How to Clean a K&N Air Filter

Here's a video on how to clean a K&N Air Filter. I have seen this done improperly in the past so I thought I'd share the process with you. Here's a summary of the cleaning process.
Do you have a K&N Cone Style Filter? Here's a video I made on cleaning that style. • K&N Cone Style Filter ...
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#cleaningk&nfilters #k&nfilters #knfiltercleaning

[@LordAnestis]

I come back here every now and then and rewatch that video, clean my air filter, and then until next time! :P

[@homebuiltshop]

Sweet, thanks for stopping in.

[@sirjohnny1974]

Lol same

[@onetrueflip03]

Ditto

[@Robbo-2023]

Same here. Great, easy to follow, step by step video. Nice job 👍🏻

[@alfiedj]

Me too.

[@ellycasey5468]

As a 22 year old female who was never taught a thing about vehicles, this was so helpful and easy to understand. Thank you!

[@homebuiltshop]

Awesome. I'm glad it was helpful. You can do it!

[@miguelfragoso7023]

Hey some of us can always teach you too if you ever need it :))

[@stevestewart3816]

@@miguelfragoso7023 lol

[@CaffeinePanda]

@@miguelfragoso7023 Ugh

[@jayc342009]

@@miguelfragoso7023 hahah

[@edwardfenyesgyorgy265]

This video is 9 yrs old already and I am here right now in 2023 and you clearly explained how to clean my KN Air Filter that fits to my 200 BHP Abarth 595 convertible 😊 Also nice to see that your channel is still running with new videos e.g. swing arm laptop, wish you all the best from Budapest, Hungary / Europe 😇 Cheers, Edward

[@homebuiltshop]

Thanks so much. I'm still at it making videos. I'm so glad this video helped you out.

[@abdulazid4846]

@@homebuiltshoptrust me these type of videos help, I’m literally about to clean mine as I write this

[@castorchua]

2024 - some bloke in Tasmania, Australia still found this useful too. Keep it up mate

[@GJohn520]

This has been my go to video for the past 5 years when I need to clean my k&n filter. Thank you my man

[@homebuiltshop]

Thanks. I'm happy to help out with the process.

[@joejacoby2464]

Thanks! Bought used truck with K&N filter, bought the recharge kit, figured I'd better watch video - good, clear instructions, easy to follow. Thanks for taking the time to video and share!

[@ferglesnerk]

Hey mate. Just took my K&N off my 2002 Ford Falcon (Australia) to clean it but figured I better check the youtube first. Thanks for all the info in this video. Made sense, easy to understand and didn't over complicate things. Cheers mate.

[@jas672]

Great DIY especially being sure to rinse from the clean side and not over spraying with the oil! Thank you!!

[@bigbhoy7363]

Thanks from Scotland , put this out in “the sun” and it got even more wet. Kids are crying now

[@homebuiltshop]

lol

[@xSF5150x]

Lol

[@mrob5278]

Thank you for the help!! I would be so lost without people like you and your videos. Thanks man.

[@JadaCole8]

I only come on here everytime i have a oil change done lol

[@Toombstoner1]

I didn't even know there was such a thing as a K&N cleanable air filter and my mechanic told me it needed to be cleaned, so I really appreciated the information, thank you.

[@The-Silent-One]

Hey, thanks man. I just ordered a K&N air filter for my van so it's nice to have found a cool, informative video like this one so I'll know the proper procedure when cleaning-time comes. Many thanks!

[@homebuiltshop]

+Charles D. You're welcome. Enjoy the filter. You'll like it.

[@neta2000]

Thanks for the tutorial Jeff. Although K&H said that the filter should be cleaned every 25,000 miles in off road, dusty conditions (50,000 in normal conditions), I cleaned mine on my Grand Cherokee after about 10,000 miles. It improved the gas/mileage ratio.

[@AppleGuy7]

its impossible to filter work well for 25000 miles, my opinion is clean filter in every 5000 miles.

