General tips for a smooth clean up #
Before clearing old slugs with Slugs Manager: Delete Old Permalinks from WordPress Database, back up your full site, and set up 301 redirects for old URLs that still get traffic, since WordPress uses old slugs for those redirects. Test on a staging copy for large sites, and scan and clear old slugs periodically at WPFactory > Slugs Manager.
Back up first #
Always create a full backup of your site before any bulk permalink operation, especially removing all old slugs or regenerating slugs. If anything goes wrong, you can restore quickly.
Keep redirects in mind #
Old slugs are what WordPress uses to redirect an old URL to the current one. Before you clear them in bulk, make sure you no longer need those redirects. For any old URL that still gets traffic, set up a 301 redirect with a dedicated redirect tool first, so you do not lose visitors or SEO value.
Test on staging #
If you manage a large or business-critical site, run the clean up on a staging copy first. Confirm the result, then repeat on production.
Maintain routinely #
Old slugs build up naturally as you edit titles and URLs. Scan and clear them periodically, or use the Pro scheduled clean ups, to keep the database lean over time.
Still stuck? #
If you have worked through these tips and the issue persists, our team answers every ticket on the Slugs Manager support forum.
