AEM Filter Cleaner Alternatives: Pros And Cons Of Your Options

Keeping your vehicle’s air filter clean is crucial for engine performance and longevity. The air filter prevents debris and dust from entering the engine. Over time, the filter gets clogged up and needs to be cleaned or replaced.

AEM is a popular brand of reusable performance air filters that can be cleaned and reinstalled multiple times. But the AEM air filter cleaner solution can be hard to find or expensive. Fortunately, there are several alternative cleaners you can use instead.

In this guide, we’ll cover common AEM filter cleaner substitutes, looking at the pros and cons of each option. We’ll also provide tips on how to clean an AEM air filter properly without damaging it. Let’s dive in!

Why Clean Your AEM Air Filter?

Before jumping into the alternatives, let’s quickly go over why you need to clean your AEM filter periodically:

• Maintain airflow – As debris builds up on the filter, less air can pass through. This restricts airflow to the engine, reducing power and fuel efficiency.
• Prevent damage – A super dirty filter can allow some particles to get through into the engine, causing wear and tear over time.
• Prolong filter life – Regular cleaning removes buildup from the filter fibers, extending how long it will last before needing replacement.
• Improve performance – A clean filter allows for maximum airflow, optimizing engine power output.

The general guidance is to clean your reusable AEM dry filter every 25,000-50,000 miles depending on conditions. For oiled filters, reapply oil after cleaning.

Alternatives To AEM Filter Cleaner

Now let’s look at some effective and affordable AEM filter cleaning alternatives:

1. K&N Air Filter Cleaner
2. Simple Green Cleaner
3. Dish Soap (Dawn)
4. Rubbing Alcohol
5. Automotive Carburetor Cleaner
6. Mild Soap and Water
7. Bleach-Based Cleaners
8. Baking Soda
9. Vinegar
10. Laundry Detergent

Let’s talk about them in detail.

K&N Air Filter Cleaner

One of the most popular and specially formulated cleaners for AEM filters is K&N Air Filter Cleaner. This is a highly-rated cleaner designed for cleaning cotton gauze and synthetic air filters.

Pros:

• Specifically designed for AEM and other cotton/gauze filters
• Very effective at removing built-up dirt and oil
• Helps restore airflow and performance
• Extends filter life
• Won’t damage filter fibers

Cons:

• More expensive than some household cleaners
• May still require filter reoil after cleaning

Overall, K&N Air Filter Cleaner is one of the best and safest choices for cleaning any reusable performance air filter like AEM.

It’s formulated to break down grease and dirt without harming the filter.

Just spray on, let soak for 10 minutes, then rinse off.

Simple Green Cleaner

Simple Green is an all-purpose, biodegradable cleaner that many people use as an affordable substitute for AEM’s air filter cleaner spray.

Pros:

• Very affordable and widely available
• Works well at breaking down dirt, grease, and oil
• Rinses cleanly with just water
• Safe for cotton, gauze, and other filter materials

Cons:

• Not designed specifically for air filters
• May require more scrubbing than a dedicated filter cleaner

The key with Simple Green is to use a higher concentrate ratio for heavy filter cleaning. Mix one part Simple Green to one part water and soak the filter for at least 15 minutes before rinsing. Always do a second rinse with just water after using any household cleaner.

Dish Soap (Dawn)

If you’re in a pinch and have nothing else on hand, regular dish detergent like Dawn can work to clean a dirty AEM air filter. The soap and hot water will help break down grease and oil.

Pros:

• Almost everyone has dish soap in their house
• Helps cut through built-up grime
• Typically gentle on materials like cotton

Cons:

• Not formulated for filters specifically
• Doesn’t dissolve debris as well as a cleaner like K&N
• Requires more scrubbing and rinsing

To clean an AEM filter with dish soap:

• Mix a few drops of soap per quart of hot water in a bucket
• Soak filter 5-10 minutes
• Gently scrub with a brush
• Rinse thoroughly with hot water, rinse again in plain water

It takes a bit more elbow grease, but dish soap can work in a crunch.

Rubbing Alcohol

Another homemade air filter cleaner option is isopropyl rubbing alcohol. The alcohol helps dissolve oil and debris.

Pros:

• Helpful at breaking down oil and grease
• Evaporates quickly and doesn’t leave residue
• Inexpensive and easy to find

Cons:

• Not as effective at removing dirt as other cleaners
• Can be harsh on certain filter materials if not diluted

To safely clean with rubbing alcohol:

• Mix alcohol 50/50 with water
• Submerge and soak filter 5-10 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly after soaking

Take care not to pour alcohol directly on dry cotton filter media, as it could damage the material. Always dilute with water first.

