How to: Clean your K&N filter cheap without a kit

Update: these are easily available now! The kits have doubled in price now though : amzn.to/3BziaBi
If it’s really bad here’s the super clean which is like 8 or more of the above kits: amzn.to/3htCL3g
This is if you're in a pinch. Just a quick edit showing how I used pizza, baby Tylenol, super clean, and transmission fluid to clean and oil my filter.

[@Hugo411]

The brains of a Mechanic, the hands of a surgeon. Fin by Fin.

[@christell2826]

I was getting ready to use pizza on mine until I watched a little further lol

[@tinapaxton685]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Yes!!!!

[@TheManFrayBentos]

Good tip. Living in the middle of nowhere and pre-internet days, I cleaned mine by soaking it in warm water with dish-washing liquid in solution. After drying slowly in a hot press / airing cupboard over the next couple of days I sprayed it with my own diy filter oil brew. The brew is simple - half and half ATF and chainsaw oil, with enough kerosene added to make it sprayable from a hand-sprayer. Let it sit for a few hours and re-fit. Never had the slightest trouble from doing it this way and from the amount of crap it catches, I'd say it's working well.

[@strshooter7399]

well, maybe a little painful, but still a solid video on cleaning and re-oiling the filter. Thanks Joe.

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

You are welcome!

[@tucobenedicto1780]

Excellent vid for the guys that have these supplies laying around. Just be sure to only use a very light coating of oil on the filter. Thumbs up!

[@christell2826]

Wrong again

[@craigsevyn]

I've always used Marvel Mystery oil on the K&N. Under 6 bucks if I remember right, and buck 99 for dawn. Bought it some years back. Still have over half of both. Use it on my Harley. Use it everytime I'm bored , or it needs it. Way cheaper in the long run. Use it in my tank as well , in a moderate form. Some will bitch, why not just buy it... Those RUBS have to have name recognition too feel better about themselves. To each his own, right haters!

[@JW-ke9ed]

Thanks, I was just looking into if anyone has used Marvel Mystery Oil on the K&N filters. I can a 32 oz bottle of MMO for less than $6 instead of K&N 12 oz spray oil for $10.

[@jeffleonardo1978]

I love MMO, and I didnt know about using it for oiling my K&N. This is awesome news. Im never without a big bottle in my trunk for gas fillups. Im glad I went looking for k&n kit substitues and even more stoked i found your comment! 🤝💪👍

[@ozoneswiftak]

I'm using Palmolive. Thanks man.

[@bleikrsound6127]

Parts store had cleaner but no KN oil, I searched internet for too long looking for a handy substitute. Thanks for this oiling tip - so many YT vids that get top listed (controlled by YT/Google) with misleading titles simply to get us to buy their sponsor’s crap. Thanks again!! PS - People are leaving YT Google in droves (of course Google won’t admit it), tired of having their searches passed through multiple filters.

[@MUSTANGVERDE]

Thanks for the vid ! The K&N recharger is very expensive in my country (like as if you had to pay U$100 for one kit) , so you help a lot.

[@garyaubrey4096]

$13 on Amazon dude.

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Gary Aubrey every body don’t use amazon

[@ruireis6759]

@@garyaubrey4096 yes 15 EUROS in PORTUGAL

[@lucianosoemanta9386]

I’m watching this 3 years later. I was wondering what degreaser you used and how did it turn out 3 years later? No problems?

[@PHTBR]

É caro pra caralho msm

[@JDomino]

I POURED THE ATF IN A BUCKET AND DIPPED THE FILTER. I HUNG IN A TREE TO DRY. LOOKS AMAZING.

[@SexyFord]

If you are being serious your engine is fucked lmao

[@satanertau2689]

@@SexyFord Dumbest response ever. Trans fluid's not gonna hurt anything. I'm not recommending it but it's not gonna harm anything. Very worse thing it could do is damage a mass air sensor or lead to cleaner injectors.

[@JDomino]

I was fooling around, but I knew someone was gonna say trans fluid was gonna damage the engine. When I build v12’s I use trans oil to lube some internal components.

[@solkim133]

Still watching in 2021.Man ,that was the dirtiest/dustiest filter I've ever seen.!!! Mine is usually still red from the oil treatment when I clean it. This was the 10th time according to my stickers...Don't mind me, just messing with you...good video. I started the cleaning process then realized I had two cans of oil but no cleaner, hence watching your good advice. Peace

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Appreciated!

[@canadianshadowrider]

CASTROL SUPER CLEAN is by far the best cleaner I have used for anything to do with oil. It's amazing.

[@sikk84mcss]

i cleaned mine inside out,poured oil into a small clear eyes bottle and did the same.just less oil,dont want to trigger the amf.