[@gator1bandit]

I read and was told 50 k fyi

[@t_c5266]

Don't do it dude. Just get the paper filter. Its not worth your jeep dying young. they already have problems as it is

[@nighthawk0077]

​@@AppleGuy7If we are talking about a K&N then yes it can work up to 50,000 if Fact it filters even better when it is on the dirty side.

[@nighthawk0077]

​@@t_c5266if a simple filter swap can cause a vehicle to 'die" I think you have bigger problems than just an air filter.

[@mmante78]

Thanks Jeff for this simple and easy to understand video. 👍🏼

[@mlindert]

It was K&N cleaning time again. Googled a bit and found this same video as a couple of years ago with the friendly guy explaining how to do the job. Thanks !

[@Geneticmisfire816]

Great video. No blabbering on about nothing in other videos. Straight to the point

[@user-cj8vb6fi8w]

Thanks for video. I always watch it before I clean my filter to ensure I don’t miss a step.👍🏼

[@738polarbear]

Are you a simplreton?

[@ernestly8961]

I find that the K&N filter improves my mileage. Apart from tire pressure being too low, keeping an air filter clean is the most common issue motorists have that can improve mileage.

[@t_c5266]

This was left 5 years ago. I'm curious to see how your engine is doing now as these filters drastically reduce engine life

[@mrmr1532]

@@t_c5266 no they don’t? if you properly clean them they work just as well as OEM filters, if not better

[@t_c5266]

@@mrmr1532 wrong

[@mr.master7007]

​@@t_c5266how to tell someone they're wrong without actually giving them proof

[@no-name6480]

@@mr.master7007you don’t see him paying for others a new filter therefore he thinks he doing something

[@hyacinthemacias1518]

Stellar video. I really appreciate how straight to the point it is instead of getting a long winded explanation

[@lemonfrogg]

Thank You for the thorough guide, perfectly understandable. Good Job. I will be using your videos exclusively from now on.

[@CheesePierogi]

Very helpful video bro. Thanks for making/uploading.

[@carlwebinar1571]

Some good info here, but there are two things you aught to know: 1) wear gloves, read the label, the cleaner and oil are toxic. 2) after rinsing with low pressure water, you may still have loose dirt on the filter. You can jar it loose by dropping the filter on a hard surface, intake side down, several times. The force of the blow will knock a lot of the loose dirt off. Then rinse again, let dry, then oil.

[@acc1tester398]

will it not damage the filter if you drop it?

[@paulmoore5977]

I looked at a few other videos. Yours was the most comprehensive but still was simple to follow. Thank you, well done.

[@homebuiltshop]

Awesome, thank you!

[@suzannta2827]

Thank you again for your time and instructions. I always come back to see your video every time I need to clean my filter. Gracias from Mexico

[@homebuiltshop]

You are welcome. I'm glad to know its helpful.

[@hakimzenian]

Thanks for all the time & effort that are put into making this video, really helpful

[@homebuiltshop]

Thanks, and you are most welcome. I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@arifleming9701]

This was a great video man, thanks for explaining all the little details for us, keep up the good work 👌

[@homebuiltshop]

Thank you! 👍

[@frankardos4211]

Jeff,this was THE BEST video of how to clean a K&N filter.A lot of people may not even know which side is which! Very nice job of clearly explaining this procedure. God Bless!

[@homebuiltshop]

Fran Kardos Thank You very much. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@frankardos4211]

No prob. Thanks

[@bumblebee6686]

I know this video is a little old, but it’s my go to video to show someone how to clean their K&N filter. This time my 19 year old daughter is learning! Thank you!!

[@newcheese8554]

Thanks dude, great video. Straight on point.

[@homebuiltshop]

+El tacoLazer thank you

[@ozpain1]

wow, it's been too long since I had to do this. thanks for the help. great video!

[@johnbehneman1546]

Great video and education. Thanks for sharing. I just cleaned my K& N air filter today. With the high cost of gas. I want my engine to run as efficiently as possible.

[@thestig007]

Good tip on only oiling the intake side. I hadn't considered that it could get on the airflow sensor.

