deleting leftover apps

[shany]

Hey guys, usually keep my my mac very clean knowing every app i own but recently i found apps i downloaded when i was new to apple and also uninstalled these apps.

Is there an app that can delete all leftover files?

 

[stereoscopic]

Best is to manually delete them.

 

[chas_m]

I disagree with the advice given above.

Clean My Mac 2 -- not recommended, known to cause problems.

We recommend App Cleaner (free) if you feel the need (not usually necessary) to delete all associated files with an uninstalled app.

In MOST cases (ie any app that doesn't alter the system in any way), you can simply drag the app to the trash and that's it. The 4K preference file that might be left behind isn't worth the bother. But in some cases, or for different reasons, people like to have the app be completely uninstalled (this is, I think, a leftover issue from Windows users but whatever). That's when apps like App Cleaner and App Zapper also delete the associated files, but the trick to using them is NOT to trash/delete the original app first. Drag the no-longer-desired app to App Cleaner or App Zapper instead of the trash, and it will find the associated files.

 

[cradom]

^^^ Huh?
Also note AppCleaner has a background process that will do that whenever you drag an app to the trash.
A little window pops up with a list of files to delete, you can uncheck ones you want to keep.

 

[vansmith]

Also note AppCleaner has a background process that will do that whenever you drag an app to the trash.

This is a fantastic feature that really ought to be on by default. shany, if you decide to use it, go to App Cleaner > Preferences > SmartDelete and turn it on.

 

[shany]

Thanks for replies guys but i bought an app called APPDELETE and it was brilliant.
The maker Reggie Ashworth gives excellent support.
I managed to delete files known as orphans that i totally forgotten i had downloaded.
best app i have bought

 

[pine man]

Not wishing to high jack this topic but I have downloaded AppCleaner. It does not appear to have to be installed and sits on the desktop. Is that correct? Can I put it in the dock rather than have it ion the desktop?

Edit OK now I fixed it

 

[toMACsh]

Best is to manually delete them.

I agree, based on advice found here:
Best way to FULLY DELETE a program? - MacRumors Forums