How to Clean a Car 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 betwixt replacements tin raise 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 fabricated of cotton, paper or cream, or a mix of those materials. Check your owner'due south transmission or with the air filter manufacturer to be sure it's rubber to employ lather 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 lather
  • Warm water

Projection step-by-step (4)

Step ane

Remove the Air Filter

  • Locate the air filter housing under the hood. The air filter housing is typically an easily identifiable box nearly 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.

Remove the Air Filter

Footstep 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 castor attachment, pressing firmly to become the grit and dirt between the pleats but non and so hard that you rip or warp the filter.

Vacuum the Air Filter

Step iii

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 considering garden hose water isn't temperature controlled and the pressure may be also high.
  • Tap the air filter to shake out excess water.

Wash the Filter

Stride iv

Reinstall the Air Filter

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

Reinstall the Air Filter

Originally Published: June 25, 2020