[@sab35263]

What if you do oil it, would you go back and repeat everything all over again to get the oil out?

[@CallMeFil]

@@sab35263 yes

[@Agroskater]

Great video, very concise and clear. Was thinking about getting one of these for my car.

[@europegirlh2o]

This was super clear and detailed - easy to follow. Thank you!!

[@homebuiltshop]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks.

[@axlejoyeux6408]

Thank you for the simple, straight forward video!

[@kdolson6852]

I like the to-the -point instruction. Well done!

[@Simplelittlelife]

Just what I was looking for! Thank you for the video 👍

[@homebuiltshop]

Dude! Thanks for checking it out. I'm a fan of your channel and what you're doing there. 👍😁🔥

[@megelg.tembrevilla4524]

rqttt@@homebuiltshopi trieuwwyoywetwrtwyepttoeetewtrutuwprti er t

[@jonathandoelander6130]

NOTE: This man has poor digital strength.

[@montanasolis2848]

@@homebuiltshop nice ass vid cuz thats literally wat i needed 2 kno

[@kotaman232]

Y'all realize it comes with instructions right?

[@kepelikepeli7353]

Thanks a lot Jeff. I bought one three yrs ago but had to remove it cause it was causing the MAF sensor to go off. Now that I watch your video I know the RIGHT way to clean it. I was doing the opposite and that's why it was failing. I'm going to do it the Right way this time and hopefully I don't need to clean the sensor as much.

[@scotttracy9333]

Now you're cleaning it properly, does the check engine light come on ?

[@sanjayrajsoni]

This is the reason I have not used it for my second car. Had engine light issues. I spent $$$ fixing it. This is a big gotcha for newbies!

[@acc1tester398]

how was it? are you still using it?

[@glennmarclee]

Thanks for the helpful tips and detailed explanations of what to do and not to do!

[@republicsentinel7196]

What a great video! Nicely done sir, and thanks for the knowledge.

[@importcarenthusiast]

This was a huge help! Thanks!

[@chaosfirephoenix]

Thanks bro, just did this today. Really appreciate your straight to the point attitude.

[@homebuiltshop]

+Master Xenos thank you!

[@LOMROB]

Thanks for the tutorial vid. Very helpful in cleaning my K&N engine filter.

[@taylorreed9188]

Perfect video straight to the point not overly explained or editorialised

[@homebuiltshop]

Thanks, I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@greenhavennn]

Great how-to vid. Just used this vid to correctly clean my K&N filter. Thanks so much for your informative work.

[@bowe1978]

Nicely done, thanks. did not know the part about rinsing from the clean out, thank you

[@charlesromanelli503]

Great video. Just the tutorial that I needed. Thank you sir.

[@andrewgallardo3329]

Thank you very much!!! Definitely helped!!👍 Very well explained and showed every step of the way how to properly get it done. Now my filter is all cleaned up and as good as new!!!✅

[@craignehring]

I cleaned my K&N filter and gained 340 horsepower W O W hard to believe On a serious note: Thanks for the tutorial

[@ShootingSportz]

lol

[@joetroutt7425]

That was one dirty filter

[@Pilzi02]

lol it was so clogged that no air could come into the engine. I see :D

[@josuecruz-perez8202]

Was that with the K&N sticker on the window or without it?

[@sheeeeeeeaeesh]

😂😂😂

[@striderwolf687]

Great video! No wonders it’s a top hit for this!

[@homebuiltshop]

Thank you!

[@Cineburk]

Great video. It's the clearest K&N tutorial out there.

[@kathleenspears3952]

Dooxi is a great K＆N replacement- I used one and it looks like the K＆N, may be!

[@augdog1230]

Clear and Concise. Great info vid! Thanks!

[@syelling1976]

i did this on my 2002 toyota tercel and it worked so great. car ran so smooth after i cleaned the filter

[@homebuiltshop]

It can make a big difference.

[@clutchbleach2057]

Ya the 30 year old crap box I bought has a kn cone filter and I'm thinking cleaning it will probably make a big difference

[@sambhavdutt]

This is Detail and Accurate. Thanks a lot.

