The widely used, open-source macOS command-line interface (CLI) tool for deep cleaning, uninstalling, and optimising Mac systems has received a significant update with Mole. It enables users to safely remove large build caches, logs, and hidden application residues in place of pricey premium tools like CleanMyMac.
The update improves the removal of scan folders (/var/www), adds protection for still-in-use app data (like LM Studio and Raycast X), and fixes problems where Homebrew cleanup can unintentionally harm CLI tools.
Mole automatically releases window memory and reduces caching to minimise background resource utilisation if you leave it open or pinned to your menu bar.
Ad hoc cleanups are extremely transparent and risk-free because the analysis mode safely sends files to the Trash using Finder rather than completely erasing them.
Advanced Features of Mole:
Homebrew Safety:
Restores any executable links that the system may have unintentionally dropped by taking a snapshot of them before brew cleanup.
App Protection:
Prevents unintentional loss of critical files (such as Raycast X or legacy LM Studio files) by automatically preserving in-use program data.
Interactive Terminal Control:
Recovers your terminal session after cancellations and keeps interactive commands in the foreground to prevent sudo prompts from stalling.
Stabler UI & Analysis:
Produces a more fluid dry-run summary, removes section and spinner flickering, and clarifies specification headers.
Expanded Directory Scope:
While preserving the current depth and safety checks, the purge command now respects scan roots outside of your typical home directory (such as /var/www).