Title: Do not plug & play! Last modified: August 15, 2025 --- # Do not plug & play! * [Regio Online](https://wordpress.org/support/users/regioonline/) * (@regioonline) * [10 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/do-not-plug-play/) * To be honest, it is a great plugin. One of the best I have seen on databasemaintenance. So why ‘only’ 4 stars? Because it is a tool that has the potential to destroy entire websites, if you are not very, very carefull. The general cleanup is not the main issue in this regard. That is suited for both layman and wp professional. But even then, do not plug & play and make sure to backup your website or at least your database. * This is one of the things I am missing on Advanced Database Cleaner (I have the Pro edition): there is no integrated backup utility. Since everything you do requires a backup first, this would be for me a mandatory asset. Creating automatic db backups before deleting or changing anything. * If you have the Pro version like me, the plugin does reveal a lot of information about your databasetables and specifficly de wp_options table. You must however take nothing at face value. In the options table a lot of options in a larger database can be marked as Orphan, but you realy need to check and dubblecheck to wich they belong. Even the entries with a related plugin, theme or wp core mentioned, do so with a percentage of certainty. Even 80% certainty or higher needs to be dubble checked. * Never, ever delete just all ‘Orphans’, because then you will be in for a surprise. Truth be said, the plugin does warn you about making backups, asking if you are sure you want to do something irriversable etc. * If you are using this plugin you also need to understand how to work with PhpMyAdmin and how, for example to backup the options table and how to restore it. If somethings goes wrong, you can not use the plugin anymore in most cases and you have to realy on Direct Admin, Plesk or cPanel, to restore your database. * I am comfartable with PhpMyAdmin and databasequery’s. I also use several tools, including AI (Gemini) to help me find out what certain options realy are. Do not take AI at face value too, but use it as a tool to guide you in the possible right direction. After more then a week of making backups, removing options, sometimes testing options table and questioning the AI results also, I got my options table down from 1345 rows, to about 579 rows and 35% less autoloads. * The plugin itself is certainly worth the money for the pro version and a five star rating. It warns you to backup everything, but it is misses some safeguards and failsafes for the novice and even more seasoned users. For me the results where great, but it took me many hours, searching, doubting en dubble checking everything I was about to delete or not autoload. * Ofcourse there are many great backup plugins to be used, but if Advanced Database Cleaner would have backup options in place like stated above, it would also be a much more ‘secure’ plugin. - This topic was modified 10 months ago by [Regio Online](https://wordpress.org/support/users/regioonline/). - This topic was modified 10 months ago by [Regio Online](https://wordpress.org/support/users/regioonline/). - This topic was modified 10 months ago by [Regio Online](https://wordpress.org/support/users/regioonline/). Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total) * Plugin Author [Younes JFR.](https://wordpress.org/support/users/symptote/) * (@symptote) * [10 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/do-not-plug-play/#post-18599657) * Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed review! * I truly appreciate your kind words about the plugin and your constructive feedback. You’re absolutely right, database cleanup is a process that must be handled with care, and we always recommend making full backups before performing any cleanup operations. * We’re currently working on a major new version of _Advanced Database Cleaner_, where the accuracy of results will be significantly improved, making it easier for users to make informed decisions. This includes more reliable identification of orphaned items and better context for each item. * I also fully agree that having an integrated backup utility would greatly enhance the safety and usability of the plugin. While there are excellent third-party backup solutions available, I understand the value of having backup capabilities built in, and this is something I’m actively exploring. * Thank you again for your support and for taking the time to share your experience. It helps us make the plugin even better. * Kind regards, Younes * Thread Starter [Regio Online](https://wordpress.org/support/users/regioonline/) * (@regioonline) * [10 months ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/do-not-plug-play/#post-18600205) * Hi Younes, * Thanks for your fast and insightfull reaction. This realy shows you are taking care of this plugin with heart and soul, and an open mind. Because of that I upgraded my review to 4 stars, witch is certenlainly well deserved. * Plugin Author [Younes JFR.](https://wordpress.org/support/users/symptote/) * (@symptote) * [9 months, 4 weeks ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/do-not-plug-play/#post-18602043) * Thank you so much for your kind words and for updating your review, it truly means a lot! * I’m really glad to know that my response was helpful and that you recognize the effort and care that go into developing and maintaining this plugin. Feedback like yours keeps me motivated to continue improving and delivering a tool that balances power with safety. * If you ever have further suggestions or run into anything that could be improved, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to listen and learn from users like you. * Kind regards, Younes Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total) The topic ‘Do not plug & play!’ is closed to new replies. * ![](https://ps.w.org/advanced-database-cleaner/assets/icon-256x256.png?rev=3405580) * [Advanced Database Cleaner – Optimize & Clean Database to Speed Up Site Performance](https://wordpress.org/plugins/advanced-database-cleaner/) * [Frequently Asked Questions](https://wordpress.org/plugins/advanced-database-cleaner/#faq) * [Support Threads](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/advanced-database-cleaner/) * [Active Topics](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/advanced-database-cleaner/active/) * [Unresolved Topics](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/advanced-database-cleaner/unresolved/) * [Reviews](https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/advanced-database-cleaner/reviews/) * 3 replies * 2 participants * Last reply from: [Younes JFR.](https://wordpress.org/support/users/symptote/) * Last activity: [9 months, 4 weeks ago](https://wordpress.org/support/topic/do-not-plug-play/#post-18602043)