How to Clean a K&N Air Filter – 2024 Step by Step Guide : Simple & Easy Process

Table could not be displayed.Tired of replacing air filters? Let’s have a look at how to clean a K&N air filter so that you don’t have to spend time and money while replacing filters. The K&N air filters are not only convenient but they also give an increased horsepower.

You are getting quite a few benefits through the K&N filter. Along with a reusable air filter and heightened horsepower, you get to protect your engine from dirt and contaminants and you are also producing less waste.

The cool thing about this air filter is that it can be installed easily.

Features of K&N air filter

K&N filter

01. Custom cotton filter media

The filter consists of pleated cotton in four or six layers which prevents the contaminants from reaching the engine. The pleats are designed in a unique way to provide a large area for the contaminants to get captured.

02. The magic sauce-RED 201 filter oil

The tacky oil in the filter known as the red sauce is responsible for capturing the contaminants. The oil captures dirt and other contaminants while preventing them to enter the engine. This increases the durability of the engine.

03. Durable urethane frame

The durable urethane frame in the liquid form is custom poured to provide a good fit and it is engineered in a way that lasts for a long while.

04. Epoxy coated mesh

To further enhance the durability there is a pleated mesh on both sides of the cotton filter media. It gives a sturdy structure and also increases the life of the filter.

05. CNC machined aluminum filter molds

The filter molds are manufactured with aluminum and they are precision-milled using the software. These provide premium quality to the users.

How K&N filter works

The job of an air filter is to filter out the contaminants from the air that enters the engine. When the air and fuel are ignited in the engine, it produces power.

The air passing through the air filter contains toxic materials and contaminants that have the ability to clog the engine. The air filter makes sure that all the contaminants are captured inside the air filter onto the tacky oil.

The cleaned air then passes through the engine. This way, the engine’s horsepower is increased and the filter prevents clogging of the engine.

How to Clean a K&N Air Filter

Step 1 – Getting the filter out of the hood

How to Clean K&N Filter

The first thing that you have to do is to take the filter out of its place so that it can be cleaned. Open the hood of the car and get the filter out by detaching the clamps or rings that may be placed to keep the filter in place.

You will now see the air filter. Different vehicles may have a different shape of the filter. The filters may be flat, circular or conical.

Step 2 – Get rid off loose dirt by shaking the filter

Before you start shaking the air filter make sure that your eyes are protected as the dirt can get in your eyes and cause irritation. Shake off the loose dirt and then use a soft-bristled brush to remove the dirt from the dirt.

Make sure that you don’t harm the filter during this process.

Step 3 – Spray air filter cleaner

The next step is to spray the air filter with an air filter cleaner. K&N also has air filter cleaning sprays so you can use those if you like. After spraying the air filter wait for 10 minutes so that it cuts through the deposited dirt and contaminants.

Step 4 – Rinsing the filter

After the air filter cleaning spray has cut through the contaminants, it is ready to be rinsed. Use cool water and on low pressure to rinse off all the dirt and deposited residue on the filter.

The critical thing here is to make sure that you are properly rinsing the filter from the inside and out.

Step 5 – Gently shake off excess water and let it dry

After rinsing, gently shake off excess water and let the air filter dry on its own. Let it dry overnight, this way it will be completely dry and ready for the next step.

Step 6 – Apply oil to the air filter

You have to oil the air filter with the air filter oil. The oil for the air filter comes in two forms, one is a squeeze bottle and the other aerosolized spray.

Now if you are using the squeeze bottle, make sure that the oil reaches every pleat and if you are using the spray then make sure that you hold it a few inches away.

Make sure that the oil is evenly spread all over the pleats. If there is an excess of oil, you can use a paper towel to clean it off.

Step 7 – Let the oil sit

After applying the oil to the filter make sure that you let it sit for at least 20 minutes before you replace it.

Step 8 – Replace the air filter

Now you are all set to place the filter back, you will definitely observe an improvement in the horsepower and overall efficiency of your vehicle.

How often should an air filter be cleaned?

It is usually said that within the mile range of 30,000-50,000, the air filter should be cleaned. However, it depends upon the vehicle to vehicle. To really know when to clean the air filter, you can have a look at it.

If the dirt or contaminant build-up is as thick as the wire mesh of the filter, the air filter certainly needs cleaning.

Benefits of using the K&N air filter

The first benefit of the K&N filter is that it prevents you from the trouble of getting new air filters. You can easily wash the filter and reuse it. Secondly, it provides a great improvement in the horsepower and torque of the vehicle.

