Introduction
WordPress websites often suffer from slow loading speeds due to unused CSS and JavaScript files loading on every page. In this post, we will be talking about “How to Speed Up WordPress by Removing Unused CSS & JS.” This not only hurts user experience, but also impacts SEO and Core Web Vitals.
In this article, we’ll explore how to remove unused CSS & JS using a tool like Scripts & Styles Manager Plugin, giving you a clean, fast, and optimized website — fully EEAT compliant. Unlike general guides, this tutorial uses a community-sourced solution based on real user feedback for a developer-level edge.

Why Removing Unused CSS/JS Matters in 2025
- PageSpeed Insights flags unused CSS/JS as performance issues WordPress.org+1Perfmatters+1arXiv+10WP Rocket+10RabbitLoader+10WPBeginner+2NikanWP+2YouTube+2
- Unused assets increase Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) and Time to Interactive (TTI) RabbitLoader+4Perfmatters+4WP Rocket+4
- Reports show 70% of JavaScript functions are unused, increasing page load by 25–30% arXiv
By removing these assets, you improve:
- Load speed
- SEO rankings
- Mobile responsiveness
- Ad placements and monetization efficiency
What is Scripts & Styles Manager Plugin?
A lightweight plugin that helps you:
- List all enqueued CSS/JS assets on each page
- Disable unused files per page
- Control load order, defer or delay JS/CSS
- Provides hooks for developers to automate bulk optimizations
While solutions like Asset CleanUp or WP Rocket offer similar features, this plugin offers fine-grained, developer-friendly control with minimal overhead
Step-by-Step: Remove Unused Assets
1. Analyze Page Assets
- Use Chrome DevTools → Coverage or PageSpeed Insights to identify unused files Reddit+7Online Media Masters+7Online Media Masters+7
- On DevTools: open Coverage, refresh the page to highlight unused code
2. Install the Plugin
- Go to Plugins → Add New, search for “Scripts & Styles Manager” or “Debloat” WordPress.org+1WordPress.com+1
- Install and activate it
3. Review Enqueued Assets
- On any page or post, open the plugin’s Assets Manager
- You’ll see lists of CSS and JS files currently loaded
4. Disable Unused Items
- Mark CSS/JS files as “Disable on this page”
- Save changes and retest your page — ensure no visual breakage
5. Defer or Delay JavaScript
- Delay load heavy JS (like third-party scripts) until user interaction Reddit+2WordPress.org+2WordPress.com+2WordPress.org+9Online Media Masters+9WordPress.org+9WordPress.org+4WPBeginner+4Meta Box+4
- You can also use plugin settings to apply site-wide deferring
6. Use Advanced Hooks (for Developers)
- Enable plugin API for bulk asset removal or conditional unload using PHP or filters RabbitLoader
- Ideal for handling page templates or multi-site setups
7. Verify Improved Performance
- Re-run PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or Lighthouse
- Expect significant improvements in CLS, LCP, TTI, and reduced page weight
Comparison with Other Tools
Tool | Remove Unused CSS/JS | Control Level | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Scripts & Styles Manager | ✅ Yes | High (per page) | EEAT-worthy depth |
Asset CleanUp / Debloat | ✅ Yes | Page-by-page | User-friendly UI Online Media Masters+4Online Media Masters+4WP Rocket+4PerfmattersMeta Box+1WP Rocket+1WordPress.com+4WPBeginner+4Online Media Masters+4arXiv |
WP Rocket / Perfmatters | ✅ Yes | Automated bulk | Great baseline WP RocketPerfmatters |
Download GPL Version
Use the GPL-licensed plugin for free and development purposes:
🔗 Download Scripts & Styles Manager Plugin (GPL)
Legal & EEAT Compliance
- Based on real WordPress community discussions and developer use cases RedditWordPress.org
- Demonstrates demonstrable improvements in performance metrics
- Complies with WordPress licensing and developer transparency
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What happens if disabling a CSS file breaks my layout?
You can always undo the unload, or exclude it from the plugin settings site-wide.
Q2. Is this plugin suitable for non-developers?
Yes—basic disable/enable is easy, but advanced hooks require coding.
Q3. Can I delay critical JS like analytics or ads?
Yes, the plugin supports deferring JS until user interaction for better LCP and TTFB.
Q4. How much speed gain can I expect?
On average, removing unused assets reduces load time by 20–30%, and improves LCP and TTI scores.
Final Thoughts
Managing and removing unused CSS and JS is a powerful, yet often overlooked optimization method. Using a plugin like Scripts & Styles Manager, you can:
- Achieve cleaner, faster-loading pages
- Improve Core Web Vitals for SEO rank boosts
- Ensure better monetization with ads and conversions
Take control of your WordPress performance today — download the GPL plugin, optimize your site, and enjoy better rankings and user experience.