[@steffybael1245]

to those who are bitching about using ATF and it costing you more in the long term. in 1978 i was a mechanic at an Oldsmobile dealership (Balch Oldsmobile, little rock arkansas) i had a car come in with what sounded like a lifter ticking (455 rocket) and the head mechanic had me take it to the back lot, and pour 1 quart of ATF in the gas tank and another down the CARBURETOR WHILE HOLDING THE THROTTLE OPEN AND ENGINE RUNNING! the tick was carbon on the valve, the trans fluid burned it off, and one hell of a white smoke cloud hovered over the back lot. the most damage it could possibly do is mess with any sensors between the air filter and the combustion chambers!!! by the way, im a 65 year old man that is married to "steffy" in 1978 i was driving a 68 Chevelle SS396. i built the engine with the help of an old mechanic down the road from me. 4 bolt main high deck truck block, triple sprung square port heads that were milled and cc'd, accel mechanical advance dual point distributor, 12.5:1 trw pistons, hyplon custom speed wires, cool can, open headers, n50-15's on keystone mags, amaco super premium gas (105 octane) (1/2 tank only) with a pint of "missile mist"( model rocket fuel) per 1/2 tank and a touch of tetra ethyl lead. m21 rock crusher and hurst shifter, and custom built 11 inch clutch (douglas zahn owned arkansas brake a clutch). holly carb and edelbrock torquer high rise intake with spacer and number 500 brass mesh screen between spacer and intake. so im not some kid in my moms basement or some 17 year old that drives a 2023 mustang/camero his folks bought him his senior year of high school! lots of those go to high school 2 blocks from where i live

[@slimjim7411]

Neat I just wash mine with dawn, let it dry, and spray it with marvel's mystery oil. I always use marvels in my gas for everything from chainsaws to my truck so I always have a bottle on hand. Plus with the marvel's if it sucks a little down the intake...free valve cleaning. lol

[@theprinceofallsaiyans5830]

Slim Jim What else besides MMO would work?

[@bigabescanal2799]

@@theprinceofallsaiyans5830 I've always used armor all and never had any issues. I spray it very lightly.

[@theprinceofallsaiyans5830]

bigabescanal cool thanks 🙏🏼

[@russmaf101]

ill agree with the people saying this is too much oil so I would suggest you get a spray bottle and put a light mist all over the filter, would prob would work way better.

[@Mahnstermosh]

Yeah but it's just ATF... won't harm nothin'. Better for it then your typical recovered and reused blow-by that gets sprayed into your intake via the PCV system, depending on your vehicle... I'm installing a catch can from outlet on crankcase to intake after MAS sensor and filter to eliminate that entirely. If you think about it he did a really evenly distributed job of "wicking" that thing with the syringe. Far more surface area, each inch of it nicely saturated. You could always do it in quicker sequence to lighten the level of saturation. Maybe a bit easier on it would have been sufficient, but I think if your filter would let so much of that through that it'd hurt your engine: you need a new filter, new engine or both.

[@marcs4091]

Yeah I agree been using them for a while , super light on the oil. You by the recharge kit once, then you just buy the cleaner after that. One can of oil should pretty much last your whole life.

[@christell2826]

Your all wrong, K&N suggests this method they even send a fucking bottle taht has tip that runs along the crown while you squeeze the oil out, your an idiot and wasting money if you dust your oil on. Might as well just buy a dry ass phram. Bunch of fucking shade trees

[@raymaharaj4502]

Spend $10 and do this the right way people!!! ATF is NOT the same as K&N filter oil. You may think you’re saving literally a few dollars now but it can end up costing you a helluva lot more.

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

It’s not going to be some catastrophic issue. But this video was also posted a long long time ago and the k&n kit wasn’t easily available everywhere like it is these days.

[@johncarney482]

Just viewed this, ten dollars WHERE?

[@omarkoulache4838]

I don't have atf in my country if I import it I'll have to spend arround $100 and wait more than a month

[@dictumfactum9468]

Dont go heavy with ATF. It can foul your MAF sensors.

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Sure.

[@mikecano4972]

I used Dawn Powerwash and Dawn dishwashing on my K and N filter. Just use a soft brush to scrub and rinse until the water is clear. Let dry and reinstall. I have the dry filter. No oil. Might take 2 washes, but it worked for me.

[@chavo.3574]

How’s it working out for you with no oil ?

[@UK300Prodrive]

Everyone's moaning to just buy the K&N recharge kit. The recharge kit doesn't restore the as new deep red look. It stays black and used looking. Using this guys method it looks brand new again !

[@amjathkhan2004]

Exactly!

[@marcs4091]

Na, mine come out brand-new looking. But you really got to go light on the oil. That's where most people shoot themselves in the foot

[@joevillan892]

I'm in Belize it would take 1 month to get a kit to me. I using this later

[@a29s12]

Way to much oil! If you car starts running like crap check the mass air unit.

