How to Clean Lawn Mower Air Filter

If you are struggling to get your lawn mower engine started or to keep it running, you might be experiencing the symptoms of a dirty lawn mower air filter. When your lawn mower air filter is dirty, it cannot give the carburetor the precisely calculated airflow it needs. So, instead of struggling with your mower’s engine, let’s look at how to diagnose and clean a dirty air filter.

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Why Do You Need to Clean a Lawn Mower Air Filter?

Air filters perform two jobs: clean the air and maintain the airflow rate. An air filter not only cleans junk out of the air but also allows air to flow into the carburetor at a specific rate to achieve the necessary air-to-fuel ratio. Therefore, even a slightly dirty air filter will affect your lawn mower’s performance.

What Happens if a Lawn Mower Air Filter is Dirty?

If you suspect that you have a dirty air filter, then there are several symptoms to look out for. Here are a few signs that could indicate your air filter either needs to be cleaned or even replaced.

To avoid these kinds of symptoms, it’s best to regularly clean your air filter and install replacements when necessary. It is definitely worth cleaning your air filter every few months and installing a replacement when you are getting your lawn mower ready for spring.

How to Clean a Lawn Mower Foam Air Filter (Step-By-Step)

If you have a foam air filter on your lawn mower, then all you have to do is clean it. This is because foam filters are made of a much stronger material than paper filters and can handle washing. Here is a list of all the equipment you need to clean your lawn mower foam filter.

What You’ll Need to Clean a Foam Air Filter

Blow Off the Dirt

First, use your air compressor and air gun attachment to blast off any loose material and dirt.

Spray the Cleaner

Spray the degreaser into the filter membrane and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.

Rinse Off the Cleaner

Rinse off the degreaser with fresh water.

Allow the Filter to Dry

Leave the filter to dry completely.

Oil the Filter

Give the air filter a light spray of air filter oil and allow it to soak in for 10 minutes.

Clean Off the Excess Oil

Clean off the excess oil from the air filter using a paper towel, making sure that the filter has a very light oily coat.

Inspect & Reinstall

Finally, inspect the air filter to make sure that the cleaning process hasn’t caused any damage, then reinstall the filter back on the engine.

How to Clean a Lawn Mower Paper Air Filter (Step-By-Step)

If your lawn mower has a paper air filter, then you’ll need to use a different cleaning process. Because of the delicate material, paper filters cannot be cleaned using a degreaser or any other cleaning liquid. Here is a list of the equipment you’ll be able to use.

What You’ll Need to Clean a Paper Air Filter

Air Compressor with Air Gun

Tap Out the Air Filter

First, grab your air filter and tap it on a hard surface to dislodge any loose material.

Blow Out the Air Filter

Next, use your air gun attachment and give the air filter a good blast to remove the fine dirt.

Inspect the Air Filter

After cleaning the filter, check the individual fins on the filter and make sure there are no holes in the paper material.

Install the Air Filter

Finally, install your cleaned air filter back into the filter housing, and replace the air filter cover.

Avoid These Mistakes When Cleaning Lawn Mower Air Filters

When cleaning the dirt from your air filter, make sure that you are cleaning the dirt out of and not into your filter. This means you want to use your compressor to blow the dirt in the opposite direction of how the air flows through the filter during operation.

When oiling your air filter, be sure to use an oil specifically designed for air filters. Using a regular oil like engine oil will reduce the airflow through your filter, and you’ll continue to experience symptoms of a dirty air filter.

Finally, if you find that your air filter is damaged, then don’t be tempted to use the air filter. Again this will result in your lawn mower engine struggling and causing problems when mowing.