MacWashing

MacWashing cleans system junk, uninstalls apps with their hidden support files, and shows folder sizes through a Finder-style storage browser and large-file finder. Developed by Vitalii Inchin, this file-manager utility targets macOS users with limited SSD space. It uses a rules database and local scans to distinguish safe-to-delete items, and it includes an Xcode-specific cleanup module. The app runs natively on Intel and Apple Silicon processors.

What the app removes and how it finds reclaimable data

The app targets application caches, system logs, temporary files, and forgotten large items. Its uninstaller scans for hidden support files and preference data that dragging an app to the Trash leaves behind. A Finder-style storage browser calculates the real size of each folder, and a dedicated Xcode cleanup locates derived data, module caches, and old simulators that often consume many gigabytes on developer machines.

Does scanning affect desktop performance?

The app runs natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon processors and performs all scanning locally, so file processing happens on the desktop rather than in the cloud. Because scans don't send filenames or usage details externally, network traffic stays minimal. Large-disk sweeps can take longer on bigger volumes, since the workload is handled by the local CPU and disk rather than remote infrastructure.

Is it safe to use on a production machine?

The developer notarized the software with Apple and the tool uses a rules database of 6,300+ rules that covers over 930 applications to reduce false positives. Most items identified for removal are moved to the Trash first so you can recover mistakes. The app is designed to avoid touching system files, photos, or personal documents, while still requiring explicit permissions to access protected areas.

Do I need technical knowledge for developer-focused tools?

The app's main cleaning and browsing functions use a clean interface that nontechnical users can run for basic reclamation tasks. Modules that target Xcode artifacts expose more granular choices, such as removing derived data and old simulators; those controls assume familiarity with developer workflows. Granting the necessary system permissions may also require navigating desktop privacy settings before a full scan can access all caches.

A cautious fit for space-conscious users and developers

Grant Full Disk Access in System Settings before a full sweep so the app can enumerate system logs and application caches. Also run scans when the Mac is idle to reduce interruption to active workflows. For users comfortable managing permissions and occasional developer artifacts, the app provides controlled, local-only reclamation with Trash-based recoverability. Recommended.