How does PearCleaner handle applications installed via Homebrew or other package managers?

PearCleaner offers robust support for applications installed via Homebrew. It includes a dedicated, integrated Homebrew manager within its interface, allowing users to graphically manage their Homebrew casks and formulae. This means you can search for, install, update, and uninstall Homebrew-managed applications and command-line tools directly through PearCleaner. It also provides maintenance features like `brew doctor` and cache clearing. This deep integration is a significant advantage, as many generic uninstallers overlook package manager-installed software, leaving behind numerous residual files that PearCleaner can effectively manage.

What is 'Orphaned File Detection' and why is it important?

'Orphaned File Detection' is a PearCleaner feature that scans your system for leftover files from applications that were previously uninstalled without using a dedicated cleaner. When you simply drag an app to the Trash, many associated files—like caches, preferences, and application support data—remain scattered across your `~/Library` folder and other system locations. These forgotten files, or 'orphans,' can accumulate over time, consuming valuable disk space and potentially causing minor system conflicts. PearCleaner's ability to find and remove these orphaned files is crucial for reclaiming storage, maintaining system performance, and ensuring a truly clean slate after an app's departure.

Can PearCleaner free up significant storage space on Apple Silicon Macs?

Yes, PearCleaner is particularly effective at freeing up storage space on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, M4 chips). One key feature, App Lipo processing, allows it to strip unnecessary Intel (x86_64) architecture binaries from universal applications, leaving only the ARM64 code required for Apple Silicon. This can significantly reduce the size of many applications. Additionally, PearCleaner can prune unused language packs from app bundles, which also contributes to considerable space savings. Combined with its comprehensive uninstallation and orphaned file detection, these features make PearCleaner an excellent tool for optimizing storage on modern Macs.

How does PearCleaner compare to other popular Mac cleaners like AppCleaner or CleanMyMac?

PearCleaner offers a distinct value proposition compared to its peers. Against AppCleaner, PearCleaner provides a more extensive feature set, including Homebrew management, App Lipo processing, and a more detailed UI, while AppCleaner remains simpler and perhaps more intuitive for basic users. Compared to CleanMyMac X, PearCleaner is entirely free and open-source, focusing on uninstallation and deep system cleanup without the broader suite of features (like malware scanning or photo cleanup) that CleanMyMac offers for a price. PearCleaner is ideal for users seeking transparency, deep control, and specific advanced cleaning tools without the financial commitment of a commercial solution, emphasizing uninstallation and leftover file removal more profoundly.

What are 'Launch Agents/Daemons' and how does PearCleaner manage them?

Launch Agents and Daemons are small programs or scripts that macOS loads automatically, either at startup (Daemons) or when a user logs in (Agents), to perform various background tasks. These can include update checkers, sync services, or helper utilities for applications. While many are essential, some can be unnecessary, consume resources, or even be remnants of uninstalled apps. PearCleaner provides a dedicated management view for these items. It allows you to conveniently inspect a list of all active Launch Agents and Daemons, providing insights into what processes are running in the background. You can then choose to enable or disable specific items, helping to optimize system startup speed and resource usage.

What is the 'Sentinel Monitor' feature and should I enable it?

The 'Sentinel Monitor' is an optional background helper for PearCleaner that, once enabled, watches your Mac's Trash folder. When you manually drag an application to the Trash, Sentinel automatically detects this action and prompts you with a PearCleaner window, suggesting a thorough cleanup of the associated leftover files. It's an extremely lightweight process, using minimal RAM (typically <=5MB), and helps ensure that even casual app deletions result in a clean system. Enabling it is highly recommended for users who frequently uninstall apps or prefer a proactive approach to maintaining a clean system without having to remember to open PearCleaner manually every time.

Does PearCleaner support command-line interface (CLI) operations?

