How to Clean K&N Air Filter Products

When Do I Clean My K&N Air Filter?

Cleaning your K&N Air Filter is not required if you can still see the wire screen on the entire air filter regardless of how dirty it may appear. If you have not experienced a decrease in mileage or engine performance, chances are your K&N air filter is fine and does not yet need to be cleaned. When the screen is no longer visible some place on the air filter, it is time to clean it. Check out these pictures of dirty and clean air filters to help determine if your K&N air filter needs cleaning.
K&N replacement air filters that fit

in the factory air box can go up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is required and large conical filters on a K&N air intake system can go up to 100,000 miles before needing to be cleaned, depending on your driving conditions. If your K&N air filter is used in dusty or off-road environments, they will require cleaning more often. We recommend that you visually inspect your air filter once every 25,000 miles to determine if the screen is still visible.

How Do I Clean My K&N Air Filter

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Once you determine your K&N air filter needs to be cleaned, K&N air filter cleaning kits simplify the process and restore your air filter to a like new condition. Cleaning your K&N air filter is simple when following the 4 easy steps below.

STEP 1 - APPLY K&N AIR FILTER CLEANER

Liberally spray K&N Air Filter Cleaner onto both sides of filter and allow to soak for 10 minutes to loosen the dirt. Do not allow cleaner to dry on air filter.

Clean K&N Panel Air Filter

Clean K&N Round Air Filter

Clean K&N Cone Air Filter

STEP 2 - RINSE YOUR K&N AIR FILTER

Rinse off your air filter with cool low-pressure water applied to the clean side out in order to flush the dirt out of the filter. Continue to rinse the filter until all traces of cleaner are gone. It may be necessary to repeat steps 1 and 2.

Rinse K&N Panel Air Filter

Rinse K&N Round Air Filter

Rinse K&N Cone Air Filter

STEP 3 - DRY YOUR K&N AIR FILTER

After rinsing your filter, gently shake off the excess water and only allow filter to dry naturally. Do not apply oil until the air filter is completely dry.

STEP 4 - APPLY K&N FILTER OIL

When using the air filter oil squeeze bottle found in K&N filter cleaning kit 99-5050, apply K&N air filter oil evenly along the crown of each pleat. Allow the oil to wick for approximately 20 minutes then touch up any light areas on either side of filter until there is a uniform red color at all areas. K&N offers 1/2 ounce pillow pack air filter oil for the smaller jobs and one gallon jug air filter oil for bigger jobs. Individuals who require a large supply of oil on hand, K&N also offers 5 gallon pails of air filter oil.

Squeeze Oil K&N Panel Air Filter

Squeeze Oil K&N Round Air Filter

Squeeze Oil K&N Cone Air Filter

When using the air filter oil aerosol spay found in K&N filter cleaning kit 99-5000 or K&N's 12.25oz aerosol air filter oil, spray the oil evenly along the crown of each pleat holding nozzle about 3" away. Allow oil to wick for approximately 20 minutes. Touch up any light areas on either side of the filter until there is a uniform red color at all areas.