The engine gets clean air through the airflow and it prevents contaminants from getting to the engine which is why the durability of the engine increases.

In times of global warming and environmental pollution, the usage of K&N helps you reduce waste.

Different Methods of Cleaning The K&N Air Filter

Clean K&N Filter

All the people, generally follow the same way of cleaning the K&N air filter. However, there may be a difference in the sequence of the steps followed.

Some people might not shake off the excess dirt, some people might not let the filter dry overnight. Some people may not use a squeeze bottle or a spray bottle for oiling, they may use a syringe or anything else.

So, pretty much, the whole process is the same but the steps may be slightly different.

How to Clean a K&N Air Filter Without a Kit

Now if you are someone who doesn’t have the kit in hand, yet you want to clean the K&N air filter. Can you do that? Yes, absolutely!

You can clean the air filter without a kit. All you will need is a cleaning spray, a water hose, and tacky oil. First things first, get the air filter out and shake off the dirt on it.

You can use a brush that has soft bristles to slightly get rid of the contaminants on the filter. Once you are done with that, you soak the filter with the cleaning spray and let it sit for a while.

When the cleaning spray has done its magic, you can rinse off the contaminants and all the dirt that may be deposited on the pleats of the filter. Now its time to dry the thing.

You can leave it overnight to dry or for 6-8 hours. When the K&N air filter is dry, you can move on to the oiling process.

If you do not have a squeeze bottle of the oil or the aerosol spray, then you can fill a small syringe with the oil and then oil the pleats of the filter. Then again, let the filter sit for some time and you can replace it.

DIY Ways of Cleaning K&N Air Filter

The air filter can be cleaned by anyone easily because it is a simple process. If the steps are properly followed, anyone can do it pretty easily and will be satisfied with the performance of the vehicle.

To make it even simpler, people take the dirty filter and wash it with soapy water. instead of using a cleaning spray, people clean the filter with a solution of soap and water.

Once the filter is dried, they reoil it and it is again ready to placed back in the vehicle. If you are someone who is not willing to invest in a cleaning spray then you can opt for soapy water too.

Tools or materials needed

While cleaning the air filter, you will need an air filter cleaner, you will also need the tacky oil and lastly, you will need a water hose. These are the main things that are needed.

However, to get rid of the dirt properly, you will need a brush with soft bristles. Also, to get rid of excess oil, you will need paper towels. If you don’t have the cleaner in hand, then you can easily opt for the soapy water.

Cost of cleaning with the DIY way

If you are going for the DIY way of cleaning the air filter, then the cost will be quite less because you will only be paying for the oil. The soapy water will be available at home, so you can use that.

So, if you want to get the job done cheaply, then you can use the materials already present at home.

How much does a K&N air filter kit cost?

The cost of the K&N air filter kit is between $13-$20. If you are someone who is going for a premium quality cleanse then you can invest in the kit and use it more than once.

You will not have to take trips to the professionals when you start cleaning the filter yourself.

Service Center Cost

The average cost of the air filter change at the service center is $50. It may range from $20 to $100 depending upon the filter, the service provider and the vehicle as well.

So, by cleaning the filter yourself you are saving a lot of money and once you get the hang of it, you will never go to a service station. $12 for the kit is quite affordable to the $50 that the service center charges.

Are all K&N filters washable?

How to Clean a K&N Air Filter

Yes, all the K&N air filters are washable and reusable. Since they are very durable, you will never have to say welcome to the disposable air filters again.

Benefits of K&N filters in terms of Dodge Ram 1500 trucks

As compared to the typical disposable air filters, the K&N air filters have benefitted the dodge ram 1500 trucks from 1994 to 2016. The filters that are washable, reusable and durable have improved the horsepower and torque of the trucks.

It benefits the engines by providing increased airflow and by improving the mileage as well. Less fuel consumption takes place with a clean air filter and the overall performance is also improved.

Verdict

The K&N air filters are tremendous because they are washable and reusable, you create less waste and are able to get rid of the dirt when needed by yourself.

The cleaning process is also pretty simple so you don’t have to waste energy on it. The components of the air filters by K&N are high quality and they give you a massive difference in the performance.

With the heightened horsepower and torque, you will enjoy driving your vehicle a lot more. Since these air filters are durable, only one air filter will be good enough for the whole life of the vehicle.

You can peacefully wash and reuse the air filter instead of spending hefty amounts of money for the replacement of the disposable ones.