Automotive Carburetor Cleaner

Carburetor cleaner spray is designed to remove fuel varnish and gunk. It can also work as an air filter cleaner thanks to its strong solvents.

Pros:

• Powerful cleaner that breaks down oil deposits well
• Designed for cleaning auto parts
• Typically inexpensive

Cons:

• Very harsh chemicals may damage filter over time
• Not made specifically for air filter cleaning
• Requires extra rinses and drying time

If using a carb cleaner, look for one with under 15% VOC. Spray on and let soak for just 1-2 minutes before rinsing to avoid harming the filter. Thorough rinsing is a must.

Mild Soap and Water

For light AEM filter cleaning, regular mild hand or dish soap and warm water can do the trick.

Pros:

• Safe, gentle cleaning for filters not heavily coated in oil
• Won’t damage filter fibers
• Very affordable and accessible

Cons:

• Not strong enough to remove heavy buildup
• Requires extensive rinsing after use

Mix a couple drops of soap per quart of warm water. Gently scrub filter surface with soft brush and soak for 5-10 minutes. Rinse filter thoroughly until water runs clear.

Bleach-Based Cleaners

Household bleach or chlorine-based cleaners are too harsh for AEM air filters and may damage the cotton gauze. Avoid using bleach when cleaning your air filter.

Diesel Fuel

Diesel fuel can be an effective DIY air filter cleaner thanks to its ability to break down oil and grease.

Pros:

• Good solvent properties to cut through caked-on oil
• Designed for cleaning engine components
• Typically easy to obtain

Cons:

• Not formulated specifically for filters
• Can damage cotton filter fibers if left too long
• Requires extensive rinsing and drying time

To safely clean with diesel fuel:

• Fill container with 1 part diesel to 3 parts water
• Soak filter 5 minutes maximum
• Agitate and gently scrub with soft brush
• Rinse thoroughly until all fuel smell gone
• Allow to fully air dry before reusing

Take care to not oversoak, as diesel can damage the filter material. Proper rinsing and drying is critical.

Baking Soda

For filters with light oil buildup, baking soda can work as a mild abrasive cleaner. The soda helps absorb grease too.

Pros:

• Mild and safe for filter materials
• Helps remove dirt and oil residues
• Very inexpensive and accessible

Cons:

• Not as effective for heavy built-up gunk
• Can leave powder residue if not fully rinsed

Mix 2 tablespoons baking soda with 1 quart warm water.

Soak filter 5 minutes then gently scrub with soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and allow to fully dry before reusing.

Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar mixed with water can help break down oil and grime on a dirty air filter.

Pros:

• Mild acid helps dissolve gunk and oil
• Rinses cleanly with just water
• Very affordable and accessible

Cons:

• Requires thorough rinsing to avoid damage or smell
• Not as effective on heavy buildup

Mix equal parts distilled vinegar and warm water. Soak filter for 2-3 minutes then gently scrub and rinse until no vinegar odor remains. Dry fully before reusing filter. Start with short soak times to avoid potential filter damage.

Laundry Detergent

Non-bleach laundry detergents can be used in a similar way to dish soap for basic air filter cleaning.

Pros:

• Designed to break down oils and dirt
• Low cost and easy to obtain
• Gentle on fabrics like cotton

Cons:

• Requires extensive rinsing to remove all traces
• Not a very thorough cleaner for heavy buildup

Use 1-2 tbsp laundry detergent per quart warm water. Soak filter 5 minutes then gently scrub and rinse thoroughly. Laundry detergent works best for maintenance cleaning, not deep cleaning of AEM filters.

Avoiding Filter Damage

When using any homemade cleaner on your AEM filter, take care to avoid damaging the filter:

• Never use high-pressure water or air to clean filters, as this can blow out filter media fibers. Rinse gently.
• Don’t rub the filter surface too aggressively when scrubbing.
• Always do a second rinse with just water after cleaning to remove all soap.
• Allow filter to air dry completely before reoiling or reinstalling.
• Check label directions and never exceed recommended soak times.

With the right cleaning method, you can safely use common household cleaners to clean AEM air filters and restore performance. Just be gentle, rinse thoroughly, and never use harsh chemicals like bleach.

Also Read: Comparison of Filter And Turbo Guard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

Keeping your AEM air filter clean is critical for engine performance and health. While AEM’s own filter cleaner is a great option, it can be expensive or difficult to obtain. Fortunately, there are many common household cleaners that work well for DIY AEM filter cleaning.

Products like K&N filter cleaner, Simple Green, and even dish soap can break down dirt and oil buildup when used properly. The key is to always dilute cleaners, limit soak times, gently scrub, and thoroughly rinse the filter.

Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the filter. With some periodic maintenance using affordable homemade cleaners, you can keep your AEM air filter in great shape for optimum airflow and engine power.