How to clean engine air filter

Q: How do you clean and reuse an engine air filter?

How to Clean Your Cars K&N Air Filter.

Table of Contents Show

Extend the life of your engine air filter and increase your gas mileage by cleaning your air filter with a vacuum, soap and water.
Introduction
Tools Required
Materials Required
Project step-by-step (4)
Remove the Air Filter
Vacuum the Air Filter
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Wash the Filter
Reinstall the Air Filter
Similar Projects
Can you wash engine air filter?
What can I use to clean my air filter?
How do you clean and reuse an engine air filter?
What are the symptoms of a dirty engine air filter?

Extend the life of your engine air filter and increase your gas mileage by cleaning your air filter with a vacuum, soap and water.

Introduction

Air filters are typically replaced every 15,000 miles, but a cleaning between replacements can enhance your car's performance. If you've noticed a decrease in mileage per gallon or acceleration, try vacuuming and gently cleansing the air filter. It could be just what your car needs.

Air filters are made of cotton, paper or foam, or a mix of those materials. Check your owner's manual or with the air filter manufacturer to be sure it's safe to use soap and water, and if you have an oil-coated filter. Oil-coated filters aren't as common, but if you have one, you'll need a specific cleaning solution. Don't use soap and water on an oil-coated air filter.

Tools Required

Materials Required

Liquid dish soap
Warm water

Project step-by-step (4)

Remove the Air Filter

Locate the air filter housing under the hood. The air filter housing is typically an easily identifiable box near the top of the engine compartment.
Unfasten the air filter housing, using a screwdriver if necessary.
Remove the air filter.
Wipe the air filter housing with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris.

Veronica Graham for Family Handyman

Step 2

Vacuum the Air Filter

Tap the air filter several times to shake off larger pieces of debris.
Vacuum the air filter using the duster/soft brush attachment, pressing firmly to get the dust and dirt between the pleats but not so hard that you rip or warp the filter.

Veronica Graham for Family Handyman

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Step 3

Wash the Filter

Dispense a small amount of liquid dish soap, about the size of a nickel, into a bucket and fill with warm water.
Swish the air filter gently in the water.
Rinse the air filter thoroughly under running warm water.
- A kitchen or utility sink faucet is ideal because garden hose water isn’t temperature controlled and the pressure may be too high.
Tap the air filter to shake out excess water.

Veronica Graham for Family Handyman

Step 4

Reinstall the Air Filter

Lay the air filter flat in full sun until it is completely dry.
- The air filter must be completely dry before reinstalling. Allow at least 24 hours for drying.
Reinstall the air filter in the filter housing.
Secure all clamps, screws or wing nuts.

Veronica Graham for Family Handyman

Originally Published: June 25, 2020

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Can you wash engine air filter?

To wash the filter, move it back and forth in a bucket of water and cleaning solution, then rinse clean. It's important to make sure the filter is completely dry before replacing it as a wet filter can damage the engine.

What can I use to clean my air filter?

Step 1: Turn off the power and locate the filter. Before you begin, turn off your HVAC unit to prevent unfiltered air from circulating around your home while cleaning. ... .

Step 2: Vacuum the air filter. ... .

Step 3: Wash the filter with vinegar and water. ... .

Step 4: Let dry and replace..

How do you clean and reuse an engine air filter?

How to Clean Your Car's K&N Air Filter.

Locate the Filter. First, you'll want to locate your car's reusable air filter. ... .

Remove the Filter. ... .

Apply Cleaner. ... .

Rinse and Consider Repeating. ... .

Dry. ... .

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Wait, then Reinstall..

What are the symptoms of a dirty engine air filter?

Engine misfires, rough idling and hard starts can all be traced to a clogged engine air filter. The dirty air filter restricts the air supply to the engine causing unburned fuel to form a soot residue that accumulates on the spark plug.

clean engine air filter