Media Cleaner for Listeo: Client Guide
Client guide for reference-aware media scans, quarantine-based cleanup, duplicate detection, disk leftovers, restore, purge, and export workflows.
Why this is different from a generic media cleaner
Listeo often stores listing gallery images in _gallery metadata, not only through the normal WordPress attachment parent relationship. A generic cleaner can delete images that are still used by listings. Media Cleaner for Listeo builds a reference-aware scan before recommending cleanup.
Recommended first run
- Back up the database and uploads directory.
- Open ListingPilot > Media Cleaner.
- Set deletion mode to Quarantine.
- Keep disk scan enabled if you want to find leftover files.
- Keep duplicate hash checks enabled if the media library is not too large for your hosting limits.
- Run a scan.
- Review every suggested item before taking action.
- Quarantine a small batch first, then check public pages.
What the scan protects
| Reference type | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Featured images | Used by posts, pages, listings, and products. |
Listeo _gallery | Core listing galleries can reference images through serialized meta. |
| WooCommerce product galleries | Paid listing products and store products may use media. |
| Site identity | Logo, favicon, and header images must not be removed. |
| Text references | Builders and content can reference file URLs or image IDs. |
Quarantine workflow
Quarantine is the safest deletion mode. It removes media from active use while keeping a restore path for a configured number of days. Do not purge immediately after a large scan. Give the site enough time for staff or customers to report missing media.
Export and restore
The plugin includes restore, purge, and export workflows. Export a ZIP before permanent purge when you want an additional rollback option outside WordPress.
Safety checklist
- Full backup exists before cleanup.
- Quarantine mode is used for first cleanup.
- Suggested unused files are reviewed manually.
- Important listing pages are checked after quarantine.
- Permanent purge is delayed until after review.
- Large scans are run during low-traffic hours.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Scan times out | Disable hash duplicate checks temporarily, reduce workload, or run on stronger hosting. |
| An image disappeared | Use quarantine restore, then report the reference pattern so it can be protected. |
| Disk leftovers look unfamiliar | Confirm they are inside uploads and not generated by another plugin before deleting. |
| Quarantine grows large | Export if needed, then purge only after review. |