How to Clean Cache in WordPress: A Quick Guide

If you own a WordPress website, you probably know how important it is to keep it running smoothly. One way to ensure that your website is running efficiently is by regularly clearing your cache. Cache is a temporary storage location for website data, and clearing it can help speed up your website and improve its performance.

Clearing cache in WordPress can be done in several ways, depending on the caching plugin you are using. Some plugins have a built-in option to clear the cache, while others require you to manually delete the cached files. In this article, we will discuss the different methods you can use to clear cache in WordPress, and provide step-by-step instructions to help you get started.

What is Cache and Why Clean it?

Cache is a temporary storage area where frequently accessed data is stored for quick access. In WordPress, caching is used to speed up website performance by storing static files like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in the cache. This helps to reduce the time it takes for a website to load by serving up these static files instead of generating them dynamically every time a user visits a page.

However, caching can also cause issues if not managed properly. For example, if you make changes to your website, the cached version may still be displayed to users until the cache is cleared. This can result in inconsistencies and errors that can negatively impact user experience and even harm your website’s SEO.

That’s why it’s important to regularly clean your WordPress cache. This will ensure that your website is displaying the most up-to-date version and all changes and updates are reflected immediately. Additionally, clearing your cache can also help to resolve any issues caused by outdated or corrupt cached files.

How to Clean Cache in WordPress

If you’re experiencing slow page load times or other performance issues on your WordPress site, clearing the cache can often help. Here are a few methods you can use to clean cache in WordPress:

Method 1: Clear Cache Using a WordPress Plugin

One of the easiest ways to clear cache in WordPress is to use a plugin. There are many caching plugins available, but some of the most popular include WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache, and WP Fastest Cache. Here’s how to clear cache using WP Super Cache:

1. Navigate to Settings > WP Super Cache in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on the Delete Cache button underneath Delete Cached Pages.
3. You can also set up automated cache purges by navigating to WP Super Cache > Advanced and scrolling down to Expiry Time & Garbage Collection.

Method 2: Clear Your Browser Cache

If you’re only experiencing slow page load times on your own computer, clearing your browser cache can often help. Here’s how to do it in Google Chrome:

1. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of your browser window.
2. Select More Tools > Clear browsing data.
3. Make sure the Cached images and files box is checked.
4. Select the time range for which you want to clear the cache (e.g. Last hour, Last 24 hours, All time).
5. Click the Clear data button.

Method 3: Clear Your WordPress Hosting Cache

If your WordPress site is hosted with a managed hosting provider, they may have a caching system in place. Here’s how to clear cache with WP Engine:

1. Navigate to your WP Engine dashboard.
2. Click on the Cache tab.
3. Select the Clear All Caches button.

Method 4: Clear Cache for CDN Services (Cloudflare)

If you’re using a content delivery network (CDN) like Cloudflare, you may need to clear cache there as well. Here’s how to do it in Cloudflare:

1. Navigate to your Cloudflare dashboard.
2. Click on the Caching tab.
3. Click on the Purge Everything button.

By using these methods, you can easily clear cache in WordPress and improve your site’s performance. Remember to clear your cache regularly to ensure your site is always running at its best.

Clearing Cache in Popular WordPress Caching Plugins

Clearing cache in WordPress caching plugins is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve website performance. Here are some popular caching plugins and how to clear cache in them:

WP Super Cache

WP Super Cache is a popular caching plugin that generates static HTML files from your dynamic WordPress website. Here’s how to clear cache in WP Super Cache:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Settings > WP Super Cache.
3. Click the Delete Cache button under the Delete Cached Pages section.
4. Click the Delete Cache button under the Delete Expired button section.

W3 Total Cache

W3 Total Cache is a comprehensive caching plugin that improves website performance by caching every aspect of your website. Here’s how to clear cache in W3 Total Cache:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Performance > Dashboard.
3. Click the Empty All Caches button under the Dashboard tab.
4. Click the Empty All Caches button under the Page Cache tab.
5. Click the Empty All Caches button under the Minify tab.
6. Click the Empty All Caches button under the Object Cache tab.

WP Fastest Cache

WP Fastest Cache is a lightweight caching plugin that improves website performance by generating static HTML files. Here’s how to clear cache in WP Fastest Cache:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to WP Fastest Cache > Options.
3. Click the Delete Cache button under the Delete Cache tab.

Cache Enabler

Cache Enabler is a lightweight caching plugin that improves website performance by generating static HTML files. Here’s how to clear cache in Cache Enabler:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Settings > Cache Enabler.
3. Click the Clear Cache button under the Clear Cache tab.

Clearing cache in WordPress caching plugins is an easy and effective way to improve website performance. By following the steps outlined above, you can clear cache in popular WordPress caching plugins and ensure that your website is running at its best.

Conclusion

Clearing the cache in WordPress is a simple process that can help improve your website’s performance and user experience. By removing outdated files and data, you can ensure that your visitors are seeing the most up-to-date version of your site.

There are several methods you can use to clear the cache in WordPress, including using caching plugins, clearing the cache from your hosting dashboard, or manually clearing the cache from your browser. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for your specific needs.

Remember, clearing the cache is just one part of website optimization. To ensure your site is running smoothly, you should also consider other optimization techniques, such as compressing images, minifying code, and using a content delivery network (CDN).

By taking a comprehensive approach to website optimization, you can provide your visitors with a fast, reliable, and engaging experience that will keep them coming back for more.

Axton

Hi, I’m Axton, a writer, and blogger with a passion for sharing my thoughts and ideas on a variety of topics. From personal experiences to cultural trends. Join me as we explore new ideas and engage in thought-provoking discussions together!