Guide to Cleaning and Organizing Your Mac

With prolonged use of devices like the Mac, it is common for clutter and unnecessary files to accumulate. While the option of acquiring a new computer is appealing, improving the performance of the one you already have can be more economical. To make a computer feel almost like new, some useful tips and applications have been gathered to facilitate the maintenance of a more organized environment. Since 2021, these methods have been helpful in keeping my 2018 MacBook Air in optimal condition.

How to Clean the Screen and Body of Your Mac

There are numerous products designed for cleaning computers, but the most effective method is often the simplest. It is recommended to use water in a spray bottle along with a clean microfiber cloth. If possible, opt for distilled water to avoid residue on the screen, although regular water will also work. This last option is usually more accessible than cleaning products. For those who do not have microfiber cloths, economical packs are available online.

An item that makes the process easier is the Giottos Rocket Blower, which allows you to remove dust without the need for expensive aerosols. When cleaning, it’s crucial to start with a clean cloth. Turn off and unplug your Mac, use the blower or a dry cloth to remove dust. Then, dampen a part of the cloth and avoid spraying liquid directly on the computer to prevent moisture risks inside it. It is advisable to always clean the screen first to avoid transferring dirt. Finally, use the dry part of the cloth to gently polish.

Organizing the Hard Drive

One of the biggest challenges in cleaning the hard drive is knowing where to start, as many of us may have applications that we don't remember installing. In macOS, there is a tool to help with this task.

Go to System Settings > General > Storage, where you’ll see a breakdown of your space into categories such as "Applications," "Documents," "Music," "Photos," etc. By selecting a category, you can see the last time you used an application and how much space it occupies. From this window, you can also delete unwanted applications. The Applications area is particularly useful, as it will help you identify outdated or incompatible programs.

It is advisable to use programs like AppCleaner to ensure that you delete all associated files when uninstalling an application. Next, in the Documents section, you’ll find various files, including DMGs of applications you no longer need. If you've used an iPhone, it's also likely that you have old backups that you can delete.

Tips for Keeping a Tidy Desktop and Finder

Let's start with the menu bar. Although it is not part of the desktop, keeping it organized can make everything look cleaner. A recommended application is Bartender, which hides unwanted elements behind an icon. Additionally, it allows for high customization, such as making specific icons appear or disappear depending on their usage.

Also, check the items that start automatically when you turn on your Mac through System Settings > General > Login Items. Reducing this list will help make the startup faster. As for the desktop, it is advisable to keep it as clear as possible; folders can be useful, but we often use the desktop as a quick access point to important files.

Utilize your Mac's tagging capabilities to organize files. Open the Finder Settings menu (Command + ,) and select the Tags tab. You can create custom tags that will be displayed in the Finder sidebar and are easily searchable. For example, tagging work files as "Important" will make them easier to locate.

A tool that can greatly enhance the Finder experience is Alfred, an advanced version of Apple’s Spotlight feature, which allows for quick searching of applications and files.

Organizing Windows and Tabs

Compared to Windows 10, macOS lacks advanced window management features. You can use the green full-screen button, but its use is limited. One solution is to download applications that replicate the window snapping function of Windows. Programs like Magnet, Rectangle, or BetterSnapTool allow for more flexible window arrangements and offer shortcut support, making work in the system easier.