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 h2o.

Introduction

Air filters are typically replaced every 15,000 miles, merely a cleaning between replacements can enhance your car's operation. If you've noticed a decrease in mileage per gallon or acceleration, endeavor 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'southward manual or with the air filter manufacturer to be sure it's rubber to utilise soap and water, and if yous have an oil-coated filter. Oil-coated filters aren't as common, merely if you have one, you'll demand a specific cleaning solution. Don't utilise soap and water on an oil-coated air filter.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Liquid dish soap
  • Warm water

Projection footstep-by-pace (4)

Stride 1

Remove the Air Filter

  • Locate the air filter housing under the hood. The air filter housing is typically an hands identifiable box near the acme 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 material to remove dust and droppings.

Remove the Air Filter

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 squeegee/soft brush zipper, pressing firmly to go the dust and clay between the pleats but not so hard that y'all rip or warp the filter.

Vacuum the Air Filter

Pace 3

Launder the Filter

  • Dispense a pocket-size 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 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 exist also high.
  • Tap the air filter to milk shake out excess water.

Wash the Filter

Step 4

Reinstall the Air Filter

  • Lay the air filter flat in full sun until information technology 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