Even your neighborhood database needs a checkup every now and then. Over time, WordPress Databases can get dirty. You can fix this easily of course if you want to manually run the Optimize function the database via phpMyAdmin but there is another solution.
Step 1 – WordPress Database Backup
This is the first step. You’re going to need insurance and this is it. In case something goes terribly wrong or a hacker gets in, you want to many options for your blog’s recovery. With the WordPress worm scare a month ago, probably still prevalent in the corners of the web now, backing up your database with your posts and comments will save you headaches and time. Download the WordPress Database Backup plugin. After you do that, You can go to Tools/Backup to setup an emailing schedule. I highly suggest you register a gmail account specifically for the blog you’re backing up.
Step 2 – Manual Backup
You’ve setup WordPress Database Backup with a schedule. You still need to do some manual backup, periodically, because, frankly, you can’t trust a plugin to do your job. Simply go to back Tools/Backup and select the Download to Computer option. Additionally, go to Tools/Export and export your blog that way too. Now, zip both of those files up together and then proceed to email them to your parents (just say not to delete and its important). And also to those six email accounts you own on different services. The more the better.
Step 3 – WP-Optimize
Finally, the good part. Once you’ve gotten your insurance ready and made sure your parents know that you’re alive and doing well but know about your blog, it’s time to Optimize. WP-Optimize is a handy plugin that’ll optimize your blog by using the Optimize mysql function and cleaning out your database by removing spam comments, post revisions and post previews. If you love previews like I do, you’ll probably have hundreds. Just select, Remove all Post Revisions, Spam Comments and Optimize Database and click process.
This is my WordPress Database Health Care plan. Enjoy.