized to run efficiently.Install this free app today.Featured10 ways AI can inflict unprecedented damage in 2026I tested DeWalt's electric snow blower over the weekend - now my gas model feels outdatedStoring your BitLocker key in the cloud? Microsoft can give it to the FBI - what to do insteadThe only Linux command you need for monitoring network traffic - and how to use it10 ways AI can inflict unprecedented damage in 2026I tested DeWalt's electric snow blower over the weekend - now my gas model feels outdatedStoring your BitLocker key in the cloud? Microsoft can give it to the FBI - what to do insteadThe only Linux command you need for monitoring network traffic - and how to use itEditorial standardsShow CommentsLog In to CommentCommunity GuidelinesRelatedHow to clear your TV cache (and why it makes such a big difference)I tried a Claude Code alternative that's local, open source, and completely free - how it worksThese unassuming pliers replaced my multitool for a fraction of the cost TASK: Write the new article in HTML according to the rules above. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS: Minimum 600 words Detailed, well-structured content Include specific examples and data Professional journalistic tone Focus on practical applications Please generate the article now. [System: Respond directly. Do not repeat the message.] Response: