Can I clean my K&N air filter with soap and water?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can clean a K&N air filter with soap and water. K&N recommends using their Air Filter Cleaner and Air Filter Oil, but mild soap and water can also be used in a pinch. The key things to keep in mind when cleaning a K&N filter are:

• Use only mild, dish-type soap, not detergent
• Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove all soap residue
• Allow to fully air dry before re-oiling and reinstalling

As long as you follow those guidelines, soap and water will effectively clean the filter without damaging it. Just be aware that the soap may not remove quite as much dirt and oil as a dedicated filter cleaner. But it’s fine for occasional at-home cleanings between professional services.

Steps for Cleaning a K&N Air Filter with Soap and Water

Here are the detailed steps for safely cleaning a K&N air filter using mild soap and water:

1. Remove the air filter from the vehicle following the directions in your owner’s manual. Make note of how it was installed.
2. Use a lint-free towel to wipe away any loose dirt or debris from the air filter. Be careful not to push any dirt into the filter material.
3. Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add a small amount of mild, dish-type soap. Do not use detergent or dishwasher soap.
4. Fully submerge the air filter in the soapy water. Agitate it gently to help dislodge built-up dirt and oil.
5. Allow the filter to soak for 5-10 minutes. The soap will help break down the dirt and oily residue.
6. Remove the filter from the water and rinse thoroughly with clean warm water. Continue rinsing until all soap residue is removed.
7. Gently shake or tap the filter to remove excess water. Make sure to not bend or dent the filter.
8. Allow the filter to fully air dry before re-oiling. This may take several hours.
9. Once completely dry, apply K&N air filter oil or another approved filter oil. Apply evenly across the entire filter surface.
10. Let the freshly oiled filter sit for 20-30 minutes to allow the oil to fully saturate the filter media.
11. Reinstall the cleaned, dried and oiled air filter in the vehicle following the reverse of the removal steps.
12. Make sure to periodically check the filter going forward, and clean it again when needed.

Supplies Needed

To properly clean your K&N air filter at home using soap and water, you’ll need the following supplies:

• Mild liquid dish soap (not detergent)
• Clean water
• A lint-free towel
• Bucket or sink big enough to hold and submerge the filter
• K&N air filter oil or comparable oil

Optional items that can help make the process easier include:

• Eye protection
• Rubber gloves
• Old toothbrush or parts brush
• Compressed air

Tips for Effective Cleaning

Here are some helpful tips for safely and effectively cleaning your reusable performance air filter at home with soap and water:

• Stick to mild soap and stay away from harsh detergents that could damage the filter media.
• If needed, use a very soft brush like an old toothbrush to help remove deeply embedded dirt.
• Rinse the filter extremely thoroughly after cleaning to remove all soap residue.
• After rinsing, gently blow out excess water using compressed air or shake/tap the filter.
• Always make sure the filter is 100% dry before re-oiling and installing.
• Apply air filter oil evenly across the entire surface for best filtration.
• When reinstalling, carefully inspect the filter for any rips, tears or damage.
• Check your vehicle owner’s manual for the recommended service interval.

Taking your time and using care when cleaning will allow you to safely get the most life out of your high performance air filter.

What is a K&N Air Filter?

K&N is a popular brand of reusable, high-flow performance air filters used to replace standard factory air filters. Here are some key facts about K&N filters:

• Made from multiple layers of cotton gauze and synthetic material, pleated between aluminum wire mesh.
• Washable and reusable – designed to be cleaned and re-oiled.
• Typically oiled from the factory and require periodic re-oiling after cleaning.
• Offer high airflow thanks to the cotton filter media.
• Require cleaning roughly every 50,000 miles depending on conditions.
• Filter housing can be recharged with filter oil instead of buying a new filter.
• Come with a million mile limited warranty.

K&N filters can boost acceleration and performance when used to replace a dirty or clogged stock air filter. But regular cleaning is required to prevent decreased performance over time.

Benefits of K&N Air Filters

There are several benefits that make K&N air filters popular performance upgrades:

• Increased airflow – The multi-layer cotton design allows significantly more airflow compared to typical paper filters.
• Better acceleration – More airflow means more air and oxygen get to the engine, improving throttle response and acceleration.
• Increased horsepower – Independent tests show an average gain of 5-10 HP with a K&N filter upgrade.
• Reusable – The washable and rechargeable design saves money over disposable air filters.
• Protects engine – Efficient filtration balances airflow with keeping dirt out.
• Easy to clean – Can be cleaned at home with soap and water.

Drivers choose K&N filters when they want a reusable, low-restriction air filter that provides excellent filtration while allowing more air into the engine for better performance.

When to Avoid Using Soap and Water

While mild soap and water work well for most at-home cleanings, there are some situations when soap may not be the best choice:

• If the filter is very dirty and clogged with oil and dirt, a dedicated filter cleaner may work better to cut through the heavy build-up.
• Soap rinses may not fully restore air flow if the filter is extremely dirty or at the end of its service life. This can indicate it’s time to get a new filter.
• On new filters or filters that were recently cleaned, it makes more sense to use K&N filter cleaner and oil to follow the recommended maintenance steps.
• If you notice rips, damage or leaks when inspecting the filter, it should be replaced rather than trying to clean it further.

While mild soap and water work great for occasional cleanings, heavily used filters or ones at the end of their service life will benefit more from a professional deep cleaning or replacement.

Professional Filter Cleaning vs DIY

Many K&N authorized dealers offer professional air filter cleaning services using specialized equipment and K&N cleaning products. Here is how DIY cleanings with soap and water compare:

Professional Filter Cleaning

• Uses powerful cleaners that thoroughly dissolve built-up gunk
• Special sprayers apply cleaners and oil at optimal pressure
• Removes almost all debris for like-new performance
• Cleans entire filter housing and components
• Convenient service while you wait or with fast turnaround

DIY Soap and Water Cleaning

• Saves money over professional cleaning services
• Convenient to do at home on your schedule
• Provides satisfactory cleaning for lightly dirty filters
• Good for periodic maintenance between deep cleanings
• May not fully restore heavily coated or damaged filters

Cleaning at home with soap and water lets you maintain your air filter between professional cleanings. But for deeper cleanings, professional services using specialized tools and cleaners may be preferable.

How Often to Clean K&N Air Filters

K&N recommends checking your air filter every 50,000 miles and cleaning only if needed. The ideal cleaning interval can vary depending on:

• Type of driving (stop-and-go, dirt roads, etc)
• Climate and weather conditions
• Outdoor air quality and dust levels
• Engine and usage (gas vs diesel, towing, etc)

Performance drivers in dusty or polluted areas may need to clean as often as every 25,000 miles. For lightly used commuter cars, cleanings could be done less often at 75,000+ mile intervals.

Use the restriction gauge if included with your filter to check when airflow starts to drop off and cleaning is needed. If not, visually check for heavy dirt and oil build-up. As a general rule, plan to clean the filter at least once per year.

Conclusion

Cleaning your K&N air filter at home with mild soap and water is an effective and affordable way to maintain its filtration and performance between professional deep cleanings. Just be sure to use suggested procedures and let the filter fully dry before re-oiling and reinstalling. For heavily contaminated filters, professional cleaning services may be required to fully restore filtration effectiveness and airflow. But a simple soap and water cleaning can keep your filter in shape for most routine maintenance needs. Following the recommended cleaning procedures will maximize performance and the long service life of your K&N washable performance air filter.