Cleaning air filters

[daltontrees]

Any tips for deep-cleaning mesh air filters? I have one really bad one (Husq 181/281) that seems to be way beyond scrubbing with detergent and warm water. Revently I soaked another smaller filter in bleach solution overnight and it came out gleaming but still slightly clogged. Someone recently mentioned brake line cleaner. Sounds a bit extreme?

I don't mind cleaning filter daily but it never seems to get really really clean. Should I stop being a tighwad and just buy another filter now and again?

[Dan Earp]

you not tried cleaning with an air line. blow from inside out so that you dont force the dirt etc further into the filter.

[daltontrees]

I don't have an airline, but I quite fancy getting one anyway for other stuff. Makes sense what you say.

[Matthew Arnold]

I know is sounds really strange but what about in a washing machine in a net bag on a 40 synthetic wash. I did it with a few mesh filters and it got them looking really clean and de-greased them at the same time.

[Pete Mctree]

Warm soapy water does wonders

[Dan Earp]

I don't have an airline, but I quite fancy getting one anyway for other stuff. Makes sense what you say.

 

Go to a local market or ebay and have a long look around, i picked 1 up for £170/180 i think and it worth £k +. its more than what i use it for and only had to replace 1 part.

[spudulike]

Carb cleaner is pretty damn good otherwise the wifes Oxy washing cleaner and very hot water works well as does a bit of detergent and bleach in hot water.

[daltontrees]

I have to say the washing machine trick sounds woth a try during the very rare chainsaw trouser wash. Will probably come out dirtier than it went in though hmm....

[Mark_Skyland]

I would definitely look at getting an air compressor if you have the funds and the space to use one. Like all good tools you will find plenty of other uses for it.

 

Failing that a carb cleaner should be good enough to dissolve the oil enough so the sawdust will tap out.

 

I would not scrub the filter as you will probably do some damage and put tiny holes in it.

[treequip]

Dishwasher, good for cleaing all sorts of man stuff, just don't let the wife catch you with a cylinder head in there.