Yes, PearCleaner includes robust command-line interface (CLI) support, catering to power users and those who prefer scripting or terminal-based workflows. While the graphical user interface provides a user-friendly experience, the CLI allows for automated tasks, integration into custom scripts, and headless operation. For instance, you can use CLI commands to list installed applications, search for orphaned files, or initiate uninstallation processes. This flexibility makes PearCleaner a versatile tool that can be incorporated into more complex system maintenance routines, offering granular control for advanced users.

What kind of data does PearCleaner collect, given its open-source nature?

As an open-source application with a strong focus on privacy, PearCleaner is designed to be transparent about its operations and data handling. The entire source code is available on GitHub, allowing anyone to verify that it does not collect personal data, usage statistics, or engage in any form of tracking. Its purpose is purely to help users clean their Mac. The app requires Full Disk Access to perform its scanning and deletion functions, but this permission is strictly used for its intended cleaning purposes on your local machine and does not involve transmitting data externally. This commitment to privacy is a cornerstone of its open-source philosophy.

How frequently is PearCleaner updated and what can I expect from future versions?

PearCleaner benefits from active development, with frequent updates released by its developer, alienator88. This ensures ongoing compatibility with the latest macOS versions and Apple Silicon architectures, as well as the introduction of new features and bug fixes. Users can expect continuous improvements in its cleaning algorithms, enhanced integration with macOS functionalities (like Finder extensions), and further refinements to its Homebrew management capabilities. Given its open-source nature, the direction of future versions is also influenced by community feedback and feature requests submitted on GitHub, promising a tool that evolves with user needs and the macOS ecosystem.

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Pearcleaner

Name: Pearcleaner
Availability: InStock

Utility to uninstall apps and remove leftover files

System UtilitiesFreeOpen SourceReplaces CleanMyMac ($40)

Pearcleaner screenshot — Pearcleaner — Official Website

Quick Take: Pearcleaner

4.6

PearCleaner in 2026 solidifies its position as an indispensable, free, and open-source system utility for macOS. It offers an unparalleled level of transparency and control over app uninstallation and system cleanup, far exceeding what native macOS tools or many commercial alternatives provide for free. Its strengths lie in its thoroughness—meticulously removing leftover files, orphaned data, and optimizing binaries for Apple Silicon. The integrated Homebrew manager, robust Undo Manager, and proactive Sentinel monitor further elevate its utility for power users and developers. While the absence of bulk app removal and the need for careful review in aggressive cleaning modes present minor drawbacks, these are easily outweighed by its comprehensive feature set, lightweight design, and the inherent trust afforded by its open-source nature. For anyone seeking to maintain a lean, efficient, and privacy-respecting Mac without incurring costs, PearCleaner is a highly recommended solution. It's a testament to what community-driven development can achieve, providing enterprise-grade cleaning with a personal touch.

Best For

•Developers using Homebrew for package management
•Privacy-conscious users seeking transparent cleaning tools
•Power users who demand deep control over system files
•Users on Apple Silicon Macs optimizing storage
•Anyone seeking a comprehensive, free uninstaller

Install with Homebrew

brew install --cask pearcleaner

What is PearCleaner?

PearCleaner, a robust and entirely free open-source uninstaller and system cleaner for macOS, stands as a critical utility for Mac users in 2026 seeking meticulous control over their system hygiene. Conceived by developer alienator88 (Alin Lupascu) out of a desire to deeply understand macOS app installation/uninstallation processes and enhance Swift programming experience, PearCleaner transcends basic app removal. Its origin is inspired by Freemacsoft's AppCleaner and Sun Knudsen's privacy guides, aiming for a transparent, efficient, and privacy-conscious approach to system maintenance. In an era where macOS applications, both App Store and third-party, scatter myriad files across the system—caches, logs, preferences, and support data—PearCleaner's core value proposition lies in its ability to meticulously identify and remove these remnants, ensuring a truly clean uninstallation. This capability is especially pertinent in 2026, as Macs, increasingly powered by Apple Silicon, benefit immensely from optimized storage and reduced system bloat. PearCleaner fits into the system utilities landscape as a powerful, community-driven alternative to often expensive or overly complex commercial cleaners. It offers a unique blend of deep cleaning, developer-centric features, and user-friendly design, making it a go-to for power users, developers, and privacy-conscious individuals who value transparency and efficiency without financial commitment.

