How to find and delete all node_modules folders on a Mac
Last updated June 14, 2026
node_modules folders are fully rebuildable from package.json, so deleting them is safe — a reinstall restores them. Find them with `find . -name node_modules -type d -prune`, and delete only stale ones (untouched 90+ days) to avoid breaking active projects. Tokki Clean does this as a GUI, sizing each before you trash it.
Find them, then delete safely
List first so you see what you're about to remove; -prune stops it from descending into nested copies:
Find (and size)
Delete only stale (90+ days)
Safe to delete
**/node_modulesRebuildable from package.json via `npm/pnpm/yarn install`. Prefer deleting stale (90+ day) ones.
Do it in one click
Tokki Clean finds node_modules for you, sizes it, shows an itemized preview, and sends removals to the Trash — free, native, nothing leaves your Mac.
Download free for macOSApple silicon · macOS 12+ · no account
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to delete node_modules?
Yes — it's generated from package.json. Run your package manager's install command to recreate it whenever you next work on the project.
How do I delete all node_modules folders at once?
From a parent directory: `find . -name node_modules -type d -prune -exec rm -rf {} +`. Add `-mtime +90` to limit it to stale projects.