What Broom clears
- App caches from browsers, chat, music, video, design and office apps: 260+ apps and tools in all.
- Logs and crash reports that pile up over months.
- Developer junk: Xcode DerivedData, package manager caches, and build folders whose project is still next to them. See the developer cleanup page.
- Leftovers from apps you've already deleted.
- Editor workspace data for projects that no longer exist.
Safe to clear vs Worth a look
Cleanup splits what it finds in two. Safe to clear is data apps rebuild on their own, so Broom selects it for you. Worth a look is big stuff you might still want, like old iPhone backups, simulators, duplicates and files untouched for a year. Broom lists those and leaves the choice to you.
Git repositories and folders synced to iCloud are never put under Worth a look.
Built so mistakes cost a click
- Everything goes to the Trash. Deleting permanently is a setting you have to turn on.
- System files are off limits. Every path is checked before it moves; system folders and top-level folders like Documents and Desktop can't be removed.
- Put back. Broom records where each item came from. Activity keeps every cleanup with charts of what you reclaimed and a Put back button on each one.
- Nothing leaves your Mac. No account, no uploads, works offline after activation.
No scare tactics
Broom doesn't scan for viruses, "optimize" RAM or flash red warnings. It shows how much space each item takes and lets you decide. For the manual route, see how to clear cache on a Mac and the full free-up-space checklist.
Questions
Is it safe to use a Mac cleaner?
It depends on the cleaner. Broom only preselects caches that apps rebuild, never touches system files, and sends everything to the Trash with Put back, so a wrong choice is easy to undo.
Does macOS need a cleaner app?
macOS manages some caches itself, but it doesn't clear developer caches, old app leftovers or duplicates. A cleaner is worth it when you're short on space.
Will clearing caches delete my data?
No. Caches are copies apps can download or rebuild. You may see apps load slightly slower the first time after clearing them.
Is Broom a CleanMyMac alternative?
For freeing up disk space, yes. The Broom vs CleanMyMac comparison covers the differences.