Deep Dive: Pearcleaner

Pearcleaner is a free, open-source macOS app uninstaller that meticulously removes applications and their associated files, going beyond the basic drag-to-trash method. It aims to reclaim disk space and maintain system efficiency by targeting orphaned files, caches, and unnecessary data left behind by uninstalled software.

History & Background

Pearcleaner emerged as an open-source initiative, drawing inspiration from established Mac cleaners like Freemacsoft's AppCleaner and Sun Knudsen's app-cleaner script. The project was born from a desire to understand macOS app installation and uninstallation processes more deeply and to gain experience with Swift development. Since its initial release, Pearcleaner has evolved significantly, continuously adding features and refining its capabilities to address the persistent issue of leftover files after app uninstallation on macOS. The developer, Alin Lupascu, has actively guided its development, transforming it into a versatile tool for Mac maintenance. Its commitment to being free and open-source distinguishes it from many other cleaning utilities.

How It Works

Pearcleaner is built natively for macOS using 100% Swift, ensuring optimal performance and seamless integration with the operating system. It supports both Intel 64 and Apple Silicon architectures, making it compatible with a wide range of Macs, including the latest M-series chips. The application operates by scanning common ~/Library and system locations for caches, logs, preferences, containers, launch agents, and support files associated with selected applications. A notable architectural component is the optional 'Sentinel monitor' helper, a lightweight background process (around 210KB, using <=5MB RAM) that watches the Trash folder for deleted apps. This monitor communicates with the main app via a custom URL scheme, prioritizing a light footprint over more resource-intensive XPC communication. Pearcleaner requires Full Disk Access and Accessibility permissions to effectively search for and delete files.

Ecosystem & Integrations

Pearcleaner has cultivated an ecosystem focused on comprehensive system maintenance beyond just app uninstallation. It includes a robust Homebrew manager, enabling users to search, install, clean, and manage Homebrew packages directly within the application, effectively serving as a graphical interface for Homebrew. The tool also offers a 'Finder Extension' for convenient right-click uninstallation directly from Finder. While not a traditional plugin architecture for third-party developers, Pearcleaner integrates with workflows from popular macOS utilities like Alfred and Raycast, providing streamlined access to its uninstallation capabilities. Furthermore, it supports command-line interface (CLI) operations for advanced users and deep link automation views, enhancing its integration possibilities within custom scripts and workflows. Its focus on core utilities like orphaned file search, stripping unnecessary app architectures, and managing launch agents further solidifies its ecosystem of features.

Future Development

Recent updates to Pearcleaner in late 2025 and early 2026, up to version 5.4.3, have focused on UI/UX enhancements and robustness. These include the ability to hide unused utility pages from the global menu, improved progress tracking for the "Update All" button in the Updater view, and pinyin sorting for Homebrew and Updater views. Critical fixes address issues like incorrect Homebrew CLI commands and handling of receipt ownership. A significant safety enhancement involved migrating all delete actions to use UndoManager, ensuring files are moved to Trash and robust validation for paths, eliminating direct `rm` commands from the codebase. While the developer has noted a temporary slowdown in updates due to full-time commitments, they are open to community pull requests for existing issues. Future directions are expected to continue improving its comprehensive app management, system cleanup, and Homebrew integration, prioritizing user control and safety.

Key Features

Comprehensive App Uninstallation

PearCleaner excels at thoroughly removing applications and all their associated files, including caches, preferences, logs, and support data, which standard drag-to-Trash methods leave behind. Users can drag and drop an app or select from a list to view all related files, ensuring a complete and clean removal. This prevents accumulation of digital 'junk' that can slow down a Mac over time.

