Pearcleaner
Pearcleaner is a macOS app uninstaller and cleanup utility that helps find apps and their related files for more complete removal.
What is Pearcleaner?
Pearcleaner is a macOS utility by Marius Lupascu for uninstalling apps and locating files that may remain after an app is removed. It is distributed as a source-available Mac app and is commonly compared to tools such as AppCleaner for users who want more visibility into what is deleted. The app can search for app-related support files, caches, preferences, plugins, and other leftovers, and it also includes extra tools such as orphaned file search, Homebrew management, and app update functions. Pearcleaner integrates with macOS in ways that may require Full Disk Access for broader file discovery, and some actions may use a privileged helper when system-level locations are involved. Users often encounter it when trying to reclaim storage, remove test apps, or clean up development tools more thoroughly than dragging an app to Trash would allow. The project has been publicly available through its publisher's site and GitHub repository, though active development has been described as on hold.
Key features
- Uninstalls apps and scans for related support files, caches, and preferences
- Searches for orphaned files that may no longer belong to installed apps
- Supports drag-and-drop app removal and command-line usage
- Includes a Finder extension for right-click uninstall actions
- Provides utility views for Homebrew, PKG files, plugins, and services
- Can monitor trashed apps and trigger cleanup workflows automatically
- Exports app bundles and discovered file lists for review before deletion
Review app leftovers with diCleaner
Inspect caches, support files, containers, and login items before cleaning.
Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
Pearcleaner is generally legitimate utility software, but it is a powerful cleanup tool that can remove app-related data and may request elevated permissions or Full Disk Access to inspect more locations. The main risk is accidental deletion of files you still need, especially if you remove shared components, developer tools, or app data without reviewing the results carefully.
Recommendation: Keep it if you intentionally use a third-party app uninstaller or cleanup utility on your Mac. If you do not use it, removing the app is usually reasonable, but review any helper components or remaining support files before deleting them.
Common paths
/Applications/Pearcleaner.app
Cache paths
~/Library/Caches/com.alienator88.Pearcleaner
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/Pearcleaner
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/com.alienator88.Pearcleaner.plist
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