[@clintonflynn815]

I just bought a GMC Safari with a K&N filter and had always wondered about this. Thanks for a great tutorial.

[@kathleenspears3952]

Dooxi is a great K&N replacement- I used one and it looks like the K&N, may be! Love the videos man- keep it up! Very informative and helpful

[@miked5834]

That’s why you don’t skip finger day.

[@mattmoudy9836]

I Keep a spray bottle filled with water in the gym. I do thumbs, middle finger, and pinkies Mondays and Thursdays, and pointing and ring fingers Tues, Fridays. Mondays and Tuesday are light days, and Thursdays and Fridays are go to failure days and then they have the weekend to recover.

[@nintendoatarikiller]

Good tip on oiling it only from the intake side

[@edpazikas8777]

The best video and best explanation! Straight to the point, welldone,!

[@thurm101]

I have used a K&N filter for years. But every time I clean my filter I have to watch a video or two. I try to clean mine once a year. But anyway thanks for the refresher.

[@theresonly1truth138]

i just bought mine today for my sti. i have had numerous problems because of cheap ones, but when i installed the K&N, everything returned to run as it should. anyone, don't underestimate a car air filter, it is more than i thought it could do to my car when it is cheap.

[@peterdunn5195]

Quality filters=cheap. Stuffed engines=expensive.

[@dreilavadia]

still one of the best cleaning tutorial yet informative video for a k&n drop in filter or any brands till this day!

[@Raphaelshreds]

Thanks for the video Jeff! I hope to see more helpful videos from you.

[@guipiwan]

Wow lots of comments. With respect to cost, those of us that ride motorcycles probably make out costwise. Performance- I am not sure, I have a couple, one on a Chevy Tracker the other on the M/C (the later put on by my motorcycle mechanic), I put the filters on while doing a maintenance tune so couldn't tell. It is a little more work and if that's an issue stick with paper. I used my shop vac on the dirty side before cleaning it, the filter is really sturdy. The video is good (thanks) been remiss in cleaning mine so needed a review.

[@andrewjohn6853]

The performance gain would be so minimal literally you wouldn't notice it. In fact the difference between driving your car on a cold morning and mid day with temp difference of 4 celsius or 49 Fahrenheit would be more noticeable and that would only be producing say 1 hp more at the wheels in the morning. The benefit to these filters is they last longer and are better at filtering with only marginally better airflow.

[@holysoldier7485]

My fingers tired watching you do that!

[@jonEmontana]

KZbin is so great for automotive. Needed to clean both mine before a long road trip so watched this video in the parking lot of advance auto parts! Thx

[@MrBaltohusky]

A really good video, good comprehensive explanation with no waffle👍🏻

[@gordonbarber9652]

Yes it can be a over kill spraying the oil on the filter. But as Jeff said the intake side works fine. On newer vehicles there is a charcoal filter between the MAF and the intake filter for emissions you might want to protect that as much as possible

[@joshuamendez587]

The intake side is the dirty side, right?

[@Captobvious23]

Yes

[@GETUPANDGO]

Awesome, thanks for this, I'm off to clean mine

[@backwoodsguy2028]

Come clean mine buddy

[@chasehammock]

good review thanks for showing how to oil it. I oiled the intake side only as you instructed. I noticed that I did have to "slap" the filter when I was cleaning it to get the particulates out of it. Also, I washed mine with hot water and I believe it got it very clean this way. Thanks!

[@megajoe811]

Thank you for your help. Very easy to follow !

[@jeffreycheney]

Great video, easy to follow. My thumb and finger got tired with the pump spray too. If they sold it with an aerosol pressure spray like a spray paint for a few dollars more, I would pay it. Well, at least that was my work out for the day.

[@freesaxon6835]

Dry in the SUN ?? Sun whats that ? never see that in Britain

[@aircoolednation423]

then lay it inside because its always raining in the UK

[@HoUsEoFcAtS78]

Then move.

