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Here's how you can quickly clean your device*

*in software terms, that is.

NO MATTER HOW much free space you have on your device, there will come a time where it will begin to slow down or become congested.

That’s a problem in itself, but mostly that’s because what you’re running takes up a lot of memory, either immediately or by saving data into your cache.

If you find your phone or device isn’t really performing as well as it should, then it might be worth taking a moment or two to remove some apps and services and clean up your cache.

PC

While there are a vast number of cleaning tools out there for Windows, few are as good or as reliable as CCleaner. Removing unused files from your computer as well as being a registry cleaner, it’s one of the most comprehensive versions out there and it’s free too (although there are paid versions should you need something a little extra).

CCleaner / YouTube

Mac

The options on Mac aren’t as comprehensive as the PC, but there is still a decent selection of apps out there for you to choose. One nice example is Disk App, a minimalist yet powerful cleaner which breaks everything up into pie charts for easy access.

Alternatively, you could go for something a little more comprehensive look at your disk usage. Services like OnyX or Disk Inventory X would serve you better.

screen-shot-2014-09-29-at-19-40-29-626x500 Thejournal Thejournal

iOS

In the case of your iPhone or iPad, you’re actually better off doing it manually. Doing this requires you to check your usage which is found by going to Settings > General > Usage > Manage Storage.

Here you will be presented with all the apps you have downloaded and tapping any of them will present you with a breakdown of how that storage is used (if applicable). Handy for freeing up a little bit of space if needed.

iPhone storage usage

Android

Much like PC, you have a few options to choose from but a good choice would be The Cleaner, which sets regular reminders to clean up your cache and free up storage. It also allows you to go a little bit deeper and highlight apps that have access to features like SMS, location and camera as well as uninstall unused apps.

Alternatively, CCleaner (which was mentioned earlier) has an Android app which brings a lot of the same elements as its desktop counterpart to the small screen.

The Cleaner The Cleaner / Google Play The Cleaner / Google Play / Google Play

Windows Phone

One of the best ways to clean your device is already on your phone in the form of Storage Sense. It gives an overview of your free space on both internal storage and your SD and allows you to micromanage your apps or sections, moving them to your SD card if required.

Windows Phone Storage Sense

Read: Apple’s €16 billion profit ‘the biggest in history’ >

Read: Here we go again? Microsoft Windows is starting to slide >

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10 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Somers
    Favourite Paul Somers
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    Jan 28th 2015, 12:18 PM

    The Cleaner – brilliant

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Uncle Mort
    Favourite Uncle Mort
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    Jan 28th 2015, 12:34 PM

    How much did it cost Paul?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Bravo
    Favourite Johnny Bravo
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    Jan 28th 2015, 12:52 PM

    If you have paid for it Paul maybe , the free ones actually con you and slow your computer down then tell you that you need the paid option , very convenient

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ursa Major
    Favourite Ursa Major
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    Jan 28th 2015, 1:10 PM

    CCleaner excellent. Used the free version on my Notebook. Great improvement

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thierry Ratt
    Favourite Thierry Ratt
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    Jan 28th 2015, 12:48 PM

    Frank why does app logs carry the mason logo

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fergal Reid
    Favourite Fergal Reid
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    Jan 28th 2015, 12:25 PM

    Fellow Answer Me This and Bugle fan? Excellent taste :D

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Harvey
    Favourite Paul Harvey
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    Jan 28th 2015, 1:31 PM

    CCleaner works on Mac too.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute r keane
    Favourite r keane
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    Jan 28th 2015, 1:14 PM

    If your sensible enough to have invested in a Mac then Gemini is an awesome tool. Majority of wasted space is duplicates, log files etc. run this baby and watch the GB return.
    Otherwise if your machines are slowing up buy upgrade ram on eBay even if your machine of/Mac says it has a limit, say 8gb, stick two 8gb units of the same size and it works. Same with converting to SSD drives. Much faster a a lot less waste. I did my 2011 MBP with 16gb ram & 500gb SSD for $350 and it’s faster than a new machine now for a 10th of the price of the equivalent spec 2015 unit

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tap Solny
    Favourite Tap Solny
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    Jan 28th 2015, 1:14 PM

    CleanMyMac2 is excellent.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Grimes
    Favourite Peter Grimes
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    Jan 28th 2015, 1:41 PM

    FG Tap
    Does it clean up some of your FG Cr,p comments you put on here.

    4
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