A cache is a high-speed data storage layer that stores copies of frequently accessed data from slower memory or storage. It operates based on temporal and spatial locality principles, ensuring faster access to data by reducing latency. Caching is typically managed by algorithms like LRU (Least Recently Used) or FIFO (First In, First Out). |
Running a website isn’t always easy, especially when performance issues start slowing things down! If your WordPress site is also lagging or facing loading errors, clearing the cache might be the solution.
Caching is a process that temporarily stores frequently accessed data, allowing WordPress sites to load faster by reducing server requests. This includes static files, Java Scripts, database queries, logos, and even images stored in browser memory.
In essence, caching is one of the basic functionalities of your website, where static versions of your website get saved to load faster for your visitors. However, sometimes outdated or corrupted cache files can cause significant issues.
In this guide, we will explain the process of how to clear WordPress cache effectively.
Why Clear Your WordPress Website Cache?
According to Akamai’s research, a 1-second delay in page load time can reduce conversions by 7%. Why take that risk for your brand?
With a clear cache, you get:
- Latest Updates Are Visible:Â Prevents cached files from displaying outdated content.
- Faster Troubleshooting:Â Helps fix styling, loading, or functionality issues.
- Improved Performance:Â Frees up server resources, leading to a faster site.
- Better SEO Ranking:Â Google prioritises fast-loading sites, which enhances SEO scores.
Also Read:Â Website Is Not Displaying Correctly |
5 FullProof Methods To Clear Cache in WordPress
Today, the attention span of online readers is much less. The average load speed on the desktop is 2.5 seconds. A healthy score must be anywhere around 3 seconds.
Any website taking longer than three seconds increases the probability of a bounce rate by customers to 132%.
Want to change that? Here are five effective ways that you can employ to clear the cache on your WordPress site:
Method 1:Â Automate Clearing with Caching Plugin
Most WordPress sites use caching plugins. Here’s how to clear the cache in popular plugins:
WP Super Cache: This plugin supports three cache ways to clear the cache – simple, expert, and WP-cache caching. WP super cache also comes with a “garbage collection” feature to auto-delete outdated cache files.
- Open your WP admin dashboard.
- From there, go to Settings > WP Super Cache in WordPress.
- Click Delete Cache.
W3 Total Cache: W3 Total Cache is a little complex plugin with many features.
- Navigate to Performance > Dashboard.
- You should see a section on the W3 Total Cache dashboard with various caching options. There, find and click the option Empty All Caches.
WP Rocket:Â WP Rocket is a premium plugin known for its ease of use.
- Go to Settings > WP Rocket.
- Click Clear Cache.
Also Read: What is Cache and What Exactly Does It Do |
Method 2: Clear Out Your Browser Cache
This is probably the most underrated method that website owners and developers ignore.
Sometimes, even after clearing your WordPress cache, your browser still shows you an older version of the page. This is because your own browser gets filled with junk files, bookmarks, and all sorts of outdated data.
This can slow things down or even cause issues with network servers like 502 bad gateway and 504 gateway timeout.
Clearing the cache of the browser can free you from all the mess.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open Google Chrome, and press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
- This popup box will appear. Select the option to clear your browsing history. You can usually choose what to delete—make sure to select “Cached images and files.”
- Select the time range. Then, hit the Delete Data option.
- Restart your browser and reload your site.
Method 3: Clear Your CDN Cache
If you use a CDN like Cloudflare:
- Log into Cloudflare.
- Go to Caching > Purge Everything.
- Confirm the purge and wait a few minutes.
Method 4: Clear Cache Using WordPress Command Line (WP-CLI)
For advanced users with server access, the WP-CLI command-line tool offers a fast way to clear the cache:
- Log into your server via SSH.
- Run:Â wp cache flush
- This command instantly clears all cached data from your WordPress site.
Method 5: Clear Cache via Crazy Domains Hosting
If you host your website with Crazy Domains, you can easily clear the cache using their built-in caching system. Here’s how:
Steps to clear the cache on Crazy Domains:
- Log into your Crazy Domains Hosting Dashboard.
- Navigate to Performance Settings or cPanel.
- Locate the Cache Management Tool.
- Select Purge Cache or Clear Cache.
- Confirm your action and wait a few minutes for the changes to take effect.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Site Fast & Updated
It’s an odd truth: the technology designed to speed up your website can, if left unchecked, be the very thing holding it back. While the cache stores data for faster access, it can sometimes hoard outdated information that prevents new updates from showing. Regularly clearing your WordPress cache is the key to keeping your site fresh, fast, and fully functional.
For hosting that anticipates your needs, consider Crazy Domains. With automatic caching, lightning-fast performance, and round-the-clock support, it’s a hosting provider that keeps your website running without you even thinking about it.
Have questions? We’re here to help.