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How Can I Clean Up My Macbook Air

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How to Clean Mac Hard Drive Manually. You've probably heard 'Remove your cache' as a web browser troubleshooting tip. In fact, your Mac stores a lot of information in. Uninstall apps you don't use. Clean out useless duplicates. Empty the trash. If you want to avoid repairs and keep your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro looking clean and tidy, here are some useful products that will help you out! Note: Before using any cleaning product on your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro, make sure you have powered down the laptop. Wipe it down: Microfiber cloths 12-pack. You can mitigate this problem by saving files to a cloud storage platform or an external hard drive, but you might find those options either impractical or cumbersome. In that case, you are going to need to clean the full startup disk on your MacBook Air by deleting some of the files that you aren't using, or don't need. Here's 5 ways to speed up your Mac. Free up storage space. Sometimes, all your MacBook needs is a data cleanup. The more crowded its SSD becomes, the slower it will run. Perform some First Aid. Find out which apps are resource hogs. Reduce login items. Keep current with MacOS. Use compressed air to clean around the keys on the keyboard and in the vents. For MacBooks ®, use short bursts of air to clean the vents without harming the fans on the inside. Find out more about how to dust your computer.

  1. Clean Macbook Air Virus
  2. Clean Up Macbook Air Memory
  3. How Can I Clean Up My Macbook Air
  4. How Can I Clean Up My Macbook Air Screen
  5. How Can I Clean Up My Macbook Air

The full startup disk error on the MacBook Air is something that you will probably encounter at some point as someone that owns or works with this laptop. The 128 and 256 GB versions of the Air are really easy to max out, and a full hard drive on my MacBook Air is something that I have been living with since only a short while after I started using one.

You can mitigate this problem by saving files to a cloud storage platform or an external hard drive, but you might find those options either impractical or cumbersome. In that case, you are going to need to clean the full startup disk on your MacBook Air by deleting some of the files that you aren't using, or don't need.

What is the Startup Disk on a MacBook Air?

The best way to understand the problem that you are having is to identify the actual issue. The startup disk on your MacBook Air is the hard drive that is storing all of your operating system files. Unless you have made some changes to your computer, this should be the hard drive that was in the laptop when you first bought it. Unless you have created additional disk partitions on your MacBook (this is fairly uncommon, and you would probably know if you had done it), then your startup disk is basically your hard drive.

You can view the current startup disk usage on your laptop by clicking the Apple icon at the top-left of the screen, clicking the About this Mac option, then clicking the Storage tab. This displays a breakdown of the storage usage on the computer.

You will note that there is a Manage option next to your hard drive on that screen. If you click that you will see another screen with some options for ways to clear space on the startup disk.

How Did My Startup Disk Get Full?

All of the files and programs that you use are saved to the startup disk. This changed a little bit in macOS Sierra if you have an iCloud account where you are able to save files on your desktop and documents folder, but basically any application, picture, song, or video is stored on your startup disk.

MacBook Airs typically have a small amount of storage space so, if you use it as your primary computer and aren't using an external hard drive or cloud storage, then it is completely realistic that you could have a full startup disk just through normal usage. The smaller your hard drive, the more likely it is for you to get the 'Your startup disk is almost full' message that likely led you to this page.

How Do I Fix a Full Startup Disk on My MacBook Air?

If you are almost out of room on your startup disk, then you need to start deleting stuff. The exact way to do this is going to vary from person to person, as not everyone has the same files, can delete the same stuff, or needs to free up the same amount of space.

Some common areas to look include:

  • Your trash can. Click here to see how to empty trash in macOS Sierra.
  • Desktop
  • Documents folder
  • Old apps
  • Browser cache
  • Old pictures, videos, songs, etc.

The exact files to delete are going to vary, so you will need to manually move the files to your trash, then complete the steps in the linked article to empty that trash.

Is There a Better Way to Clean the Startup Disk on a MacBook Air?

Cleaning the areas of your hard drive described above can take a while, especially if your hard drive is nearing capacity and you don't have 5 GB movie files that you can delete to quickly reclaim some of that space.

My favorite, and by far the easiest, way to fix a full startup disk on a Mac is with a program called CleanMyMac. You download it to your computer, run it, then it determines how much space you can free up by deleting files that you don't need, and which are taking up a lot of your storage space.

We have written a step-by-step guide previously on how to delete junk files from your MacBook Air, but, basically, it can be broken down like this:

  1. Download CleanMyMac.
  2. Click the Scan button and wait for the program to scan your startup disk.
  3. Uncheck any of the areas where you don't want to delete files.
  4. Click the Clean button.

