The Complete Guide to Properly Cleaning and Re-oiling Your Air Filter for Maximum Engine Performance and Protection​

Maintaining your vehicle's engine air filter is one of the most impactful yet simple forms of preventative maintenance, and for owners of S&B Filters' high-performance, washable air filters, using the official ​S&B Air Filter Cleaning Kit​ is not just a recommendation—it is an absolute necessity for preserving filter integrity, ensuring optimal engine airflow, and providing the best possible protection for your engine. This dedicated kit, containing a specialized cleaner and a precisely formulated filter oil, is engineered specifically for the synthetic filter media used in S&B's products. Attempting to clean your S&B filter with household cleaners, harsh chemicals, or improper oils will likely degrade the filter media, compromise its filtering efficiency, and can potentially lead to reduced performance or even engine damage. The correct process, using the designed kit, is straightforward, cost-effective, and guarantees that your filter will perform like new for the life of your vehicle. This definitive guide will walk you through every step of the process, explain the critical science behind the products, outline common mistakes to avoid, and provide a practical maintenance schedule to keep your engine breathing clean, unrestricted air for miles to come.

​Understanding Your S&B Washable Air Filter​

Before diving into the cleaning process, it's essential to understand what you are maintaining. Unlike disposable paper filters, S&B's high-performance filters are constructed from a durable, layered synthetic media. This material is designed to be washed and re-oiled repeatedly. The filter oil is a critical component; it is not an optional add-on. A dry synthetic filter, even when new, is not fully functional. The oil has a viscous, tacky quality that acts as the primary trapping agent for microscopic dust and debris. As air flows through the filter, harmful particles stick to the oiled fibers, while clean air passes through to the engine. Over time, this oil becomes saturated with dirt and the pores of the filter media can become clogged, leading to restricted airflow. The cleaning process serves two purposes: first, to remove all embedded dirt and grime, and second, to wash away the old, contaminated oil. The re-oiling step then restores the filter's sticky, trapping surface. The S&B kit is formulated to accomplish both tasks without breaking down or damaging the delicate synthetic fibers.

​What’s Inside the S&B Air Filter Cleaning Kit and Why It Matters​

A standard S&B Air Filter Cleaning Kit typically includes two essential fluids: a bottle of S&B Air Filter Cleaner and a bottle of S&B Air Filter Oil, available in your choice of color (often red, black, or natural). Using these specific products is paramount.

• ​S&B Air Filter Cleaner:​​ This is not a simple soap or degreaser. It is a powerful, yet media-safe, solvent-based cleaner engineered to dissolve and emulsify the thick, gummy filter oil and the dirt bonded to it. It cuts through the grease and grime without drying out or causing the synthetic fibers to become brittle. Using alternatives like gasoline, brake cleaner, carburetor cleaner, or aggressive household degreasers can dissolve the adhesives holding the filter together, break down the media's internal structure, and permanently ruin the filter's ability to trap dirt effectively. The S&B cleaner is balanced to remove everything that needs to go while preserving everything that needs to stay.

• ​S&B Air Filter Oil:​​ This is a specially engineered, high-quality oil with the correct viscosity and tackifying agents. Its sole purpose is to remain sticky and capture dirt. It is designed to flow evenly through the filter media during application and then stabilize, creating that crucial sticky barrier. Substitutes like motor oil, WD-40, cooking oil, or generic air filter oils are disastrous choices. Motor oil is too thin when hot and can be drawn into the engine, contaminating the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and affecting the air-fuel mixture. It also lacks the necessary tackiness. Other oils can gum up, dry out, or run off, creating uneven filtration and leaving unprotected zones where dirt can pass directly into the engine. The correct oil is non-fibrous and will not harm sensitive engine sensors.

​Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your S&B Air Filter​

Gather your S&B Air Filter Cleaning Kit, a clean bucket or large basin, access to a low-pressure water source (a garden hose with a gentle spray nozzle is ideal), and a clean, dry, shaded space to work. Never use a high-pressure washer, as it can force holes in the media.

​1. Removal and Initial Inspection.​​ Safely remove the air filter from your vehicle's intake housing. Carefully examine the filter for any physical damage, such as tears in the filter media, separations at the seams, or a damaged rubber sealing gasket. A damaged filter must be replaced; it cannot be reliably repaired. Tap the filter gently on a hard surface to dislodge any loose, dry debris.

​2. The Cleaning Soak.​​ Place the filter in your bucket. Shake the bottle of S&B Air Filter Cleaner well and apply it liberally to the entire exterior surface of the filter, working the cleaner into the pleats from the outside. Ensure you cover all areas. Let the filter soak for 10-15 minutes. This dwell time allows the cleaner to penetrate and break down all the old oil and embedded dirt. You will see the grime beginning to dissolve and run off.

