Nowadays, cabin air filters are standard equipment in the vast majority of vehicles on the road. Below will tell you how to clean a K&N air filter and other cleaning products.
So, how to clean a K&N air filter? Remove the filter, apply cleaning solution, rinse the filter with a garden hose or faucet, shake the filter to remove any extra water, oil and replace it.
Please read on for more detailed information.
How to Clean a K&N Air Filter?
Before you clean the air filter, refer to your Owner’s Manual. For proper cleaning and upkeep, always adhere to the manufacturer’s detailed instructions. Before cleaning, make sure the engine is cool to the touch.
- Remove the filter. Carefully remove the air filter, making sure that no debris or dirt enters the airbox or intake. Remove the housing and the wing nut holding the filter together if there is any housing on the filter before removing the outer element.
- Apply cleaning solution. Spray Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner on the filter and let it sit for a while.
- Rinse the filter with a garden hose or faucet, working from the interior outward to avoid pushing dirt deeper into the filter’s fibers. To prevent tearing, avoid wringing or stretching the filter. Rinse until the water is clear. If necessary, repeat the procedure.
- Shake the filter to remove any extra water, then place it somewhere to let it air dry. Prior to oiling (if your filter is oiled) and replacing it, make sure the filter is completely dry.
- Oil and replace. If your filter is already oiled, make sure the sealing flange and lip are fully saturated with fresh filter oil. When re-oiling these types of filters in modern vehicles that employ a Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, special caution must be taken to prevent over-oiling and damaging the MAF’s delicate wires. This could cause it to incorrectly measure air consumption, resulting in a “check engine” light. Along the crown of each filter pleat, evenly distribute the oil spray. After that, squeeze out the extra liquid and put the filter back in its housing.
What Else Can You Use to Clean a K&N Air Filter?
In addition to using water and a mild soap solution to clean a K&N air filter, you can also use a specialized air filter cleaner.
These cleaners are made specifically to dislodge and get rid of oil, grime, and dirt from air filters without harming the filter material.
Some brands of air filter cleaners include K&N’s own air filter cleaner, as well as other popular options such as Red Line and Maxima.
To use an air filter cleaner, simply follow these instructions:
- In general, you will want to apply the cleaner to the filter and allow it to penetrate and loosen any dirt or debris for a period of time, usually around 15-30 minutes.
- In order to clean the filter and get rid of the dirt, use a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush. Rinse the filter thoroughly with water and allow it to air dry completely before re-oiling itand re-installing it in your car.
- It is important to note that not all air filter cleaners are compatible with all types of air filters. Use a cleaner that is specifically made for use on the type of air filter you have by reading the label carefully.
Can You Clean A K&N Air Filter With Soap And Water?
Yes, cleaning a K&N air filter with a mild soap solution is secure.
K&N recommends using its own air filter cleaner, but if this is not available, a mild soap solution can be used as an alternative.
To make a soap solution, mix a small amount of dish soap with water.
Apply the solution to the filter and use a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush, to gently scrub the filter to remove dirt and debris.
Rinse the filter thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue, then allow it to air dry completely before re-oiling it and re-installing it in your car.
It is important to use mild soap and to rinse the filter thoroughly to avoid damaging the filter material.
When cleaning an air filter, avoid using harsh or powerful cleaners like solvents or degreasers because they can harm the filter and impair its effectiveness.
The Best Way to Let a K&N Air Filter Dry After Cleaning
The best way to allow a K&N air filter to dry after cleaning is to let it air dry completely.
Be patient; this could take several hours. To speed up the drying process, you can use a fan to blow air onto the filter or use a hair dryer set to the cool setting to blow air onto the filter.
Avoid using heat sources, such as a radiator or stove, to dry the air filter as this can cause the filter material to become damaged or shrink.
Additionally, do not use compressed air to dry the filter as this can force water and dirt into the filter material, which can cause it to become damaged.
Once the filter is completely dry, use a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush, to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
Then, follow the instructions on your K&N filter oil to apply it to the filter before re-installing it in your car.
Can a Dirty Air Filter Be Re-used?
Although it is technically possible, it is not advised to reuse a dirty air filter.
An air filter’s primary function is to protect your engine by trapping dirt, debris, and other contaminants before they can enter the engine.
When an air filter becomes dirty, it becomes less effective at trapping these contaminants and can even allow them to pass through the filter and enter the engine, which can cause engine damage and reduced performance.
For these reasons, replacing a soiled air filter is usually advised instead of attempting to clean and reuse it.
Depending on your driving conditions and the type of air filter you have, it may be necessary to replace your air filter every 15,000 to 50,000 miles or more frequently if it becomes excessively dirty.
Consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific guidance on how often to replace your air filter.
FAQs
Do K&N Filters Need to Be Cleaned?
To determine whether your air filter needs to be cleaned, K&N advises that you visually check it once every 25,000 miles. Cleaning your K&N Air Filter is not required if you can still see the wire screen on the entire air filter, regardless of how dirty it may appear.
What Can I Use to Clean My KN Air Filter?
However, you might already have a simple tool you can use to clean your K&N cabin air filter: Dawn dish detergent.
How Long Does It Take for a K&N Filter to Dry After Cleaning?
It will usually take somewhere between six and eight hours for the filter to dry completely indoors.
Can I Use Regular Oil on K&N Filter?
Use only K&N oil, and never saturate the filter. If oil drips from the filter, let it sit for a few minutes until it stops, then wipe any extra oil off the filter frame.
Summary: How to Clean a K&N Air Filter?
K&N auto air filters are renowned for their long lifespan and robust design. Instead of having to replace your air filter on a regular basis, these filters can be cleaned and reused for tens of thousands of miles. The best part is that they are simple to clean. Simply spray the filter with the cleaning solution from the Recharger kit that came with your K&N filter, rinse it off, and then reapply the dust-trapping oil. Your car’s performance and mileage will be significantly enhanced by maintaining a clean and functional K&N air filter.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment. KV Auto tries to give you the best car industry information. Thank you for reading.
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