Cotton Gauze Filter Cleaner
 

I'm looking for an alternative cleaner to the cleaner that comes in the K&N cleaner kit. I always run out of cleaner long before I run out of oil and no one seems to stock the cleaner separately. I don't want to damage the filter element and was wondering if anyone was using something different or a common household cleaner that would work. TIA.

I've used unscented, undyed (clear) liquid laundry detergent for years without problems. Its designed for cleaning fabrics without damaging them and works well at stripping off all the old gunk. I put the entire filter in a bucket, pour a half cup of detergent in, fill the bucket and let it soak for an hour prior to gently scrubbing it. :)

I've used a 409 type all purpose cleaner with no problems for years on my Mustang K&N filter. It smells just like the K&N cleaner and cleans good.

I have alway's used Simple Green. It is non-toxic and non-corrosive. Spray it on thick and let it sit for an hour then rinse it of.

I've used mineral spirits in a parts washer before and it didn't seem to harm the filter. However a couple years later that filter was replaced when we did a ram air hood setup.