[@garethifan1034]

@@HoUsEoFcAtS78 No we like rain. No move required

[@backwoodsguy2028]

Yes the sun is good for it

[@joymahmood2822]

if you do not see the sun... how about the moon! :)

[@bigheart4378]

Although no one who is a clean freak will get the fine dust out but the demonstration is a perfect one by a guy who clearvoyantly knows how to clean a Pre-oiled air filter. Bravo, outstandy observstion.

[@abdulroh5869]

Very informative and detailed! Thanks! Thumbs up!

[@jordanjazz821]

I have a K&N on my 2014 Subaru Legacy, just checked it and it was FILTHY! I think it’s time for this, thanks for posting this video, the explanations are very clear and thorough and you also provided a lot of important tips. The K&N really pays for itself instead of having to buy conventional filters all the time, if you plan on keeping your car a long time.

[@t_c5266]

install a paper filter dude. your subaru wont be long for this world with the K&N

[@jeffjackson9679]

If you do the math it's going to take you 3 years to recoup the cost, as a k&n filter with the cleaning kit is about 3 times the cost of a normal air filter. And even then, you have to ask, is that $20 or so you are saving a year really worth the hassle? Plus you have to be careful not to over oil the filter or your MAF sensor will go out on you.

[@morresortiz]

2:47 " the oven" LOL

[@iamgladiator]

Thanks for the video man. Always a great help when cleaning my filters.

[@TheLastLancer]

Clear and straightforward - thank you.

[@jeffearly6573]

A couple added things you're going to need to do it probably twice depending on how dirty it is Hold it up to a light after you're done with the first application and cleaning it out and see what's still left in there cuz I guarantee stuff will still be in there. Carefully pick stuff out of there with a I used a small wooden dowel you can use a toothpick just be careful. Lastly get yourself a cheap air filter to put in for a couple days while you let it dry.

[@DoomFinger511]

Good vid. I think I felt a very slight improvement in hp and mileage in my 2012 g37xS coupe. However the main reason I bought these is the cost saving. My car takes 2 air filters, so it did cost me $100 to buy 2 of these ($50 each) but now I won't have to buy new filters for the next 50k-100k miles since I can just clean them.

[@homebuiltshop]

Wow, 2 filters? I can see the savings there for sure. The filters should last you a long time.

[@omardude39]

Cheers for this, a handy guide that's clear and easy to follow!

[@MrMJB90]

thank you for a very good instruction video, been thinking about doing this for a while for my BMW 335i K&N intake filter since I bought a cleaning kit with the filter and figured maybe it's time to give it some maintenance after half a year / 40.000km xD. couldn't find any instructions about how to do it on the covers or anything, gotta love the internet!

[@iHEARTbethyork]

Hi Jeff, A quick thanks for sharing your knowledge, as it was extremely helpful. Having this visual tool aided me greatly - The video was much easier to apply in comparison to K&N's 4-step paper instructions. I successfully recharged my Wrangler's system today with ease. Woohoo!

[@homebuiltshop]

Thank you very much. I'm glad you got your filter cleaned easily.

[@SlikLizrd]

WTF !?? WHY in hell would you NOT follow the Manufacturer's Instructions !?? Mostly eevery complaint with the K & N Air Filters is due to people NOT FOLLOWING the INSTRCTIONS exactly as written. There are NO SHORT CUTS or "ALTERNATE METHODS" for servicing the K &N Air Filter. 😁

[@charleslincoln1580]

I totally felt the difference on first use of this filter

[@738polarbear]

fucking bullshit . I put one on my Chrysler 300 . waste of 100 bucks.

[@dragoneye6642]

@@738polarbear I call bullshit on you. You possibly did notice a difference and thought it should do more it's replacement air filter NOT a cold air intake

[@barefooboy17]

@@738polarbear A Chrysler is a waste in general lol

[@suertesandiego7970]

@@738polarbear I put one in my 300 it felt a bit more powerful as i take off. a couple months later I also installed a k&n oil filter I didn't feel anything change for good or bad?