Orphaned File Detection

Beyond active uninstallations, PearCleaner can scan for and identify 'orphaned' files—remnants left over from applications that were previously uninstalled incompletely. This feature helps reclaim significant disk space from forgotten data, ensuring long-term system health and preventing obscure files from lingering indefinitely on your drive.

App Lipo Processing (Architecture Stripping)

For universal applications supporting both Intel (x86_64) and Apple Silicon (ARM64) architectures, PearCleaner can strip out the unneeded binaries based on your Mac's processor. This allows users to reduce app size significantly, optimizing storage without requiring Xcode or command-line tools, which is particularly beneficial for those with limited SSD space.

Launch Agent/Daemon Management

PearCleaner provides a dedicated view to manage Launch Agents and Daemons, which are background processes that can launch at startup or on demand. Users can easily inspect, enable, or disable these items, gaining better control over their Mac's startup performance and resource utilization, and identifying potentially unwanted background tasks.

Integrated Homebrew Manager

A standout feature, PearCleaner integrates a graphical interface for Homebrew, allowing users to search, install, update, and uninstall casks and formulae directly from the app. It also includes Homebrew maintenance tools like `brew doctor` and cache clearing, simplifying package management for developers and power users.

Sentinel Monitor (Trash Watcher)

The optional Sentinel Monitor runs in the background with minimal resource usage (around 2MB RAM), automatically detecting when an application is moved to the Trash. It then proactively prompts the user to remove associated leftover files, ensuring a clean system even with manual deletion habits.

Undo Manager for Deletion

PearCleaner includes a robust Undo Manager, ensuring that virtually all deleted files (except those managed by Homebrew) are first moved to the Trash. This allows users to easily restore items if they accidentally remove something important, providing a crucial safety net for system cleaning operations.

Who Should Use Pearcleaner?

1The Dedicated Developer

A macOS developer frequently installs and uninstalls various SDKs, command-line tools, and testing applications, often via Homebrew. They use PearCleaner to manage their Homebrew installations graphically, prune unused development caches and temporary files, and ensure that when they discard a project's associated tools, no lingering data clutters their system. The App Lipo processing also helps them slim down universal apps for specific testing environments.

2The Storage-Conscious Creative

A graphic designer or video editor constantly battles limited storage space on their Mac, especially with large application files and project assets. After finishing a major project, they use PearCleaner to fully uninstall outdated software, remove redundant language packs from their creative suite, and clean up orphaned files left by previously deleted applications. The visual interface helps them quickly identify and reclaim significant gigabytes of precious SSD space.

3The Privacy-Minded Power User

A power user prioritizes system transparency and privacy, actively monitoring what runs on their Mac and what data is stored. They appreciate PearCleaner's open-source nature, allowing them to verify its operations. They utilize its Launch Agent/Daemon management to scrutinize background processes and the Sentinel Monitor to ensure that every app they discard leaves no digital trace, aligning with their rigorous data hygiene standards.

How to Install PearCleaner on Mac

Installing PearCleaner on your Mac is a straightforward process, particularly recommended via Homebrew for seamless updates and management. Alternatively, you can download the application directly from its GitHub releases page for a manual setup.

Install Homebrew (if not already present)

Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities) and paste the following command, then press Enter: `/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"` Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the Homebrew installation.

Install PearCleaner via Homebrew Cask

Once Homebrew is installed, return to Terminal and execute: `brew install --cask pearcleaner`. This command downloads and installs the latest stable version of PearCleaner, integrating it into your system efficiently.

Grant Necessary Permissions

Upon first launch, PearCleaner will prompt you to grant 'Full Disk Access' and potentially 'Accessibility' permissions in System Settings. These are crucial for the app to properly scan system files and perform uninstallation actions safely. Follow the on-screen instructions to enable them.

