We get asked this question all the time.
Iit possible to clean a diesel particulate filter at home? It is not recommended.
Cleaning a DPF requires specialized equipment and knowledge, and it can be dangerous in many ways.
Trying to clean a DPF at home could cause dangerous safety hazards, void a warranty, damage the filter or even cause a fire. The list of dangerous downsides goes on and on.
It is always best to have a trained technician handle the DPF cleaning process. Professional DPF cleaning prices can range from under $50 to more than $500, but it will always cost less than replacing a DPF because it was damaged at home by an amateur.
In most cases, a DPF filter can be cleaned as part of regular vehicle maintenance, either through passive or active regeneration.
If the filter is too clogged, it may need to be removed and cleaned off-board using specialized equipment. A typical DPF cleaning process includes:
- Airblade cleaning
- Aqueous soaking
- High temperature baking
- Ultrasonic cleaning
Effective DPF cleaning requires specialized equipment and safe disposal of contaminants. It should not be attempted at home.