[@darrellmcquay9808]

I washed mine with gas. The gas went black in about 2 seconds of it submerging in, hit it with the air compressor and then I wet the filter with some 2 cycle oil. Worked fine

[@vice4134]

BAD IDEA!!!

[@wrxkyle]

just because atf is red doesn't mean it is the right oil for this job, air filter oils are made to be very sticky to grab and hold onto the dirt, esp the fine dirt that can make it's way through the filter. this is not recommended and air filter cleaner oil is not just atf. these are completely different oil types, one is for super low friction and high lubricity, while the proper one is a sticky air filter specific oil made to collect as much dirt and dust as possible. the reoil can's are not that expensive, i'd highly recommend using the right product for the job. you won't see any issues right away, but letting that dust in over the course of 10's of 1000's of miles you'll create more wear on valve seals, valve seats, piston rings, bearings etc esp. if you run extended oci's.

[@christell2826]

Bro the people that don't even have one don't understand, I can guarantee most these broke asses don't even have a K&N, and they aren't even that special, it's just most people can't buy a $40+ air filter. So they hate. I do mine how they recommend, there's a reason it's that way. Period. Atheist there are a few smart ones left. Good day brother

[@christell2826]

Or buy a K&N and can't even afford to take care of it, buy a $40+ air filter but can't buy a $12 recharge kit lol, shows you how broke and cheap fools really are, type of fools that don't let their girl get cheese on her burger, they bring their own jar of queso it's the same thing baby lol

[@Makermook]

I just built a bike and put a pod filter on it. This will be a street cruiser, no dirt. Do I need to oil the filter anyway?

[@farmalllover8217]

Man your was clean compared to mine. I’m letting mine soak in dawn for the 3rd time. There’s stuff packed in that won’t come free

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Hope it’s clean now lol.

[@PHILIPWATSON82]

Pizza 🍕was harmed during the making of this video :)

[@ballard66766]

$15 for your supplies K and N kit $13.01 Spectre kit $12.00

[@miiles5.0]

is that including the pizza?

[@jamesmlsna2731]

Will those last a lifetime?

[@yruhatin100]

His supplies should have been free because everybody car hobbyist I know has extra ATF and oil cleaner. I do.

[@ballard66766]

@@yruhatin100 dont use atf. Smfh

[@yruhatin100]

@@ballard66766 ATF won't hurt anything unless he soaks the filter in it. It does the same thing. K&N oil is not somr magical potion

[@hdmuzzillo]

Nice clean job but over oiled , try less next time.

[@darrellmcquay9808]

He put almost nothing on it lol

[@schassis_eddi]

the pizza made me hungry 😮

[@davidnee]

instead of manually oiling/atf'ing - idea would be to have an efficient thin, not too deep trough - have the liquid in in, then just spin the filter, contacting the fluid. I haven't tried this, just an idea.

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

I thought about that but was worried it’d suck up too much. It’s funny how much attention this video had gotten appreciate the thought and comment!

[@ImpossibleReasons]

So how has it held up since posting the video?

[@markatr6]

...cleaned it with WHAT? what is the cleaning solution?

[@bigblue7091]

If your Engine Blows 💣 Don't Blame me 🤣😂

[@denysujono6027]

super clean for glass or for degreace machine

[@TheHorrorDome]

Smart! Great video!

[@swiftcowboy]

Do mine I go deep water 🌊 how much I have same filter

[@johncarney482]

This will be the second vehicle and replacing back to filter.

[@philipgoetz8681]

What kind of filter are you cleaning? I wouldn't want transmission fluid on my air filter.

[@gregromero1398]

Good job i would not put so much ATF fluid and don't worry about everybody bitching it seems like they have to do it to get their rocks off just so they feel better about their lousy lives worlds full of haters

[@kiddwicked2374]

Donot use transmission fluid!!!! Get off your wallet and spend the $10 to get the oil.

[@coalrobstad8976]

Does this work on the red reusable filters

[@RandyRandersonthefamous]

Cool vid thanks

[@jeffleblanc8850]

Why don’t you use a spray bottle that way takes a long time plus way to much

[@ThisTall]

I would love to see a spray bottle that can spray ATF.

[@pollydor07]

Thanks

[@Tazmannn12345]

What's the difference between 99-5000 and 99-5000eu

[@slycat4228]

ANSWER: The e & the u... Dha... lol

[@JoshuaShepherd]

Mineral oils in EU vs. petroleum distillates in the US.

[@Carlzday]

lmao and.... the k&N cleaning kit only costs 15 bucks in canada, at canadian tire

[@garyaubrey4096]

$13 on Amazon

[@tudocervera3764]

lol,,,, kool vid bro.