Launch PearCleaner

After granting permissions, you can launch PearCleaner from your Applications folder. You'll be presented with its intuitive interface, ready to start cleaning your Mac.

Pro Tips

• Keep PearCleaner updated regularly using `brew upgrade --cask pearcleaner` in Terminal for the latest features and bug fixes.
• Consider enabling the optional Sentinel Monitor in PearCleaner's settings for automatic detection of apps moved to Trash.
• Explore the theme system in settings to customize PearCleaner's appearance to your preference.

Configuration Tips

Adjust Search Sensitivity Carefully

PearCleaner offers different search sensitivity settings (Strict, Deep, Enhanced) for finding associated files. While 'Strict' is generally safe, 'Deep' and 'Enhanced' can be overly aggressive and may flag files unrelated to the app being uninstalled. For critical system files or when in doubt, always review the proposed deletions with a fine-tooth comb or stick to the 'Strict' setting to avoid accidental removal of important data.

Leverage the Homebrew Integration

If you use Homebrew, delve into PearCleaner's integrated Homebrew manager. You can monitor installed casks and formulae, identify outdated packages, perform `brew doctor` checks, and clear Homebrew's cache directly from PearCleaner's interface. This centralizes your Homebrew workflow and simplifies routine maintenance tasks, ensuring your development environment stays tidy.

Utilize the Undo Manager Post-Deletion

PearCleaner's robust Undo Manager is a critical safety feature. After performing any deletion, remember that the files are moved to the Trash, not permanently erased. If you suspect an accidental deletion or wish to restore something, navigate to the Trash. PearCleaner also maintains a deletion history accessible via the Menubar > Edit, allowing you to track and potentially undo up to 10 previous delete actions as long as the items are in the Trash.

Alternatives to Pearcleaner

While PearCleaner offers a compelling free and open-source solution, several other tools exist for Mac uninstallation and system cleaning, each with its own strengths.

AppCleaner by FreeMacSoft

AppCleaner is renowned for its extreme simplicity and effectiveness in removing application files. It features a straightforward drag-and-drop interface and a 'SmartDelete' option that automatically detects apps moved to the Trash. Unlike PearCleaner, it's more focused on core uninstallation without advanced features like Homebrew management or architecture stripping. It's often preferred by users who want a no-frills, 'set-and-forget' uninstaller that prioritizes ease of use over deeper system insights.

CleanMyMac X

CleanMyMac X is a comprehensive, paid macOS utility suite offering a broad range of features beyond uninstallation, including system junk cleaning, malware removal, performance optimization, and large file finders. While it offers more robust 'all-in-one' capabilities and a polished UI, it comes with a subscription cost. PearCleaner is a better choice for users specifically seeking a free, transparent uninstaller and system cleaner, rather than a full system maintenance suite.

BuhoCleaner

BuhoCleaner is another paid alternative that provides a good balance of features, including app uninstallation, disk space analysis, and system junk cleaning. It often finds a good amount of residual files and offers decent performance. However, like CleanMyMac, it's a commercial product. PearCleaner remains the preferred option for users who require thorough cleaning and advanced features (like Homebrew integration) without monetary investment, while still valuing deep system insight and transparency.

Pricing

Free, Open-Source

PearCleaner operates under a free, source-available, and fair-code licensed model, making it completely free for personal use with no hidden costs, subscriptions, or 'pro' tiers. Its open-source nature means that the entire codebase is publicly accessible on GitHub, allowing anyone to inspect its workings, contribute to its development, or simply rest assured about its privacy practices. This transparency is a significant advantage over many commercial alternatives that often bundle unwanted features or employ opaque cleanup algorithms. The developer's commitment to providing a powerful utility without monetization makes PearCleaner a standout choice for budget-conscious and privacy-aware Mac users in 2026.

