When we update something at the WordPress website backend, it is important that we clear the cache so that the same thing reflects on the front end.
Many of us may not know how to clear the WordPress cache properly. So this article will be all about How To Clear Cache In WordPress.
What Is Caching In WordPress?
Caching improves the performance of a website. When a visitor visits your website, the content gets cached in the cache memory. The same visitor when visits the same page, the cache memory serves the content instead of the server. That speeds up the website loading time.
You can use free WordPress plugins like WP Super Cache or WP Total Cache to enable caching in WordPress. You can also use WP Rocket, which is one of the best premium cache plugins for WordPress
Types Of Caching Protocol
Depending on the client-server model, there are two primary types of caching protocols. The protocols are as follows.
- Client-side caching protocol
- Server-side caching protocol
Client-Side Caching Protocol
Unlike text-based static websites, dynamic websites contain many non-text files, such as images, CSS files, and Javascript files. Your browser automatically downloads them when you visit those pages.
In other words, your computer can serve that data out of the local cache, i.e. the cached data that is stored on your hard drive.
The process where the client’s computer (or client’s end) uses the cached data from the server is known as client-side caching.
Client-side caching reduces server overhead (it prevents data from being downloaded over and over again) while saving a lot of time for the server.
How To Clear Browser Cache?
Clearing the browser cache is a very straightforward process. If you are using Chrome, you simply need to go the Setting-> Security And Privacy-> Clear Browsing Data
You can also click on the three dots at the right top corner and go to More Tools-> Clear Browsing data
Server-Side caching protocol
In the case of client-side caching, your computer memory caches the website contents, whereas, in the case of server-side caching, the server memory caches the website contents. That’s the only difference.
Softwares like Varnish, and NGNIX are very popular for server-side caching. For server-side object caching, Redis and Memcached are very popular.
What Is Meant By Purge Cache?
Purge caching means re-caching previously cached data. Essentially, the old ones are removed and new ones are created or regenerated. Depending on the cache plugin your use, the cache in WordPress will be purged in the following scenario.
- Whenever a comment is posted
- Whenever a new post is published
- When an older post is updated
It’s likely that you will see a difference in page loading speed after purging all cache. When your caching plugin caches a new, optimized version of your website, your page speed should return to normal.
What You Can Gain by Clearing WordPress Cache?
You might find it useful to clear your WordPress cache when you’re making changes to your WordPress website and want to see the changes immediately. Whenever you visit a page, the WordPress cache displays your old content.
When you make changes to your site, you will want to clear the cache to ensure the site can display the new information and content that you have added.
Most of the time, clearing your cache helps if you’re making changes to your site’s visuals and the changes aren’t being reflected when you refresh or reload it.
Depending on what you’re trying to fix, clearing your cache can also be useful for troubleshooting. Essentially, clearing your cache means that you are removing your website’s temporary storage.
How To Clear Cache In WordPress
The cache can be cleaned using a plugin or by using your Web hosting dashboard. You can easily install WordPress Plugins in the WordPress dashboard.
Clean WordPress Cache Using A Plugin
WP Super Cache
WP Super Cache has a very simple interface. To delete the cache, you need to go to WP Super Cache settings and click on “Delete Cache“. Or you can delete the cache from the admin toolbar.
W3 Total Cache
A popular and effective way to cache your WordPress website is to use the W3 Total Cache plugin. In fact, it is one of the most feature-rich free WordPress cache plugins.
WP Total Cache has a purge caching button against each option. You can either purge the cache from individual options or purge all cache from the admin toolbar as shown below.
WP Fastest Cache
Another plugin that is easy to use when you want to clear cache for a WordPress site is WP Fastest Cache. In WP Fastest Cache, you can clear the cache by going to the Delete Cache tab on the admin toolbar.
WP Rocket
WP Rocket is a premium WordPress cache plugin used by almost all pro bloggers. To clear the cache in WP Rocket, you can simply go to the admin toolbar, find the WP rocket option, and click on “Clear Cache“
SG Optimizer
SG Optimizer is an exclusive cache plugin for Siteground users that takes your website speed to the next level.
To delete the cache using SG optimizer, you just need to go to the admin toolbar and click on “Purge SG Cache“
Clean WordPress Cache Using Web Hosting Dashboard
You can clean the WordPress cache by using the Web Hosting dashboard also as shown below.
Cloudways
Cloudways offers Varnish cache as a reverse proxy and Memcached for object caching. Both caches can be cleaned by going to the Cloudways Server Management->Manage Services-Purge/ Restart cache.
Rocket.Net
Rocket.net is one of the most premium WordPress hosts available in the market today. To clear the WordPress cache, you can go to the Rocket.net dashboard and click on “Clear Cache“
BlueHost
To delete the WordPress cache using the Bluehost dashboard, you need to go to the Bluehost dashboard for that particular site and click on “Clear All“
Conclusion: How To Clear Cache In WordPress
Purging WordPress cache frequently is a good exercise to keep your site fast and healthy. It also ensures that you are not accumulating junk.
Although, most cache plugins have a straightforward option to delete cache, deleting server-side cache is a pain. I believe, after reading this article, things would be much easier for you.
Still, if you have any questions, you can write in the comment section and I will be happy to help you.