The amount of space that you will free up on your startup disk will vary depending upon what CleanMyMac finds and what you choose to delete, but it is very likely that you will get multiple GB of space back just from deleting iTunes files and system files. For example, the first time that I did it, I was able to free up about 7 GB of space from my startup disk without deleting anything of actual importance.

Find out more about CleanMyMac or download it from MacPaw's website if you want to see if it is the right solution for fixing your startup disk problems.

Note that CleanMyMac also has a number of additional utilities included that can help you delete programs, perform maintenance, deal with privacy issues, securely delete files, and more. It's a really useful tool that can help you solve a lot of the problems you might currently be experiencing with your MacBook Air.

The makers of CleanMyMac also have another program called Gemini that you can use to remove duplicate files from your Mac, too. The combination of these programs can really help you to keep your Mac clean, and you get a 30% discount on Gemini if you already have CleanMyMac. You can check out the CleanMyMac and Gemini bundle here.

Disclaimer: Most of the pages on the internet include affiliate links, including some on this site.

Apple products are made with a variety of materials, and each material might have specific cleaning requirements. To get started, here are some tips that apply to all products:

  • Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, or similar items.
  • Avoid excessive wiping, which might cause damage.
  • Unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables.
  • Keep liquids away from the product, unless otherwise noted for specific products.
  • Don't get moisture into any openings.
  • Don't use aerosol sprays, bleaches, or abrasives.
  • Don't spray cleaners directly onto the item.

Is it OK to use a disinfectant on my Apple product?
Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the hard, nonporous surfaces of your Apple product, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces. Don't use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any opening, and don't submerge your Apple product in any cleaning agents. Don't use on fabric or leather surfaces.

If liquid makes its way inside your Apple product, get help from an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store as soon as possible. Liquid damage isn't covered under the Apple product warranty or AppleCare Protection Plans, but you may have rights under consumer law. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store, make a reservation at the Genius Bar (available only in some countries and regions).

For more detailed instructions, select your Apple product:

Notebook computers

Learn how to clean your Mac notebook computer.

MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air

When cleaning the outside of your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air, first shut down your computer and unplug the power adapter. Then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computer's exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray liquid directly on the computer. Don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish.

To clean the screen on your MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air, first shut down the computer and unplug the power adapter. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with water only, then use it to clean the computer's screen.

MacBook Pro models from 2016 and later with Touch Bar and Touch ID: Clean the Touch Bar and Touch ID (power button) on these computers the same way you would clean the display. Shut down your Mac and unplug the power adapter. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with water only, then use it to clean the Touch Bar and Touch ID.

MacBook (13-inch, Late 2009) and MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2010): The bottom case of these computers uses a soft nonslip material. Use a 3M Gray Microfiber or soft dye-free, lint-free cloth to clean the bottom case.

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Desktop computers

Learn how to clean your Mac desktop computer.

Mac Pro, Mac mini, and iMac

If your iMac has nano-texture glass, learn how to clean the nano-texture glass on your Apple display.

First, shut down your Mac and unplug the power cord along with other connected devices. Then use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computer's exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Don't spray liquid directly on the computer. Don't use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide that might damage the finish.

To clean the display on your iMac, dampen the cloth that came with your iMac—or another clean, soft, lint-free cloth—with water only, and then wipe the screen.

How Can I Clean Up My Macbook Air

Don't clean the screen of your iMac with a cleaner containing acetone. Use a cleaner intended for use with a screen or display. Never spray cleaner directly on the screen. It might drip inside the display and cause damage.

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Displays

If your Apple Pro Display XDR has nano-texture glass, learn how to clean the nano-texture glass on your Apple display. The following guidelines are for cleaning the Apple Thunderbolt Display and previous Apple displays.

First, disconnect the display from power, from its connection to a computer, and from any external devices. Autocad compatible software. Then use the cloth that came with your display or another soft, dry cloth to wipe dust from the screen.

Clean Macbook Air Virus

If additional cleaning of the display panel or case is required, use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean the display.

Don't clean the screen of your display with a cleaner containing acetone. Use a cleaner intended for use with a screen or display. Never spray cleaner directly on the screen. It might drip inside the display and cause damage.

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Peripherals

Apple wireless or USB keyboards, mice, and trackpads

First, power off the device. If your device uses removable batteries, remove the batteries. (If your device is wired, simply unplug it from your computer.)

Clean Up Macbook Air Memory

Next, clean the outside of your device with a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with water. Don't get moisture in any openings or use aerosol sprays, solvents, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide.

