Week 1 of month: Storage cleanup (10 min)
Empty Trash. Empty Downloads folder. Move keeper files to proper folders, delete the rest.
Apple menu → About This Mac → More Info → Storage. Aim for 20%+ free space.
If full: macOS recommendation engine suggests files. Or use DaisyDisk (PKR 2,800) for visual storage map.
Common culprits: video editing temp files, downloaded movies, browser cache, old iPhone backups in /Library/Application Support/MobileSync.
Week 2 of month: App review (5 min)
System Settings → Storage → review installed apps. Delete anything not used in past 30 days.
App library check: Launchpad → swipe through pages. Any app you don't recognise = uninstall.
Login items: System Settings → General → Login Items. Disable startup apps you don't need.
Background items: same panel. Review and disable rarely-used background services.
Week 3 of month: Software update + security (5 min)
System Settings → General → Software Update → install pending.
App Store → Updates tab → update all pending app updates.
Check enabled FileVault status. Check Find My Mac enabled.
Review privacy permissions: System Settings → Privacy & Security. Revoke unnecessary access.
Week 4 of month: Physical clean (10 min)
Power off Mac. Disconnect cables.
Wipe screen: slightly damp microfiber cloth. Water or 70% isopropyl on tough marks.
Wipe keyboard + palm rest: same microfiber. Avoid pressing keys hard.
Compressed air at vents + ports + between keys. Hold Mac at 75° angle for keyboard, blow side-to-side.
Wipe bottom case + body with microfiber.
Reconnect, power on.
Quarterly: deeper maintenance (every 3 months)
Check battery health: System Information → Battery → Cycle Count + Maximum Capacity. Trends downward over time normal; sudden drops = check with workshop.
Run Apple Diagnostics: Apple Silicon hold power → Options → press D. Intel boot holding D. Check for any hardware error codes.
Time Machine + iCloud verification: confirm backups are current. Open Time Machine → check last backup time.
Annual maintenance (once a year)
Thermal paste replacement (Macs 3+ years old): PKR 6k–10k workshop service. Significantly improves sustained performance.
Internal cleaning + dust removal (Pakistani climate): PKR 5k–10k. Reduces fan noise + thermal throttling.
Battery health check + replacement if needed: PKR 18k–48k depending on model.
Backup audit: verify Time Machine + iCloud both working. Do a test restore on a sample file.
Red flags during routine — call workshop
Sudden battery health drops (under 80% with cycle count under 500).
Fan grinding noise (bearing failure imminent).
Unexplained performance drops despite cleanup.
Random reboots or kernel panics increasing in frequency.
Physical damage spotted (swollen battery — trackpad raised, dent at port).