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• Method 1 of 3: Cleaning a home air filter
• Method 2 of 3: Cleaning a car air filter
• Method 3 of 3: Evaluate whether the filters need to be cleaned or replaced

You can clean your car or home's air filters yourself, but keep in mind that hiring a professional to replace them for you will reduce the chance of errors. Make sure the filter is suitable for cleaning; For example, disposable air filters should be replaced and not cleaned, while permanent filters may be washable. The fastest way to clean a reusable filter is to vacuum it. If the filter is heavily soiled, it probably needs to be washed.

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Method 1 of 3: Cleaning a home air filter

1. Switch off the system before you reach the filter. Clean the area around the air shaft with a broom or vacuum cleaner before opening it. Open the screw (or screws) or the latch and turn the air shaft open. Vacuum around the housing, then remove the air filter.
   • The system must be switched off first, otherwise it will suck up dirt during cleaning.
   • If the air shaft is attached to the ceiling or a high wall, use a step stool.
2. Remove any excess dirt. Brush the debris off the filter in an outdoor trash can. Connect the vacuum cleaner hose to the vacuum cleaner. Vacuum the dust and debris with the upholstery nozzle on the front, back and sides of the filter.
   • Vacuum the filter outdoors, if you can, to prevent dust from blowing up in the house.
3. Rinse the filter under running water. Attach a hose to the water tap. Hold the filter so that the water flows in the opposite direction to the air flow. Spray the filter completely to rinse away dust and dirt.
   • Spray gently on the filter and not with the full force of the hose, so that you do not damage the filter.
4. If necessary, wash off heavy dirt with soap. If a simple rinse isn't enough, you can soak the filter in soapy water. Add a drop of mild liquid dish soap to half a liter of warm water in a bowl. Stir the solution. Wet a cloth in the soapy water and wash both sides of the filter. Rinse the filter with water and let it dry completely.
   • Let the filter dry after shaking off the excess water from the final rinse.
   • You may want to wash the filter with a soap solution if it is regularly exposed to grease, smoke, or pet hair.
5. Dry the filter thoroughly. Pat the filter dry with kitchen paper. Leave the filter outside so that it can air dry. Make sure the filter is completely dry before reinstalling.
   • Failure to allow the filter to dry completely can cause mold growth, which can spread spores throughout your home through the HVAC system.
6. Replace the filter. Place the filter back in its housing. Make sure the air flow is pointing in the right direction. Close the air shaft and secure any screws or fasteners.
   • The filter should fit snugly without appearing too small or distorted. Make sure there are no gaps.

Method 2 of 3: Cleaning a car air filter

1. Remove the filter. Open the hood of your car. If you can't find the filter, check the manual, physically or online. Alternatively, you can ask a technician the next time your vehicle is serviced. Open the retainer (usually secured with wing nuts or clamps). Pull out the filter.
   • The air filter housing should be in a round or rectangular box on top of the engine.
2. Vacuum a dry filter. Connect the vacuum hose to the vacuum cleaner. Vacuum the filter for about a minute on each side. View the filter under a bright light and vacuum any spots you may have missed.
   • Vacuuming is faster and safer than washing the filter.
3. Wash a dry filter, if desired. Fill a bucket with a solution of soap and water. Put the filter in the bucket and turn it around. Take the filter out again and shake off the excess liquid. Rinse the filter under running water. Place the filter on a towel and let it dry completely.
   • Do not put the filter back when it is still wet! This can damage the vehicle's engine.
   • Washing can make the filter cleaner than vacuuming alone, but it is more dangerous and takes longer.
4. Clean an oiled filter. Tap the filter to shake off dust and dirt. Apply a cleaning solution (especially for oiled filters) liberally to the outside and then to the inside of the filter. Make sure the filter is completely covered with it. Let it sit in a sink or container for ten minutes. Rinse it off with cold water under low pressure. Shake it off and let the filter dry completely.
   • Do not let the cleaner dry on the filter; just leave it on for ten minutes.
   • Rinse the filter under the water flow, moving it up and down.
   • After rinsing, the filter should be dry within about fifteen minutes; if not, let it sit a little longer.
   • If you're short on time, you can use a hair dryer or a small fan on the medium setting to make it dry faster, but only do this after rinsing.
5. Re-grease a filter if applicable. Apply air filter oil evenly to the filter. Coat the filter thoroughly with a thin layer. Wipe excess oil from the cap and bottom lip of the filter. Shake it off and let the filter dry completely.
6. Clean the container. Vacuum dust and debris from the filter housing using the vacuum cleaner hose. You can also use a soft cloth or kitchen paper for it. Make sure the holder is completely dry and free of debris before replacing the filter.
   • Moisture and dirt can damage the engine.
7. Replace the filter. Put the filter back in its housing. Tighten any fasteners or clips that hold it in place. These are the same ones you loosened when you took out the filter.

Method 3 of 3: Evaluate whether the filters need to be cleaned or replaced

1. Replace disposable air filters. A washable air filter is advertised as "washable", "permanent" and / or "reusable". Do not wash paper or otherwise disposable air filters. Don't vacuum them either.
   • Washing disposable air filters can clog them and also cause mold.
   • Disposable filters can rupture under the pressure of the vacuum cleaner or compressed air. At low pressure this could work temporarily, but it is not a long-term solution.
2. Clean or replace your car's air filter regularly. Clean or replace the filter every 20,000 to 25,000 km, or more often if you drive on dusty roads or through polluted areas. Examine the air filter under a bright light. Clean or replace the filter when it is dark or clogged with dirt.
   • Disposable filters must be replaced; permanent filters, on the other hand, can be vacuumed or washed.
   • If you don't replace the air filter when necessary, you will likely notice an increase in your gas mileage, ignition problems, or fouled spark plugs.
3. Regularly clean or replace your home's air filter. Clean or replace the filter every three months, and more often during peak season. Clean or replace the boiler filter monthly during the heating season. Clean or replace the central air filter every other month or every two months during the cooling season.
   • If it is a disposable filter, then you have to replace it. If it's reusable, then you can vacuum or wash it.
   • The filter should be replaced more often if it is exposed to a lot of dust or pet hair.
   • Failure to clean the air filters in your home can cause a malfunction in the HVAC system or even start a fire.