If your Magic Mouse or Magic Mouse 2 isn't tracking properly, there might be a hair or other debris on the sensor lens. Turn the mouse over and inspect the sensor window using a bright light. If you see debris, use compressed air to gently clean the sensor window.

iPhone cases

iPhone case—silicone

To clean your silicone iPhone case, remove your iPhone from the case. Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe the outside and the inside of the iPhone case. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean the iPhone case.

iPhone case—leather

The leather iPhone case is made from natural leather. Its appearance will change as you use it. It might acquire a patina and might change color due to the oils from your skin and direct sunlight, further enhancing the natural look.

Cleaning the leather iPhone case might affect its color. If you choose to clean this case, first remove it from your iPhone. Use a clean cloth with warm water and mild hand soap to gently clean the iPhone case. You can also use a mild cleaner along with a dry clean cloth. Leather cleaners and conditioners can change the color of leather.

Keep your iPhone case away from prolonged intense sunlight, heat, and humidity. Exposure to water, oil, makeup, and dyed materials (such as denim) can stain tanned leathers.

iPhone case—clear

To clean your clear iPhone case, remove your iPhone from the case. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the outside and inside of the case. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean the case.

iPhone Smart Battery Case

To clean your Smart Battery Case, remove your iPhone from the case. Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe the outside of the case. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean the case.

How Can I Clean Up My Macbook Air

When cleaning the internal Lightning connector, use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth, and don't use liquids or cleaning products.

Learn how to clean your iPhone.

iPhone MagSafe accessories

MagSafe Charger contains magnets that might attract debris during everyday use. Brush off any debris from the metal ring before cleaning this accessory.

Unplug your MagSafe Charger from power. Then use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe the silicone middle of the charging area. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean MagSafe Charger.

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iPad accessories

Apple Pencil

To clean your Apple Pencil, use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. With the damp cloth, wipe your Apple Pencil from the tip end—but not the tip itself—toward the other end of your Apple Pencil. Don't allow moisture to get inside the seam between the tip and the body of your Apple Pencil.

iPad Smart Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, Smart Cover, and Smart Case—polyurethane

To clean your polyurethane Smart Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, Smart Cover, or Smart Case, first remove it from the iPad. Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Wipe the front and the inside with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean this product.

iPad Smart Cover and Smart Case—leather

The iPad leather cover/case is made from natural leather. Its appearance will change as you use it. It might acquire a patina and might change color due to the oils from your skin and direct sunlight, further enhancing the natural look.

How Can I Clean Up My Macbook Air Screen

Cleaning the leather might affect its color. If you choose to clean the leather, first remove the cover/case from your iPad. Use a clean cloth with warm water and mild hand soap to gently clean the leather. Wipe the outside and the inside with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dirt. You can also use a mild cleaner along with a dry clean cloth. Mild cleaners or conditioners might help remove some stains but might also change the color of the leather.

Keep your iPad leather cover/case away from prolonged intense sunlight, heat, and humidity. Exposure to water, oil, makeup, and dyed materials (such as denim) can stain tanned leathers.

iPad Silicone Case

To clean your iPad Silicone Case, remove your iPad from the case. Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe the outside and the inside of the case. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean the iPad case.

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iPad

Handle your iPad with care to maintain its appearance. If you're concerned about scratching or abrasion, you can use one of the many cases sold separately. To clean iPad, unplug all cables and turn off iPad (press and hold the Sleep/Wake button, and then slide the onscreen slider). Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean iPad. iPad has an oleophobic coating on the screen; simply wipe iPad's screen with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oil left by your hands. The ability of this coating to repel oil will diminish over time with normal usage, and rubbing the screen with an abrasive material will further diminish its effect and might scratch your screen.

How Can I Clean Up My Macbook Air

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iPod

iPod touch

To clean iPod touch, unplug all cables and turn off iPod touch (press and hold the Sleep/Wake button, and then slide the onscreen slider). Then use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean iPod touch.

iPod classic

To clean iPod classic, unplug all cables, turn iPod classic off, and slide the Hold switch to HOLD. Then use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean iPod classic.

iPod nano

To clean iPod nano, unplug all cables, turn iPod nano off, and slide the Hold switch to HOLD. Then use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean iPod nano.

On iPod nano 6th generation, which has no hold switch, you need to press only the Sleep/Wake button to turn the device off before cleaning.

iPod shuffle

To clean iPod shuffle, unplug all cables, turn it off (slide the switch to OFF), and use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean iPod shuffle.

iPod mini

To clean iPod mini, unplug all cables, turn iPod mini off, and slide the Hold switch to HOLD. Then use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don't use window cleaners, household cleaners, compressed air, aerosol sprays, solvents, ammonia, abrasives, or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide to clean iPod mini.

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Learn more

  • Learn how to disinfect the Apple internal or external keyboard, trackpad, and mouse.
  • For more information on cleaning, handling, and working with your Apple Product, please refer to the User Guide that came with your product or download a copy.




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