Head-to-head · October 2026
WP Core Update Cleaner vs WP Sanitize File Name Plus
WP Sanitize File Name Plus comes out ahead, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head checks against WP Core Update Cleaner.
WP Core Update Cleaner
When WordPress is updated, it re-installs wp-config-sample.php, readme files, and license files even though…
WP Sanitize File Name Plus
Empty spaces and special characters can create some problems.
| Metric | WP Core Update Cleaner | WP Sanitize File Name Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 800+ | 1K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 130 | 1.6K |
| Download trend | +8.3% | -1% |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Reviews | 4 | 8 |
| Health score | 33/100 | 39/100 |
| Last updated | 3 years ago | 9 years ago |
| Tested up to | WP 6.5.12 | WP 4.9.33 |
| Support resolved | — | — |
| Requires PHP | Any | Any |
| First released | Dec 2014 | Jun 2014 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
WP Core Update CleanerWP Sanitize File Name P…
Choose WP Core Update Cleaner if…
You care most about download trend, last updated and tested up to.
- Small user base (800+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 2 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.5 (latest is 7.1)
Choose WP Sanitize File Name Plus if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
- No update in 8 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 4.9 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: core
FAQ
WP Core Update Cleaner vs WP Sanitize File Name Plus: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 1, 2026
Which is better, WP Core Update Cleaner or WP Sanitize File Name Plus?
WP Sanitize File Name Plus comes out ahead, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head checks against WP Core Update Cleaner. Choose WP Core Update Cleaner if you care most about download trend, last updated and tested up to. Choose WP Sanitize File Name Plus if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and reviews.
Is WP Core Update Cleaner more popular than WP Sanitize File Name Plus?
WP Sanitize File Name Plus is the more popular of the two with 1K+ active installs, compared with 800+ for WP Core Update Cleaner.
Can I use WP Core Update Cleaner and WP Sanitize File Name Plus together?
Both plugins cover core, so most sites only need one. Running two plugins that do the same job can cause conflicts and slow your site down — pick the one that fits best and remove the other.
Are WP Core Update Cleaner and WP Sanitize File Name Plus free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.
Powered by PageForge
Want thousands of pages that rank like these? Build them in an afternoon.
This directory runs on the same engine as PageForge. Turn any spreadsheet, CSV or API into thousands of fast, SEO-ready WordPress pages — with schema, internal links and AI-written copy baked in.
- CSV, Google Sheets & API data sources
- AI content, schema & internal links per page
- Works with Elementor, Gutenberg, Yoast & Rank Math
- Free on WordPress.org — no credit card
