How to Clear WordPress Cache for a Faster Website

digitalengage blog November 10, 2025 0 Comments

If you run a WordPress site, you may have noticed that updates sometimes don’t show immediately. This is generally caused by “caching”. Now you would be thinking, what’s that? Caching saves a cached version of your website so pages load faster for visitors. But with time, these cached data files can become outdated, leading to display issues or old content being visible. Learning how to clear WordPress cache is the real deal to keep your website functioning as intended. Let’s take a closer look.

Understanding WordPress Cache

Before discussing how to clear the cache, it helps to understand the types of caching involved. WordPress cache can exist in multiple layers. Your browser cache stores copies of pages locally so your browser doesn’t have to reload them every time.

Server cache is stored on your web server, which reduces server load and speeds up delivery for all visitors. CDN cache is cached content stored across networks globally to improve load times for distant users.

There are also plugin-based caches, such as LiteSpeed Cache or WP Super Cache, that generate cache files to reduce repeated database queries. Object cache stores database results to accelerate repeated requests for the same data. Understanding these layers helps when deciding how to clear your website’s cache.

Clearing Browser Cache

Sometimes the simplest solution is clearing your browser cache. Browsers store cached data, such as JavaScript files, images, and style sheets, to make websites load faster. When you update your WordPress site, your browser might still show an old version.

To clear the entire browser cache, open your browser settings and locate the history or privacy section. Most browsers let you delete website data, files, and cached images without removing saved passwords. Once that is done, reload your website to see the latest version. This is an essential step before attempting server-side caching fixes.

Clearing WordPress Cache via Dashboard

Many WordPress caching plugins allow you to clear the cache directly from your WordPress dashboard. If a caching plugin is installed, such as “W3 Total Cache” or “WP Super Cache”, you can often find a “Delete Cache” or “Clear Cache” button in the plugin settings.

For example, in WP Super Cache, navigate to the plugin’s settings and click “Clear Cache” in WordPress. This removes outdated cache files that are stored on the server and forces the website to regenerate pages with fresh content.

Similarly, W3 Total Cache provides options to delete database queries, page cache, and object cache.

Clearing Server Cache

Some hosting providers use server-side caching for performance. This type of caching can include object cache, page cache, and other cached data that is stored directly on the web server. Clearing server-side cache can help when plugin-level caching isn’t enough.

If you use LiteSpeed Cache, most hosting dashboards have an option to flush the server cache. For other servers, you may need to log in to your hosting control panel or contact support.

Flushing this cache reduces server load spikes and ensures your visitors see the most recent version of your website, especially during tasks like how to transfer web hosting from one company to another.

Clearing CDN Cache

If your website uses a CDN (Content Delivery Network), cached copies of your website may exist across multiple servers. Even after clearing server and plugin caches, visitors may see cached versions from the CDN.

Access your CDN provider’s dashboard and look for options to refresh the cache. This ensures that all edge servers are updated with the newest website content. By managing CDN cache, you maintain consistent performance of your website for users worldwide.

Clearing Specific Cached Files

Sometimes, you may need to delete individual cache files. This is useful when troubleshooting a single page that isn’t updating. Many popular WordPress caching plugins provide file-level cache clearing.

If you’re comfortable with server access, you can also manually delete cached data that is stored in directories used by caching plugins. For example, WP Super Cache stores files in a “cache” folder inside wp-content. Removing these files manually clears the cache of your website completely.

Using WordPress Caching Plugins

Choosing the right WordPress caching plugin can simplify clearing the cache. Popular options include:

WP Super Cache

Generates page cache files and provides a one-click clear-cache option.

W3 Total Cache

Offers granular control over database queries, object cache, and CDN cache.

LiteSpeed Cache

Integrates deeply with hosting servers for server-side caching and provides advanced cache management.

These plugins improve speed and also make clearing WordPress cache easier. Regularly checking your wordpress dashboard for outdated cache files is a good habit for maintenance of your website.

Clearing Cache via Database

In some cases, cached content may be stored in the database itself. Object cache plugins often save queries that can remain even after clearing the cache in WordPress.

Deleting or flushing the object cache ensures database-driven content updates immediately. Most caching plugins provide an option to clear the database queries cache safely.

Tips for Maintaining Your WordPress Cache

Keeping your wordpress cache managed doesn’t have to be complex. Regularly clearing your website’s cache can reduce the risk of serving outdated content. Combine plugin options, server-side caching, and browser caching to maintain a responsive site.

Also, remember that clearing the cache temporarily increases server load because the web server must regenerate all cached pages. Plan cache clearing during low traffic periods for the best results.

Finally, always monitor your JavaScript and CSS files, as they often remain cached even after other content updates. Tools like WP Super Cache, LiteSpeed Cache, and W3 Total Cache allow selective flushing to fix these issues.

Conclusion

Learning how to clear WordPress cache is an essential skill for anyone who is managing a WordPress site. From browser cache to CDN cache, object cache, and server-side caching, understanding all layers helps you keep your website up to date. Using popular WordPress caching plugins and regular maintenance, including deleting outdated cache files, keeps your cached data fresh and your website performing well.

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