Cleaning a K&N...other solvents????

[F1fan]

You'd think after using these things for years I'd know this already, but I don't.

Does anyone know if there is other cleaning solvents that will properly clean a K&N. I'm tired of buying the recharge kits. I've got plenty of the recharge oil laying around now, but always seem to run out of the cleaner.

It'd be nice if there was a household cleaning agent that would work and not harm the filter element.

Please don't post any half baked ideas, I've got enough of my own.
I'm only interested in a proven solution.

thx

[Hal'sMag]

I haven't done this yet, but don't see why it would hurt.

Simple Green, mixed with 2/1 water to SG, cuts oil pretty well, and would do the job with a soak.

So would Dawn dishwashing soap with warm water and a double sqirt of soap in the sink. With a cotton mesh element, it won't harm it. Just don't go with really hot water or pressure spray. (From AFE instructions).

I did it on my 4 wheeler K&N for years, as we had to clean them monthly off roading. Just let it air dry and oil them the next day. From what I've read, I was over oilng all the time, didn't know any better, but felt better doing that in the dirt.

[F1fan]

I know what you mean. I always used foam filter elements for offroading.
Seems those dang things always needed a soaking. But you could clean those with just about anything you had laying around.

[COOKZ32]

Hi John, I don't know.

[F1fan]

Dan, I can always count on you for your keen insight on just about anything.
Good to know you have my back.

[COOKZ32]

Not a problem there buddy!!!

I use "muratic acid" to clean the pool filters, makes em look brand new! It's great at getting the stains off of concrete too, like on the garage floor, wanna know how I figured that out??? Let's just say my garage is a very dangerous place.........

[F1fan]

Did you have another garage "incident" ??

Is that why CV is up for sale???

[COOKZ32]

Did you have another garage "incident" ??

Is that why CV is up for sale???

One day I spilled some on the floor, and WOW, cleans it right up, turns it white for about a week!

Magnum for sale is still up in the air, but I wanted to get it ready, just in case.

[bookeem]

ive washed k&n filters in the sink with dawn dish washing liquid and warm water,soft brush to brush between the pleats and as much dawn as i need to get it clean, never damaged the filter at all..

[1fastsedan]

The cleaning chemical in the Mopar recharge kit smells surprisingly similar to Windex (the blue stuff, not the new other colors). I don't see why that wouldn't work, you rinse it afterwards. I would think any de-greaser chemical would work. It seems like you're just trying to free the dirt from the cotton by breaking down the whatever oil is left in the filter and then rinsing it all off once its loose.

[Batman]

Ok, I like the Simple Green idea as I'm currently using Wheel Cleaner. So, what oil are you guys using? I'm lazy so I've been known to use WD40.

[F1fan]

Thanks for getting this back on track guys.
(cookz, you're such a bad influence)

Huh...soaking in dish soap....in the words of the mythbusters......sounds plausible.

[Fondy]

how often should you clean a K&N filter I just got one.

[bookeem]

i do it once a year, doesnt really need much more than that..

[F1fan]

Don't go by time....go by how it looks.

A blocked up filter is like you running a race and trying to breath with a sock in your mouth.

On the K&N's You need to clean them when there aren't "red" anymore, or when they are physically gunked up (techincal term) with stuff.

The "red" is the oil that is the key ingredient in making the fibers attract and keep the debris. When this is gone (filter will look kinda white/grey) or when it is physically blocked up...time to clean it.
My motorcycles get cleaned 4-5 times a season.