Safe WordPress media cleanup starts with evidence, not a bulk delete button. A file with no detected reference may still be used by custom fields, theme settings, a CDN, an external campaign, or a WooCommerce integration.
Before cleanup
- Back up the database and uploads together, including Media Sentry tables and quarantine storage.
- Use staging first when the media library supports active sales or campaigns.
- Build a fresh baseline after product, theme, page-builder, or import changes.
- Review each unused-media candidate and its detected references.
- Protect product-critical files and anything used outside normal WordPress references.
- Quarantine before permanent deletion, then retest the public site.
What to verify afterward
Check important pages, WooCommerce products and variations, cart flows, email imagery, feeds, and active landing pages. Keep the backup until the review window has passed.
See Media Sentry · Find unused images safely · Backup guidance · Support