DPF Cleaning Machines & Equipment

While there are liquid additives and cleaning solutions that claim to help, they can’t remove the stubborn, baked-in ash that often clogs the filter. Proper & safe cleaning requires highly specialized equipment to safely clean/dry or bake the filter at extreme temperatures, so this is definitely a job best left to a professional shop to avoid mistakes and costly replacements.

(ALT version) The short answer is NO. While cleaning your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) can be tempting, it is both risky and ineffective because you could damage a very expensive part, and often the ash is compacted deep within. It’s recommended that you use a professional DPF cleaning facility that has trained techs with the proper equipment, at least annually.

Diesel Particulate Filter cleaning is a deep filter cleaning that removes the stubborn ash and black soot that a normal regen cycle can’t. It’s a necessary service to get your truck running properly again and restore its power and fuel economy. A true DPF cleaning process requires removal from the vehicle so that the ash can be removed.

The easiest way to tell is by the warning lights on your dashboard; the DPF light or check engine light is a dead giveaway. You’ll also likely feel a loss of power, see your fuel mileage drop, or notice your truck trying to regen constantly.

You can expect the service itself to take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the equipment used. Be sure to factor in the shop time needed to remove and reinstall the filter, as that adds to your total downtime.