How To Clear Cache From WordPress: Complete Guide

Clearing the cache in WordPress is like hitting the refresh button on your website. It's a crucial step in maintaining your site's performance and ensuring your visitors always see the most up-to-date content. But what exactly is cache, and why is it so important to clear it regularly?

Understanding Cache in WordPress

What is Cache?

Cache is a collection of temporarily stored data that helps websites load faster. By storing copies of files in a cache, your website can reduce the time it takes to load pages for repeat visitors.

Types of Cache

Browser Cache: Stored on the visitor's browser to speed up loading times on subsequent visits.

Server Cache: Stored on the web server to reduce load times and server strain.

CDN Cache: Stored on Content Delivery Networks to quickly deliver content to users based on their geographic location.

Why Clearing Cache is Essential

Improves Website Performance

Clearing cache helps eliminate outdated files that may slow down your website, ensuring it runs smoothly.

Ensures Updates are Visible

If you've made changes to your website, clearing the cache ensures that visitors see the latest version without outdated data.

Enhances User Experience

A fast, up-to-date website keeps users happy and engaged, reducing bounce rates.

Methods to Clear Cache in WordPress

Using a Caching Plugin

Popular Caching Plugins:

• W3 Total Cache
• WP Super Cache
• WP Fastest Cache

Step-by-Step Guide to Clear Cache with Plugins:

1. Install and activate your chosen plugin.
2. Navigate to the plugin’s settings.
3. Find the option to clear or purge cache.
4. Click the button to clear the cache.

Manually Clearing Cache

Clearing Browser Cache:

• Chrome: Go to settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
• Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data.
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All.
• Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data.

Clearing Server Cache:

• cPanel: Use the "Cache Manager" tool.
• Plesk: Use the "Cache" extension.

Clearing Cache with Popular Plugins

W3 Total Cache

Installation and Setup:

1. Install the plugin from the WordPress repository.
2. Activate and configure settings according to your needs.

Clearing Cache Steps:

1. Go to Performance > Dashboard.
2. Click on "Empty All Caches."

WP Super Cache

Installation and Setup:

1. Install the plugin from the WordPress repository.
2. Activate and set up the caching options.

Clearing Cache Steps:

1. Go to Settings > WP Super Cache.
2. Click "Delete Cache."

WP Fastest Cache

Installation and Setup:

1. Install the plugin from the WordPress repository.
2. Activate and configure the settings.

Clearing Cache Steps:

1. Go to WP Fastest Cache settings.
2. Click "Delete Cache."

Clearing Browser Cache

Steps for Different Browsers

Chrome:

1. Click on the three dots at the top right.
2. Go to More tools > Clear browsing data.
3. Select the time range and check "Cached images and files."
4. Click "Clear data."

Firefox:

1. Click on the three lines at the top right.
2. Go to Options > Privacy & Security.
3. Under Cookies and Site Data, click "Clear Data."
4. Check "Cached Web Content" and click "Clear."

Safari:

1. Go to Safari > Preferences.
2. Click on Privacy.
3. Click "Manage Website Data."
4. Select "Remove All" and confirm.

Edge:

1. Click on the three dots at the top right.
2. Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
3. Under "Clear browsing data," click "Choose what to clear."
4. Check "Cached images and files" and click "Clear now."

Clearing Server Cache

Using Hosting Provider Tools

cPanel:

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. Find the "Cache Manager" tool.
3. Select the cache type and clear it.

Plesk:

1. Log in to your Plesk account.
2. Use the "Cache" extension.
3. Clear the cache from the available options.

SSH Commands for Advanced Users

For advanced users comfortable with the command line, you can clear server cache using SSH commands specific to your server setup.

Clearing CDN Cache

Understanding CDN Cache

A CDN (Content Delivery Network) caches content at various nodes to deliver it quickly to users based on their location.

Clearing Cache in Popular CDNs

Cloudflare:

1. Log in to your Cloudflare account.
2. Go to the Caching section.
3. Click "Purge Everything."

StackPath:

1. Log in to your StackPath account.
2. Go to Sites > your site > Caching.
3. Click "Purge Cache."

Automating Cache Clearing

Benefits of Automation

Automating cache clearing ensures your site is always performing at its best without manual intervention.

Tools and Plugins for Automation

Several plugins, like WP Rocket and LiteSpeed Cache, offer automated cache clearing features that can be scheduled.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Cache Not Clearing Properly

If cache isn't clearing properly, try deactivating and reactivating your caching plugin or checking for conflicts with other plugins.

Website Breaks After Clearing Cache

If your website breaks after clearing cache, restore from a backup or deactivate the caching plugin and check for compatibility issues.

Debugging Cache Issues

Use tools like the developer console in browsers or log files on your server to identify and fix cache-related problems.

Best Practices for Cache Management

Regular Cache Clearing Schedule

Set a regular schedule to clear your cache, especially after significant updates or changes.

Monitoring Website Performance

Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to monitor your website's performance and identify when cache clearing might be necessary.

Combining Cache Clearing with Other Optimization Techniques

Combine cache clearing with other optimization strategies like image compression, minification of CSS/JS files, and lazy loading.

Conclusion

Clearing cache is a vital part of maintaining a high-performing WordPress website. Whether you use plugins, manually clear cache, or automate the process, keeping your cache fresh ensures your visitors always have the best experience.