Cleanable Paper Filter Element

[SpitIX]

Both the operator's and the service manual for my 2003 Jeep Wrangler SE with 2.4L, four cylinder motor say to remove, clean and re-install the engine air filter. I forget the interval but it's not overly long. I took the OEM filter out to look at it and it looks just like any other disposable, pleated paper filter. The service and operator's manuals do NOT say just how to clean the filter, however.
The same manuals also say to just replace the air filter on the six-cylinder engines.
Anybody have any info on this?
Thanks.

 

[speedy341]

I've used a shop vac to clean out the air box and suck dirt off of a filthy filter. Just suck the dirt in the opposite direction of the regular air flow. It worked pretty good.

 

[TC]

Interesting. Vacuuming seems a good choice, better than blowing with compressed air since this could potentially force particles through the media or otherwise "dust" the INSIDE of the media with dirt. One thing is for sure, repair manuals for decades have warned against tapping or banging filters to clean them, I presume due to fear of damaging the filter or built-in gasket.

 

[Rick in PA]

Maybe it's got a Teflon coating. I recently purchased a Hoover vacuum cleaner with a cartridge type air filter that has a Teflon coating on the filter element. It cleans very well and easily, the dirt doesn't stick. Tapping it sheds most of the dirt and a light brushing removes the rest. I'm impressed with the performance of the Teflon coating.

 

[SpitIX]

Follow-up:
I emailed DCX from the Jeep.com site asking about cleaning the filter.
Their response was that I could clean the filter by removing the large pieces of dirt from the filter. However, they recommended that I just replace it with a new one.
Thanks.

 

[SpitIX]

Follow-up II
I was able to special order a new Wix air filter.
Came in a plain brown box with a small Wix sticker on it.
Filter is virtually identical to the OEM filter and is marked "made in Korea".