Pros

✓Completely free and open-source, offering full transparency and no hidden costs or subscriptions.
✓Thoroughly removes applications and their residual files, surpassing basic drag-to-Trash methods.
✓Includes an intelligent Undo Manager that moves deleted files to Trash, allowing for easy recovery.
✓Features like App Lipo processing and translation file pruning optimize storage on modern Apple Silicon Macs.
✓Integrates a robust Homebrew manager for streamlined package and app management, a boon for developers.
✓Lightweight with a small app size and minimal background resource usage (Sentinel monitor uses <=5MB RAM).
✓Offers useful features like orphaned file detection, Launch Agent/Daemon management, and a Finder extension.
✓Actively developed with frequent updates and a responsive developer, ensuring compatibility and new features for macOS in 2026.

Cons

✗Lacks bulk app removal, requiring user input for each application uninstallation, which can be time-consuming for many apps.
✗Aggressive search sensitivity settings (Deep or Enhanced) can sometimes flag unrelated files, requiring careful manual review.
✗Initial setup requires granting Full Disk Access and Accessibility permissions, which some users might find daunting.
✗While the UI is modern, some early user feedback indicated it might not be as intuitive as older, simpler alternatives like AppCleaner for basic tasks.
✗As an open-source project, direct, immediate customer support is not typically offered, relying on community and GitHub issues for help.

Community & Support

As an open-source project, PearCleaner's community revolves primarily around its GitHub repository, maintained by alienator88 (Alin Lupascu). This is the central hub for source code, issue tracking, and feature requests. Users can report bugs, suggest enhancements, and even contribute code via pull requests, fostering a collaborative development environment. The developer is active in reviewing contributions and addressing issues, demonstrating a strong commitment to the project's evolution. While there isn't a traditional 'customer support' team, the GitHub platform serves as an effective support channel. Documentation, including a comprehensive README, is available on GitHub and SourceForge, detailing features and usage, empowering users to self-help and engage with the developer directly.

Video Tutorials

Getting Started with Pearcleaner

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Don’t uninstall Mac Applications the WRONG way! #macos #macvspc #appletips #tutorials

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How to Uninstall Pearcleaner for macOS Completely

Mac Uninstall • 315 views

Frequently Asked Questions about Pearcleaner

Yes, PearCleaner is widely considered safe for macOS systems. Its open-source nature means that its code is publicly auditable, allowing security-conscious users to inspect its operations and verify that it doesn't contain malicious code or engage in shady data practices. Furthermore, PearCleaner prioritizes safety by moving deleted files to the Trash rather than permanently erasing them immediately. This Undo Manager functionality provides a crucial safety net, allowing users to easily recover any files that might have been accidentally removed. While aggressive search settings (Deep or Enhanced) require careful review of selected files, the application's default behavior and transparency make it a trustworthy option for system cleaning.

Our Verdict

4.6/5

Best for:Developers using Homebrew for package managementPrivacy-conscious users seeking transparent cleaning toolsPower users who demand deep control over system filesUsers on Apple Silicon Macs optimizing storageAnyone seeking a comprehensive, free uninstaller

About the Author

Jordan Kim

Productivity & Workflow Analyst

Productivity ApplicationsNote-Taking & Knowledge ManagementTask & Project Management

8+ years in operations management · PMP certified

Related Technologies & Concepts

PearCleanermacOSApple SiliconHomebrewAppCleaneralienator88Open-SourceSystem Utilities

Sources & References

Fact-Checked

Last verified: Feb 15, 2026

Key Verified Facts

PearCleaner is available for macOS with Homebrew installation support[cite-1]
PearCleaner supports Apple Silicon Macs natively[cite-10]

1
macked.app
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
2
github.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
3
macupdate.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
4
github.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
5
xda-developers.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
6
medium.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
7
softpedia.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
8
drbuho.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
9
macsales.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
10
tenorshare.com
Accessed Feb 15, 2026

Research queries: PearCleaner Mac app; PearCleaner GitHub; PearCleaner review; PearCleaner features; PearCleaner installation brew

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