​3. Thorough Rinsing.​​ This is the most important cleaning step. Using a gentle stream of cool water, begin rinsing the filter from the inside out. Point the hose into the center of the filter and let the water flow outward through the media. This reverse flushing pushes the dissolved dirt and cleaner out of the filter the way it came in, preventing forcing debris deeper into the media fibers. Continue rinsing until the water runs completely clear from the outside of the filter. Absolutely no discoloration or suds should remain. Any residual cleaner left in the filter will compromise the new oil's ability to adhere properly.

​4. Proper Drying.​​ After rinsing, shake off the excess water. Let the filter air dry naturally in a shaded, clean, and well-ventilated area. This process will take several hours, and it is critical to be patient. The filter must be 100% completely dry to the touch, both inside and out, before the next step. Do not use compressed air to speed up drying, as it can damage the media. Never apply heat from a hair dryer, heat gun, or oven, as this can melt or warp the filter. Oiling a damp filter will cause the oil to bead up and not adhere, leading to immediate filtration failure.

​5. Precise Re-oiling.​​ Once the filter is bone dry, it is time to restore its filtering ability. Shake the bottle of S&B Air Filter Oil vigorously. Apply the oil evenly along the crown (the top) of each pleat on the outside of the filter. Do not pour oil directly into the center of the filter. The oil will naturally wick down and spread throughout the media. Use your hands (gloves are recommended) to gently massage and spread the oil, ensuring an even, light coverage over the entire exterior surface. The synthetic media will darken as it absorbs the oil. You are aiming for full, even coverage—a uniform color across the entire filter. Avoid over-saturation; the filter should not be dripping wet. A common mistake is applying too much oil, which can migrate and foul the MAF sensor.

​6. Final Drip and Installation.​​ After oiling, let the filter sit for 15-20 minutes. This allows the oil to fully penetrate and stabilize within the media. Any slight excess will drip off during this time. Wipe out the inside of the filter (the clean, dry side) with a clean, lint-free cloth to ensure no oil is present there, as it could be drawn directly into the engine. Once this is done, your filter is ready for reinstallation. Ensure it is seated properly in the airbox and the lid is sealed securely.

​Developing a Maintenance Schedule and Recognizing When to Clean​

A fixed mileage interval is less effective than an inspection-based schedule, as driving conditions drastically affect filter loading. Check your filter every 12,000 miles or with every other engine oil change. Remove it and hold it up to a bright light. Look through the media from the inside. If you cannot see light easily through a significant portion of the filter, it is time to clean it. More importantly, let your driving environment dictate service. If you routinely drive on dirt, gravel, or dusty construction sites, or during seasonal periods with high pollen or agricultural dust, you may need to clean the filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Performance loss, reduced fuel economy, or a noticeably louder intake sound can also indicate a heavily restricted filter. Having a cleaning kit on hand allows you to service it promptly.

​Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them​

• ​Using Incorrect Chemicals:​​ As stated, this is the fastest way to destroy a quality filter. Stick to the kit.
• ​Rinsing from the Outside In:​​ This traps dirt inside. Always rinse from the inside out.
• ​Incomplete Rinsing:​​ Residue from the cleaner or old oil prevents proper new oil adhesion.
• ​Improper Drying:​​ Oiling a wet filter is a total failure. Wait until it is completely dry.
• ​Over-oiling:​​ This is messy and risks harming engine sensors. Apply oil modestly and evenly.
• ​Neglecting the Gasket:​​ Inspect the rubber sealing ring for cracks or dryness. A small amount of proper grease can help it seal.
• ​Reusing a Damaged Filter:​​ Any hole, tear, or separated seam means instant failure. Replace it.

​The Long-Term Value Proposition​

The initial cost of an S&B filter and cleaning kit is an investment that pays for itself. Compared to the recurring expense of disposable paper filters, the washable system offers significant long-term savings. More importantly, it provides consistent, high-performance filtration. A properly maintained S&B filter offers minimal airflow restriction for power and efficiency, while delivering filtration efficiency equal to or superior than many paper filters. This combination is key to engine longevity. The cleaning process itself is simple, taking less than an hour of hands-on time, most of which is waiting for the filter to dry. By following this procedure with the dedicated S&B Air Filter Cleaning Kit, you are not just cleaning a component; you are actively preserving the health and performance of your engine's induction system, ensuring it receives only clean air for the hundreds of thousands of miles ahead.