How to FreeUp Hosting Disk Space by removing files in hidden subdirectories

Here’s a revised version suitable for a WordPress blog:

How to Free Up Hosting Disk Space by Removing Files in Hidden Subdirectories (Using cPanel)

If you’re running out of disk space on your hosting account, some of the hidden subdirectories may be consuming more space than you realize. These directories often contain temporary files, logs, backups, and trash that aren’t easily visible in your file manager. Here’s how to identify and safely remove files in hidden subdirectories to free up valuable space.

What Are Hidden Subdirectories?

Hidden subdirectories are folders that are not visible by default in your file manager. These can include:

• Temporary data (like cached files)
• Logs (activity and error logs)
• Backups (old or unnecessary backup files)
• Trashed items (deleted files still stored in hidden folders)

How to Find Hidden Subdirectories in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel – Start by logging into your hosting account’s cPanel.
2. Navigate to Disk Usage – In the “Files” section, locate and click on Disk Usage.
3. Sort Directories – Look for an option to sort directories by size. This helps you identify which folders are taking up the most space.
4. Identify Hidden Directories – Look for directories starting with a dot (.). These are typically hidden. Common examples include:
   • .trash – Stores deleted files.
   • .cache – Holds temporary website files.
   • .tmp – Temporary files generated by scripts or software.

How to Clean Up Hidden Subdirectories

Important: Be cautious when deleting files from hidden directories. Only remove files you are sure are no longer needed.

1. Identify Which Directories to Clean Up – Common culprits include:
   • .trash – Contains files marked for deletion. Empty this folder to reclaim space.
   • Cache – Temporary data generated by websites or applications.
   • tmp – Temporary files, often left behind by software processes.
2. Delete Files in cPanel – In the Disk Usage section of cPanel, click on a hidden directory’s name to view its contents. If you’re confident the files are unnecessary, you can delete them directly from this interface.
3. For Other Hosting Providers – If you’re using a different hosting platform, check their file management tools or documentation for specific instructions on finding and managing hidden subdirectories.

Additional Tips to Free Up Disk Space

• Consult Hosting Documentation: Different hosting providers may offer unique tools for managing hidden files, so refer to their resources for guidance.
• Delete Unnecessary Backups: Review your backups and delete outdated ones that are no longer needed.
• Clean Up Logs: Some logs can be safely deleted after a certain period of time. Check your app’s documentation for specific log retention policies.

By identifying and cleaning up hidden subdirectories, you can reclaim disk space and improve the performance of your hosting account. Always proceed with caution and ensure that the files you’re deleting are not critical to your website or application.