Install puremac with Homebrew Cask

Project links

• Homepage
• Package manager page

Commands and aliases

No executable aliases were found in the local package database.

Project history

PureMac was created as a native SwiftUI macOS cleaner and application uninstaller under the MIT license. Its stated design is a transparent, no-subscription and zero-telemetry alternative to commercial cleanup utilities.

The project expanded beyond basic cache cleaning to include orphan discovery, application-related-file matching, scheduled cleaning, developer-tool cache scanners, and guarded Full Disk Access workflows.

Adoption history

PureMac is distributed through signed and notarized release artifacts and Homebrew Cask. Its official repository reports substantial GitHub interest and outside contributions, although the project remains focused exclusively on macOS.

The project presents itself as a free alternative to subscription-based Mac cleaners, emphasizing inspectable source, recoverable deletion, and the absence of telemetry or accounts.

How it is used

Users scan applications and related files, identify orphaned support data, inspect cleanup categories, and move selected items to the Trash. Optional scheduled cleaning and specialized scanners cover Xcode, Homebrew, Node, Docker, AI applications, caches, logs, and large files.

Full Disk Access is recommended for protected Mail, Safari, container, and related locations; without it, the official README warns that scans and uninstalls cannot see much of the relevant data.

Why package nerds care

PureMac is relevant to package-manager users because its cleaners explicitly understand developer caches from Homebrew, Xcode, Node package managers, Docker, Ollama, and other development tools.

Its application uninstaller also searches for associated preferences, containers, caches, logs, and launch agents. The project stresses that removal goes to the Trash instead of permanently unlinking files, an important distinction for a tool operating across package and application state.

Timeline

• 2026: PureMac was available as a signed, notarized macOS application and Homebrew cask with application uninstalling, orphan discovery, and developer-cache cleaning.

Related projects

• The official comparison discusses CleanMyMac, Pearcleaner, Mole, and OnyX as alternatives in the macOS maintenance category.
• PureMac includes dedicated cleanup awareness for Homebrew, Xcode, npm, Yarn, pnpm, Docker, Ollama, and LM Studio data.

Sources

• https://github.com/momenbasel/PureMac
• source_facts.provenance