If you're looking for a way to clean your air filter, soaking it in water may be an option. But before you do, it's important to make sure the filter is suitable for water. If it is, you can soak it in a mixture of equal parts of water and vinegar for about an hour. Afterward, allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it.
To start, fill a clean bucket with water and a small amount of laundry detergent. Then, immerse the filter in the water and turn it with your hands to remove dirt and dust from the filter material. Afterward, remove it from the water and shake off any excess before rinsing it with running water. It's important to turn off the air filter system before cleaning a household air filter so that dirt is not absorbed by the system again during the cleaning process.
When it comes to car air filters, it's generally recommended to change them every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or 12 months. However, check your owner's manual to see what's recommended for your own vehicle. Air filters are designed to prevent dust, dirt and debris from entering the engine through the air intake tube. To maintain engine performance and efficiency, they must be cleaned fairly regularly.
In addition to changing your car's air filter every 15,000 miles, you can also clean it between replacements to improve its performance. If you want to take the next step in cleaning your car, think about cleaning the air filter. We've also covered the essentials of air filter maintenance so you know when and how to approach the job. You should also replace your air filter every three years as they can become brittle and won't work as well over time. To clean your air filter, connect a hose attachment to your standard household vacuum and use it to get into the crests of the filter itself.
If it is very dirty, cleaning the filter with water works better than simply vacuuming it; just be sure to let it dry well before changing it. For more freshness after cleaning your air filter, use specialty oil products such as K&N automotive air filter oil, Traxxas Oil air filter or FRAM ultra-synthetic protective oil filter. Additionally, if you've noticed a decrease in mileage per gallon or in acceleration, try vacuuming and gently cleaning the air filter. Finally, open up the plastic or metal housing that holds the air filter and pat it dry with paper towels. Allow it to finish air-drying before reinstalling it as moisture in the filter can cause mold to grow.
