Asset CleanUp
by Gabe Livan
A performance optimization tool that scans your pages and detects all loaded assets, allowing you to selectively unload unused CSS and JavaScript. Includes a safe "Test Mode" for debugging.
Most WordPress themes and plugins load their CSS and JavaScript files on every single page of your website, even on pages where they are not used. This creates "bloat" that slows down your site and hurts your Core Web Vitals. Asset CleanUp fixes this by letting you manually unload these useless files.
Why We Recommend Asset CleanUp
While caching plugins like WP Rocket or Autoptimize handle how files are loaded (minification/caching), Asset CleanUp handles if they should be loaded at all. It provides a granular view of every script running on a specific page, giving you total control over your site's weight.
The Safety Net: Test Mode
Performance tuning can be risky; unloading the wrong script can break your site's layout. Asset CleanUp solves this with Test Mode. You can apply changes that are only visible to you (the logged-in administrator) while regular visitors continue to see the unoptimized, working version of the site.
Key Features
- Script Manager: View exactly what files are loading on any page, post, or custom post type.
- Bulk Unloads: Disable specific plugin scripts site-wide or via Regex (e.g., unload "Contact Form 7" everywhere except the "Contact" page).
- Font Optimization: Preload local fonts and disable Google Fonts to reduce requests.
- Minification: Includes built-in minification for CSS and HTML (though often best paired with a dedicated caching plugin).
Asset CleanUp vs. The Competition
How does it compare to other optimization strategies?
| Feature | Asset CleanUp (Free) | Autoptimize (Free) | Perfmatters (Paid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Script Manager (Unload CSS/JS) | Included | No | Included |
| Test Mode / Debugging | Included | No | Included |
| Bloat Removal (Emoji, oEmbed) | Included | Basic | Advanced |
| Database Cleanup | No | No | Included |
The Verdict
Asset CleanUp is the best value for users who want granular control without a monthly fee. It bridges the gap between basic caching plugins and premium script managers like Perfmatters. The Pro version adds support for unloading plugins within specific taxonomies and moving JS to the HEAD/BODY, but the Free version is surprisingly robust for 90% of optimization tasks.
Our Review
An essential tool for technical SEOs and site optimizers. It does what caching plugins cannot: it stops the bloat at the source.
Pros
- Granular control over every CSS/JS file
- Test Mode prevents breaking live site
- Significant improvement in PageSpeed scores
- Reduces total number of HTTP requests
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Interface is text-heavy and dense
- Can conflict with other minification plugins