How to Clean a Motorcar 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 xv,000 miles, but a cleaning betwixt replacements can heighten your machine'due south performance. If you've noticed a decrease in mileage per gallon or acceleration, endeavour vacuuming and gently cleansing the air filter. It could be simply what your car needs.

Air filters are made of cotton, paper or cream, or a mix of those materials. Check your owner's manual or with the air filter manufacturer to exist sure it's safe to use soap and h2o, and if you have an oil-coated filter. Oil-coated filters aren't as common, just if you lot accept one, you'll demand 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

Project step-past-step (iv)

Step i

Remove the Air Filter

  • Locate the air filter housing under the hood. The air filter housing is typically an easily identifiable box near the elevation 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 textile to remove grit and droppings.

Remove the Air Filter

Pace 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 clay between the pleats but not and then hard that y'all rip or warp the filter.

Vacuum the Air Filter

Footstep 3

Wash the Filter

  • Dispense a small amount of liquid dish soap, about the size of a nickel, into a saucepan and fill with warm water.
  • Swish the air filter gently in the h2o.
  • Rinse the air filter thoroughly under running warm water.
    • A kitchen or utility sink faucet is platonic considering garden hose h2o isn't temperature controlled and the pressure level may be besides high.
  • Tap the air filter to shake out backlog water.

Wash the Filter

Step iv

Reinstall the Air Filter

  • Lay the air filter flat in total 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 basics.

Reinstall the Air Filter