How to Audit and Clean Up Unnecessary Plugins

You need a lean plugin stack. Unnecessary plugins add security risks, slow page loads, and create maintenance nightmares.

A thorough WordPress plugin audit lets you slash bloat, close security gaps, and boost speed. Why does this matter?

Outdated extensions are hacker magnets (Sucuri).
Plugin submissions stalled in late 2024, slowing support and innovation (ThinkFuel).
Every active plugin adds code to load, test, and update—burdening your site and your schedule.

Let’s break it down step by step so you can clean house without breaking anything.

Start With Backup

Before you touch a single plugin, protect your site.

Export a full database and files via your host or a plugin.
Store backups offsite—cloud storage or a separate server.
Test your backup by spinning up a local or staging copy.

No backup, no mercy. If something goes wrong, you need a rollback plan.

Inventory Installed Plugins

Get clarity on what’s running under the hood.

Use the Site Health Tool

Go to Tools > Site Health > Info > Active Plugins
Review the list of plugins and their versions.

Export Your Plugin List

Install a plugin like “WP Plugins List” or run wp plugin list via WP-CLI.
Save the list in a spreadsheet for your audit.

Now you have a single source of truth. Time to evaluate.

Evaluate Plugin Necessity

Not all plugins are equal. Here’s how to separate keepers from clutter.

Check Plugin Usage

Look at your analytics—are features actually used?
Review admin logs with a plugin like WP Security Audit Log or Simple History (Convesio).
Strike plugins tied to abandoned or low-traffic features.

Assess Performance Impact

Run Google PageSpeed Insights on key pages (WPBeginner).
Note any plugin-related scripts or styles that slow rendering.
Link this to your broader wordpress performance tips.

Verify Security Health

Check last update date—plugins not updated in 6+ months are red flags.
Review support forums: are developers responsive?
Confirm compatibility with PHP 8+ to avoid critical vulnerabilities (Medium).
Use a security scanner like Sucuri Security to spot known issues.

Got a plugin that fails any of these checks? Add it to your removal list.

Delete Unused Plugins

Now you know which plugins are dead weight—get them out.

Deactivate and Test

Deactivate one plugin at a time.
Test key user journeys—forms, checkout, logins.
Confirm nothing breaks.

Uninstall Fully

Click Delete in the plugin screen.
Remove leftover folders via FTP if needed.
Drop orphaned database tables with a tool like WP-Optimize.

Keep it tidy—half-deleted plugins still pose risks.

Clean Database Remnants

Unused plugins often leave junk behind. Sweep it clean.

Remove Orphaned Tables

Use phpMyAdmin or a plugin to identify tables you no longer need.
Backup those tables before deleting.

Optimize Your Database

Run a wordpress database optimization step to reclaim space and speed up queries.
Schedule this cleanup quarterly to prevent bloat.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

A one-off cleanup won’t solve future bloat. Build habits.

Set Calendar Reminders

Block time monthly to review new and updated plugins.
Pair this with your wordpress site audit routine.

Automate Scans

Use ManageWP, MainWP, or InfiniteWP for automated performance and security checks.
If you’re on WP Engine, consider their Smart Plugin Manager for proactive vulnerability scanning (WP Engine).

Combine With Site Audits

Plugin hygiene is one piece of the puzzle. Next, tackle these areas to keep your site razor-sharp:

Integrate your plugin audit into your overall wordpress optimization strategy. That way, you’ll stay fast, secure, and ready to scale.

By Boško Radulović

09/06/2025

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WordPress Optimization