If your vehicle is using one of AIRAID’s non-oiled SynthaMax filters, you should be aware that there’s a proper way to clean this reusable filter. The SynthaMax filters offer great performance, especially when an oiled element may not be an option. These filters feature a lifetime guarantee from AIRAID and can easily be cleaned by anyone.
Obviously the first step is to remove the air filter from the vehicle. From there AIRAID recommends you gently tap it to remove any loose dirt or debris. This is also a good time to inspect your filter for damage, while the SynthaMax filter is tough, there’s always the possibility that large debris could have had an adverse effect on it going down the road.
With the loose debris out of the way, take a non-petroleum based cleaner and spray the outside of the filter only. Once the filter media is covered on the outside let it soak for about 10 minutes, this will help further remove the dirt.
Next use a garden hose, or other low pressure water source and gently rinse the filter from the inside out. Rinsing inside out pushes dirt out of the filter media, do not rinse outside in as it could force dirt deeper into the filter.
Last let the filter air dry, never use compressed air to dry the filter. We’ve always found setting the filter in a warm area of the garage or on top of a bucket or stand in a sunny part of the driveway on a warm day works best for this.
When the filter is completely dry you can install it back in your vehicle, and rest assured your filter is ready to go until the next service interval. Be sure to check out the video from AIRAID and for more information check out the AIRAID web-site.