[@mrh0ck3y]

Lol it's an air filter guys, not a turbocharger. Air filters dont add HP or TQ. And it it does it's negligible in terms of a Butt Dyno. JP so Chrysler's that can push 350k+ is a waste? I think not. Got our Chrysler van up to almost 350k before I sold it and when I did it had the same get up and go it always had with the 3.8l. I bet it'll keep going to at least 400k. I have a K&N in the family Pilot and it feels the same to me. But again, we are talking a fuckin replacement air filter, not a super/turbo charger or NOS for that matter. May as well say you got +20hp after installing a replacement wheel bearing or a replacement serpentine belt 😂😂😝😜

[@LowkeyCoqui]

Thanks man, great video. 9 years later and still helping ppl

[@homebuiltshop]

Sweet. Thanks for watching it.

[@nataliechavira3288]

Thanks for this informative, easy to follow guide. Glad I watched it!

[@DovahDiva]

Thanks for this video! I just got into an argument with the place doing my oil change trying to convince me that my k&n filter is not cleanable and reusable.

[@homebuiltshop]

Lily Dalton Really? Thats crazy.I would think a shop would know this. I hope they weren't just trying to sell you something. I'm glad I could help you out.

[@DovahDiva]

Sadly, they were trying to sell me an inferior filter I didn't need. When I took my filter out today to clean it, it's not even the filter they showed me yesterday. Just shows you the importance of knowing your car! I hope you keep making videos & share you knowledge.

[@DyslexicAnaboko]

I watch this video like once a year because I just want to make sure I am doing it right. Thanks for the video and please wear gloves when using these chemicals. Don't let your skin absorb this stuff.

[@erodriguez6308]

Just what I needed to know and even better because I have a ford escape also. Thanks, good job explaining

[@bellrugby03]

Great video bro, straight to the point and just the right amount of information..👍😁

[@homebuiltshop]

Right on, Thanks so much. I'm glad it was helpful.

[@minton411]

this guy- "my finger always gets tired when I do this"... me - "that's what she said."

[@whoadee4451]

hahaha

[@r0m3o5k]

lmao

[@alexsambrano7450]

I'm gonna have to use my thumb.

[@alexgula6970]

Lmao☝️

[@raymondares8951]

But then he says "Im going to have to use my thumb" 🤣🤣

[@paulf1071]

Great instructions Jeff. Thanks for posting! I'm guessing using an air compressor from the throttle-body side of the filter (for cleaning and drying) would also be a bad idea? K&N service part numbers for those wanting to know are: *#99-5050* = Complete Cleaning and Recharge Kit *#99-0533* = Squeeze Oil *#99-5000* = Aerosol Oil *#99-0606* = Air-filter Cleaner K&N recommends doing this cleaning procedure every 50k miles. Only use cold water to rinse, only oil the crown of each filter pleat and allow 20mins to wick.

[@homebuiltshop]

I believe that would be a bad idea. LOL.

[@leonridgewell7484]

Thanks for the vid! i just brought a K&N Filter cleaning kit today.

[@louiseappleyard8598]

Very helpfull, thankyou. Its good to see that the filter doesn't have to be spotless after cleaning but just needs a good general clean.

[@jgripen969]

Louise Appleyard Don’t care about the colour, look closely. Is it clean? Then oil it up and slap it in.

[@megatron2535]

1:20 shouldn't have skipped out on finger days. lol thanks for the vid

[@homebuiltshop]

LOL.

[@eds4169]

1:19 - sounds like a marketing opportunity for K&N to make an aerosol can...

[@corneilcorneil]

He just need a gf and train his finger!

[@SniperScope99]

Email LMFAO

[@ClassicSonicFan2012]

No more “I’m gonna have to use my thumb” with our new aresol

[@mattmiller07]

Great video. Thanks for putting this together

[@johnnyfiveo]

great vid man, thanks

[@NikolaiHT]

Is this guy Woogie from ‘there is something about Mary’?

[@andremilligan7851]

Lol.....I thought he looked like him too