Cleaning the cache in a MacBook Pro 2011

They are attended to automatically by the operating system. You would only need to clear a particular cache if it was corrupted and causing machine crashes. Before anyone can give you a reasonable answer you would need to tell us what caches you wish to clear and why.

Given my reply did not solve your problem, what more information do you need that would solve your question?

Are you experiencing a particular problem? If so please describe what that is so I can try to answer the question better. Or do you simply want to clear some caches, but don't really need to?

I haven't a clue, I'm afraid. You may have been asked to reboot into Safe Mode then to reboot normally because certain system caches are removed when you boot into Safe Mode. If your computer is running slow that is not likely caused by a cache unless the cache is corrupted and the computer cannot update it properly. However, that sort of problem is more likely going to occur when you shut down the computer.

The only tool I would recommend for cache cleaning is Yosemite Cache Cleaner 9.0.7. If the computer is running slowly, then you may want to download EtreCheck 2.2, and generate a report. It may reveal where a problem exists such as low memory resources or a program using too much CPU time and slowing down the computer. Also, see the following:

Ways to help make a slow Mac faster

17 Reasons Why Your Mac Runs Slower Than it Should

Slow Mac Performance? This Article Solves It!

Fix slow start-ups in OS X | MacFixIt - CNET Reviews

6 Easy Tips to Speed Up OS X Yosemite on Your Mac

Avoid using any third-party software that claims to clean up your computer. Usually this software does more bad than good. Furthermore, you don't need it. Note that all computers will become slower over time even under normal use. Experienced users typically erase the hard drive and do a clean install from scratch at least once a year or whenever installing a major OS upgrade. Of course doing so also means you must maintain regular and multiple backups.

Add more RAM or cut back on the number of concurrently running applications and utilities. Remove unnecessary software such as anti-malware and software that promises to clean your Mac. Check for runaway processes: Runaway applications can shorten battery runtime, affect performance, and increase heat and fan acti… Also see:

Mavericks and later

Open Activity Monitor in the Utilities folder. Select All Processes from the View menu. Click on the CPU tab in the toolbar. Click twice on the %CPU column header to display in descending order. If you find a process using a large amount of %CPU, then select the process and click on the Quit icon in the toolbar. Click on the Force Quit button to kill the process. See if that helps. Be sure to note the name of the runaway process so you can track down the cause of the problem.