Freeing Up Disk Space

Automatic cleanup from version 5.30 onwards

Since version 5.30, WP-ImmoMakler automatically deletes ZIP files and images that are no longer needed, preventing import leftovers from accumulating on the server. If you upgraded from an older version, there may be leftover data that you should clean up once.

Orphaned attachments in the database

When a property is updated or removed from your portfolio, its image and file entries remain in the WordPress database — WordPress does not delete them along with it. On websites that have been importing for years, this adds up to tens of thousands of entries. They are not visible, though: WP-ImmoMakler hides property attachments in the media library.

WP-ImmoMakler removes these entries automatically in the background. You do not need to do anything. Each entry is kept for 24 hours before it is deleted.

Only the database entries are removed, not the images themselves: as long as a property exists on your website, all of its images remain in place and their addresses (URLs) keep working — even after the property has been updated, and even if your real estate software no longer includes an image. This keeps links from newsletters that have already been sent, and the preview images of pages shared on X and Facebook, working. Only once a property disappears from your portfolio entirely are its image files deleted as well.

You can see how many entries remain in the backend of your website (wp-admin) under WP-ImmoMakler → System info, in the row Verwaiste Anhänge in der Datenbank. After updating to version 5.68.0, this figure starts out high on websites that have grown over time — it goes down on its own. The Jetzt bereinigen button starts the cleanup immediately instead of waiting for the automatic one.

Cleanup pauses during an import

If an import is currently running, cleanup pauses and automatically resumes the work afterwards.

Important note before cleanup

Make sure that all properties displayed on your website can be re-exported from your real estate software. Pay special attention to reference properties that may have already been deleted in the source system and cannot be re-imported. If in doubt, contact support before starting the cleanup.

Preserving reference properties

Reference properties that are no longer exported from your real estate software but should still appear on your website must be backed up before the cleanup. In this case, contact support — they will help you preserve these properties.

Manual cleanup

1. Rename and delete the uploads folder

   First, rename the folder /wp-content/uploads/immomakler (e.g. to immomakler_backup). Directly deleting a large number of files can take a very long time — renaming is faster. Then delete the renamed folder via FTP or your hosting provider’s file manager.

2. Move properties to the trash

   In the WordPress backend, move all properties to the trash and then permanently empty the trash.

3. Trigger a full sync

   Start a full sync in the WP-ImmoMakler importer so that all current properties and images are re-imported.

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You might also be interested in

• Managing the Cache Directory
• Manually Deleting Properties
• Problems Deleting Properties
• Errors During Transfer and Updates