Clean Docker Cache On Mac Safely
Docker can recover a lot of space, but the risky part is volumes. Treat cache, images, containers, and volumes as different cleanup decisions.
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Start With Docker's Own Report
docker system df
docker builder duLook for the reclaimable column. It is more useful than total size because it separates active data from likely-unused data.
Usually Safer
- Build cache from old builds.
- Unused images that can be pulled or rebuilt again.
- Stopped containers you no longer need.
Review First
- Local volumes, especially databases, queues, object stores, and test fixtures.
- `Docker.raw`, which is Docker Desktop's disk image, not a simple cache file.
- Project-specific containers used by active work.
Safer Cleanup Order
- Run `docker system df` and save the output.
- Clean build cache first if it is clearly reclaimable.
- Remove unused images after checking active projects.
- Review volumes manually before pruning them.
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