Post Media Cleanup

Post Media Cleanup is a WordPress plugin designed to automatically remove orphaned media files from a server when a post is permanently deleted. Its main function is to ensure that images, PDFs, and other files associated with a deleted post do not remain on the server unnecessarily, helping site administrators maintain a cleaner and more efficient file system.

The plugin operates specifically on permanent deletion events, meaning that simply moving a post to the trash does not trigger any cleanup—this ensures that files are only removed when a post is definitively gone. It identifies and deletes featured images, images and files embedded within the post content, PDFs, and any attachments uploaded directly to the post. Post Media Cleanup is careful not to delete any media that is shared with other posts, preserving files that are still in use elsewhere on the site. Its functionality can be configured per post type, allowing administrators to specify which types of content should trigger the cleanup process.

Post Media Cleanup is compatible with S3 and other cloud storage solutions, and is ready for use in multisite WordPress environments. For developers, the plugin offers filter hooks that allow for the extension of its behavior, such as adding extra attachments to the deletion list. This makes it adaptable for more complex or customized workflows where additional file types or relationships may need to be considered.

Delivered as a plugin for the WordPress platform, Post Media Cleanup can be installed directly from the WordPress Plugin Directory.