How to Clean Your (Oiled or Dry) Air Filter
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.
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.
What do I clean my filter with?
We recommend maintaining your aFe POWER air filter with our Filter Restoration Kits. All oiled filters are cleaned and re-oiled the same. The only difference between the oil re-applied at the end. aFe POWER Pro DRY S filters require no oil. Keep reading to see step-by-step instructions on how to clean your oiled or dry air filter.
If you don’t know whether you have an oiled or dry air filter, click here to find out.
How to clean (& re-oil) an oiled filter
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.
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.
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.
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.
1. Tap the filter to remove any loose dirt. Apply aFe POWER Air Filter Cleaner for your dry filter media. Let stand for 10-15 minutes.
2. Rinse with tap water or a garden hose from the inside out. Do not use high pressure.
3. Stand the air filter up and let it air dry. Do not apply heat. Wait until the filter is completely dry. Never oil a dry air filter.
4. You are ready to install your dry aFe Air Filter into your stock or aFe housing.
Cleaning and Restoration Kits
Whether you have the high-performance Pro 5R, the heavy-duty Pro 10R, extra-protection Pro-GUARD 7, or easy maintenance Pro DRY S, we’re here to help make sure your engine is fully optimized. We offer all of the products you need to keep any of your aFe air filters in top shape, including Dry Air Filter Cleaner, Oiled Air Filter Cleaner, and Power Cleaner. We offer the Gold and Blue oils and offer the Blue oil in a convenient Aerosol Spray. Check out our selection of maintenance kits here.
Download a printable PDF version aFe POWER Air Filter Maintenance
If you have questions, feel free to give us a call at 951-493-7100 during our hours Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm PST.
