How to Clean Your (Oiled or Dry) Air Filter

How To Clean Your Filter | Cleaning an Oiled Filter | Cleaning a Dry Filter | Filter Media Comparison Chart

How to clean your filter

aFe POWER air filters in your stock airbox save you the trouble of constantly replacing flimsy and inefficient paper filters. Similarly, if you’ve taken the next step toward a full-performance package, an aFe POWER air filter serves as the heart of a hard-working, horsepower-boosting aFe POWER Cold Air Intake System. Luckily, all of our engine air filters are washable and reusable while providing optimum filtration and protection without compromising airflow.

Simple black odometer icon with no background

How often should I clean it?

Keeping up with regular maintenance improves the lifespan and efficiency of your engine air filter, but over-cleaning it is detrimental. Make sure to strike the right balance. A good rule of thumb is to clean your air filter around the 20k-30k mile mark. You’ll need to clean it sooner if you’ve been through extremely dusty or dirty environments.

* Pro-Tip: Many people prefer having an extra filter on hand to switch out during cleaning. Find a replacement filter on our website by searching up your filter or intake part number or giving us a call at 951-493-7101 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm PST.

For help on identifying your filter part number, check out this blog post.

Man spraying aFe filter cleaner onto a grey engine air filter

If you don’t know whether you have an oiled or dry air filter, click here to find out.

How does oil improve filter efficiency?

The oil improves filter efficiency by allowing more air to flow through while capturing finer debris. aFe oil is a high-grade blend and safe for your engine. All oiled filters are cleaned the same.

Three out of the four air filter media that aFe offers are of the oiled variety: the blue Pro 5R, the blue, expanded metal Pro 10R, and the gold extra-protection Pro-GUARD 7.

Man oiling AFE Filter in warehouse with blue oil

How to clean (& re-oil) an oiled filter

Pro 5R

Pro 10R

Pro Guard 7

1. Tap the filter to remove any loose dirt. Apply aFe Air Filter Power Cleaner for your filter media. Let stand for 10-15 minutes and allow cleaner to break down oil.

2. Rinse with tap water or a garden hose from the inside out. Do not use high pressure.

3. Let it air dry out of direct sunlight. Do not apply heat. Wait until the filter is completely dry.

4. Apply either aFe Blue Oil or aFe Gold Oil, to the top or bottom of each pleat, about 1/2″ away from the filter’s edge. Within 20 minutes, the oil should spread to the rest media area. Touch up the spots that are still visibly white. aFe oil is safe for your engine and will not drip. If you prefer, use aFe Aerosol Gold or Blue Oil.

5. You are ready to install your oiled aFe Air Filter into your stock or aFe housing. Do not run an oiled filter without oil. We recommend waiting 24-48 hours and checking your filter to cover any white spots the oil did not get to.

For help on identifying your filter part number, check out this blog post.

Instruction diagram on how to clean blue oiled Pro 5R or Pro 10R aFe air filter

Instruction diagram on how to clean gold oiled ProGuard7 aFe air filter

How to clean a DRY filter

aFe Pro DRY S air filters use a 3-layered synthetic media that’s perfect for street and light off-road use. The Pro DRY S is best for those who want easy maintenance without the extra step of oiling.