How to Clear the Cache in WordPress (3 Ways)

When you visit a website, the browser automatically saves data that allows it to load faster next time in the future. Your web server and preferred caching solution also save static copies of your website content. But too much cached data can cause performance issues and sometimes it fails to update.

The good news is that you can clear your WordPress cache when too much data builds up. This way, you can improve loading times and boost the user experience. Additionally, this process forces the cache to update, enabling you to serve the most recent version of your web pages.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at caching and discuss when to clear your WordPress cache. Then, we’ll explore three ways to delete cache information from your browser, caching plugin, and web hosting provider. Let’s get started!

What Is Caching?

Each time a user visits your website, WordPress has to run heavy PHP scripts which can take some time to load. But if you install caching plugins, the tool will store static versions of your website files, which load much faster.

As such, you can reduce wait times and boost overall WordPress performance. Server-side caching is also a great way to improve the user experience (UX) and reduce load on your server.

You might already be familiar with browser cache, which works in a similar way. That said, browser cache data is typically stored in your hard drive whereas server cache data is kept on a server, as the name suggests.

Certain web hosting providers (including Bluehost and NameHero) offer built-in caching solutions with their web hosting plans. Additionally, some web application firewalls (including Cloudflare) also use a cache to reduce downtime.

However, the most popular option for implementing WordPress caching is to use a dedicated plugin. Most decent caching plugins enable you to choose which files get cached. Plus, you can often determine when the cache expires and when it gets cleared.

When to Clear Your WordPress Cache

Cached files take up space on the server. The more cached data that gets stored, the less available space you have. This can significantly impact website speed and frustrate your visitors.

Therefore, most website owners prefer to clear the cache on a regular basis to ensure optimum performance.

Another reason to clear your WordPress cache is to make sure that people can view the most up-to-date version of your website. The cache doesn’t always recognize recent changes that you’ve made. In this instance, visitors may be presented with an old version of your site.

Therefore, you can clear the cache to force it to update and start collecting new site data.

How to Clear the Cache in WordPress (3 Ways)

Now that you know why it’s a good idea to clear WordPress website cache, let’s take a look at three ways to clear your cached files.

We’re going to show you how to clear the WordPress cache in your browser, caching solution, and web hosting account.

1. Clear Your Browser Cache

Every popular browser automatically stores static files of your website content (including JavaScript and CSS) to improve loading times. Sometimes, the browser will fail to recognize changes that you’ve made and will continue serving visitors the old version of your content.

If you want to force the browser to fetch a fresh copy of your WordPress website (or you need to speed up your experience), you’ll need to clear your browser cache. Naturally, the process differs slightly based on which browser you’re using.

For Google Chrome, click on the menu icons (the three dots in the top right corner) and select Delete browsing data:

Here, you’ll see a popup that contains the types of content you can remove. For example, you have the option to erase browsing history and cookies.

It’s important to select Cached images and files. Then, confirm your choice by clicking on the Delete data button:

As we’ve discussed, the method will differ depending on the browser you use.

For instance, Safari users will need to click on Safari in the top left corner of the screen. Then, choose Preferences from the dropdown menu.

In the new window, you’ll have to switch to the Privacy tab:

Here, click on the Manage Website Data button and select Remove All to clear your browser’s cache.

2. Use a WordPress Caching Plugin

One of the most effective ways to implement WordPress caching is to use a caching plugin. But this means that you’ll also need to know how to clear WordPress cache through the plugin settings.

Although there are tons of WordPress caching plugins, one of the most widely used tools is WP Super Cache. It enables you to serve cached files in various ways and compress pages. Plus, it comes with CDN support.

Go ahead and install the tool on your WordPress website. Then, go to Settings > WP Super Cache to enable/disable caching.

When you’re ready to clear your WordPress cache, switch to the Content tab:

Scroll down the page and click on the Delete Cache button. At this point, the WP Super Cache plugin will remove all cached content for your website.

It’s also worth noting that WP Super Cache features a handy Delete Cache button in the WordPress admin bar.

3. Delete Cache from Your Hosting Provider

As we mentioned earlier, some web hosting providers offer built-in caching solutions with their web hosting plans. NameHero is one of them:

Every single NameHero plan comes with free LiteSpeed caching. This solution features an exclusive server-side cache and other optimization features. It’s also less resource-intensive compared to popular WordPress caching plugins like WP Super Cache and W3 Total Cache.

That said, you’ll still need to install and activate the LiteSpeed caching plugin in the WordPress dashboard. When you’re ready to clear the cache, you’ll see the LiteSpeed icon in the WordPress admin toolbar. Hover above the icon and select Purge All:

You also have the option to manage your WordPress cache from cPanel. To do this, log into your cPanel in NameHero and scroll down to the Advanced section. Here, you’ll see the LiteSpeed Web Cache Manager option. Find your WordPress cache solution and click on the Flush All button.

Conclusion

Caching is a great way to speed up loading times and boost the user experience. But cached files can take up too much space on your server and therefore they impact website speed. Plus, the cache doesn’t always recognize recent changes, so it may continue serving outdated content.

That’s why it’s a good idea to clear your WordPress cache periodically. With that in mind, here are three ways to remove cached files from your WordPress site:

1. Clear your browser cache.
2. Use a WordPress caching plugin like WP Super Cache.
3. Delete the cache from your hosting provider.

At NameHero, you’ll get access to LiteSpeed caching. You can configure the plugin and clear the WordPress cache from your dashboard or via your hosting account control panel. Additionally, our hosting plans include a free SSL certificate, a free domain name, and access to 24/7 support. Check out our plans today!