How to Clean Your Air Filter

Cleaning the air filter in your car is an important part of maintaining your vehicle. The air filter helps to regulate the air that goes into your engine. Over time, the air filter will become clogged with dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. Car air filters come in two types: dry air filters and oiled air filters. Clean the filter according to the type and maintain it so it functions at its best.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning a Dry Filter

1
Locate the air filter. The dry air filter will be made of paper or cotton gauze. Dry air filters tend to get dirty faster but they are also easier to clean than oiled air filters. The dry air filter will be under the hood of your car, on top of the engine. The filter will be housed in a rectangular or round box.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If you cannot locate the air filter under the hood, refer to the instructional manual that came with your car for this information.
2
Take it out of the car. You may need to remove the lid of the housing to take out the filter. There may be wingnuts or clamps that you need to remove. Use a screwdriver to remove the wingnuts or remove the clamps with your fingers. Then, pull the filter out of the housing.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Pull the filter out carefully as it will likely be covered in dirt and dust.
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3
Vacuum the filter. Hold the filter with one hand and use the hose attachment on the vacuum to remove dirt and dust. Run the vacuum over the filter to suck up all the residue on the filter.
- You can also do a quick vacuum of the filter housing to remove any dirt or dust.^{[3]XResearch source}
4
Wipe off the filter with a dry cloth. As a final clean, use a dry cloth to wipe the filter to remove any remaining dirt or dust. You can also wipe the inside of the filter housing with the cloth.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Do not scrub or rub the filter. A simple wipe should be fine.
Once you are done cleaning the air filter, put it back in the housing. Make sure the air filter sits properly and securely in the housing. Then, replace the lid on the housing.^{[5]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning an Oiled Filter

1
Find the air filter. Oiled air filters are made of loose layers coated in a sticky oil. This allows the filter to catch any debris or dirt in the engine. The oiled air filter will be located under the hood of your car, on top of the engine. It will be housed in a rectangular or round box with a lid. ^{[6]XResearch source}
- If you’re having a hard time locating the air filter, refer to your user’s manual for the car. It should note where the air filter is located.
You may need to unclamp the lid using your fingers or use a screwdriver to remove the wingnuts on the lid. Pull the air filter out carefully, being mindful of any dust or dirt on the filter.
3
Spray the filter in cleaner. Look for a cleaner made for cleaning car parts or specially formulated for the air filter. You can also use mild soap and water to clean the filter. Spray the entire filter with the cleaner. Let it soak into the filter for 10 minutes.
- You can find cleaner for air filters online or at an auto body shop.
Once the cleaner has soaked into the filter, but has not dried completely, place the filter under running water at a low pressure. Rinse off the filter, allowing the water to loosen and remove any remaining debris on the filter.^{[7]XResearch source}
Shake off any excess water and let the air filter air dry on a clean towel. The air filter may need to dry overnight. Let it dry completely before you re oil it.^{[8]XResearch source}
6
Re oil the filter. After the air filter has dried, you will need to re oil it so it can work properly. Apply filter oil to the filter. Follow the estimated amount of oil for your filter type on the label. Let the filter oil absorb into the filter for five to ten minutes.
- You can find filter oil online or at your local autobody shop. Some cleaning kits for air filters come with filter oil.
Slide the air filter back into the housing on top of the engine. Then, secure the clamps or the wingnuts on the lid.^{[9]XResearch source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining the Air Filter

Maintain the air filter in your car by cleaning it every 5,000 miles. You can also get in the habit of cleaning the air filter every time you do a big clean of your car or check under the hood. Keeping the air filter clean will ensure it works properly.^{[10]XResearch source}
2
Replace the air filter after 15,000 miles. Over time the air filter can become worn out and needs to be replaced. If the air filter has been in your car for 15,000 miles or more, it may need to be replaced. If you notice the air filter is not working properly, despite cleaning it, it may be time for a replacement.^{[11]XResearch source}
- You can buy replacement car air filters online or at your local autobody shop.
If you are uncomfortable getting under the hood of the car, you may have a professional mechanic do this during a tune up of your car. The mechanic can inspect and clean the air filter for you, for a fee.
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How do you replace a cabin air filter?
Tom Eisenberg
Auto Technician
Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country.
Tom Eisenberg
Auto Technician
Expert Answer
If you want to replace your cabin filter, pull out your glove box and look for a plastic door behind it. When you open that door, you should see a filter in there. Every car is different, but that's where it's located in most cars. When you find it, just pull that filter out, put a new one in, and put everything back together.
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