How to Delete Unnecessary Rubbish Files by Using Media Library Tools

A tidy media library can help you maintain organized files, and you can easily find them. But did you know that it also has an impact on your site loading time and impacts your SEO? Also, how would you feel if some rubbish file is taking your valuable storage?

To help you with organized and clean media, the Media Library Tool is the most convenient way you can use. But you need to follow proper steps, so you don’t delete any important documents.

Let's see step by step how to delete unnecessary and rubbish files by using the media library tool

1. Identify Unnecessary and Rubbish Files

The first step to decluttering your media library is to identify what you don’t need. Not everything in your media library is important. Some files may be unused, outdated, or even broken links. Here’s how you can know which files are rubbish:

Unnecessary and Rubbish Files: Unused files are files that exist on the server but are not included in the media and database.

2. Prepare for File Deletion

Before you start deleting files left and right, take a few preparatory steps. By this, you will not accidentally delete something you might need.

First, always, always, always make a backup of your media library before making major changes. This can save you from losing important images or files due to accidental deletion.

Next, take a second look at the files flagged by the media library tool. Make sure that these are the ones you don’t need anymore.

For example, if a tool identifies an image as unused, but it's actually linked via a shortcode or a custom field, you could end up missing images on your live site. A quick review helps prevent such mistakes.

3. Delete Unnecessary Files

Now that you've identified and prepared, it’s time to delete those unnecessary files. You can delete the files in two ways using the Media Library Tools.

Selective Deletion: In this way, you need to manually select the files to delete. If you want to be cautious, this is safe for you.

Bulk Deletion: If you have a lot of rubbish files, bulk deletion is a time-saver. Just select the unwanted files and hit delete.

Tips: Suppose you have backed up your site and decided to delete 50 unused images. Start by selecting a smaller group, say 10, and delete those first. Check your site to make sure everything is still displaying properly.

4. Post-Deletion Optimization

Deleting rubbish files is a good start. But post-deletion optimization can keep your media library in a better shape.

After deleting unnecessary files, take a moment to reorganize what’s left. You can use folders, tags, or categories to keep everything tidy and easy to find.

Now, if possible, compress images and videos to reduce file sizes without losing quality. This helps improve site speed and performance.

5. Maintain a Tidy Media Library

Now you have deleted all the unwanted and rubbish files from your media. Do you want the unorganized folders back? Of course not. So, try to keep it organized. With your regular maintenance you can prevent it from becoming cluttered again.

  • Regular Cleanup Schedules.
  • Automated Cleanup Features.
  • Only upload what you need.

Why It's Important to Remove Unnecessary Files

You already know the importance of a tidy media library. There are more benefits that may shock you,

Impact on Website Performance: Excess files can slow down your website, as your server has to work harder to load media-heavy pages. A clean media library means faster page loads and a better user experience.

SEO Considerations: A clean media library can positively affect your SEO. Properly organized media with relevant alt texts can improve your site’s accessibility and SEO.

Storage and Backup Management: Every file takes up storage space. Hosting plans often have storage limits. So, a cluttered media library can quickly use up that space. This means you need to pay for the extra space. But with our Media Library Tool, you can now save money by deleting rubbish files.

Download media library tools

Conclusion

A clean and organized media library means a healthy, fast, and efficient website. Where the Media Library Plugin can help your site and media organized by deleting rubbish files.

For this follow proper steps. Start with identifying and selecting unnecessary files. Then delete the files and remember to post-deletion optimization too.

You are not only freeing up space but also improving your site's performance and SEO. You can make your website easier to manage and more enjoyable for visitors.

So, start cleaning up those rubbish files today! Your website will thank you for it.

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Co-Founder at Tiny Solutions 

Tiny Solutions is dedicated to providing innovative and efficient WordPress plugins. Our team focuses on creating tools that simplify and enhance the WordPress experience, ensuring our users have the best possible solutions at their fingertips.