[@bigal9052]

waaaaaaay to much oil

[@jessicamoreno7135]

You sound like Chris Jericho.

[@4thgenlude397]

Hey where did u buy this filter I can never find this size or the style of k and n filters at my local parts store it's usal the very small 3inch one and then the really big filters for trucks but I want this one so bad for my prelude

[@TheUnknownHarbingers]

Look on the web

[@royalenfieldthug3651]

Can i use a fresh engine oil with very low viscosity for its lube?

[@darrellmcquay9808]

Yes

[@CopyC4T.]

Atf really work?

[@trippleb2207]

You have to be kidding me Finn by Finn you must have all the time in the world bro that's why the kit comes with a spray oil takes about 10 seconds makes no sense Finn by Finn just saying

[@christell2826]

Mine didn't come with a spray, I don't like spray, never had any problems with my car doing the Finn by Finn duuuuuuuhhhhhh

[@christell2826]

Most asswipes on here bitching about a product they can't afford anyways, the old lady makes ya buy that dry ass phram

[@jakemanchester5139]

Take a chance ruining your multi-thousand dollar engine by saving $17 for a professional K&N cleaning kit. WOW. What kind of logic is that?

[@brianreviewsthings1626]

How important is it to oil it? Can’t the oil affect the mass air flow sensor?

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

The oil is what traps the dirt. But only on this type of a specific filter.

[@2003evodave]

Sheesh,,,,too slow and time consuming. The recharge products are inexpensive and made by several other companies other than K&N.

[@DVJiMATT]

I love how everyone talks shit about using ATF is cheap and a poor man's fix. Screw I say use ATF just to buck the system and piss those people off. And if you like that check out my vid on how to clean your driveway with dog shit.

[@shaaazaaam1310]

roflmao

[@Ghoppa32]

Amazon kit on sale spectre $5 prime , just buy kit guys

[@allenlibrojo1210]

1:49 “The internet told me ATF is pretty much close to the K&N oil... don’t quote me, so if it blows up your engine, not my problem.” So why even mention that?

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

For people just like you.

[@allenlibrojo1210]

The Dirty Birfield: oh yeah? Count me out. I’m not one to swallow and digest every bit of advice hook, line and sinker without my own research. My knowledge on the technical side of automotive may be well beyond your reach. Your retort comes from your thinking. Thinkers doers. So don’t be taking your defense so seriously. The disclaimer just proves this as run of the mill DIY. Now move along and do your own research.

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

This is a very cool story. Thank you for sharing.

[@xxtyler420xx]

Allen librojo you suck dude. He's just saying it's what he does, but is not making any claims. I however, claim you are a douchebag.

[@casar.704]

good idea, but look overoiled to me :)

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Probably

[@raulcontes5533]

i did not undertand this video; now they are demanding this guy?

[@olsmokey5256]

K&N are the worst filters for filtering air borne particulates

[@JoshuaShepherd]

Go on...

[@chematortuga4325]

@@JoshuaShepherd project farm did a video

[@Tombrosapien]

Fuck it I’ll just buy the kit lol

[@dirty_863]

Or you could have done something really crazy and wild like purchasing the proper K&N maintenance kit for $10!!! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

You must have been down some wild KZbin rabbit hole to have ended up watching this video if you weren’t specifically searching how to clean one if you were in a jam and didn’t have access to a kit lol

[@Kamidon74]

My Walmart didn't have the kit... So I'm using ATF and the K&N spray cleaner I was able to find at Walmart... Yes yes Amazon, but it's the weekend and I want to get this shit done. Some people are jackasses

[@joevillan892]

@@Kamidon74 I'm in another country and It's gonna take 1 month to get a kit. I rather use this method if its safe for my Honda Shadow 750.

[@bryondrill9239]

The filter is never supposed to totally dry out! The filter will now let debris in cause the fiber totally dried out.

[@AzalofForossa]

? You're supposed to let it totally dry out before you oil it. If you oil it while wet, the oil will hold the moisture of whatever fluid was on it. Moisture is bad for the air intake into the engine.

[@larreamma1519]

Dude I Paid $12.99 for the K and N recharger kit at Autozone I think with tax it was $14 you actually paid more lol.

[@jos7886]

Except he's got way more "kit" than you.

[@nortonics5745]

Don't ever trust anyone who uses the word 'dude'.

[@larreamma1519]

@@jos7886 maybe but you dont need that much kit to clean

[@larreamma1519]

@@nortonics5745 dont ever trust anyone

[@cabronesk]

Simple clean 32 oz. 6.00 atf... 8.00 also 1 quart. So you do pay 14 but u have enough kit for 3 or 4 or even more cleaning