Short answer
DPF cleaning cost depends mainly on the method (additive, on-vehicle or off-vehicle), the size of the filter, removal and refitting time, and any diagnosis or repairs needed. Off-vehicle cleaning costs more than an additive but is usually far cheaper than a new filter.
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Why prices vary so much
Quotes for “DPF cleaning” can describe very different jobs. A bottle of additive, an on-vehicle chemical clean and a full off-vehicle clean with flow testing all get called DPF cleaning, but only the last one removes ash. Before comparing prices, check which method each quote covers.
How to compare DPF cleaning quotes
- Is the filter removed and cleaned off the vehicle, or cleaned in place?
- Is there a flow or back-pressure test before and after, with the results shared?
- Does the price include removal, refitting, gaskets and the ECU reset?
- Is diagnosis of the cause included, or charged separately?
- What happens if the filter is found to be cracked or melted?
- Is there a warranty on the clean, and what does it require?
Cleaning, regeneration or replacement?
A forced regeneration is usually the cheapest option and is enough when the problem is soot alone. Cleaning costs more but deals with ash. Replacement is the most expensive and is only needed when the filter is damaged; see DPF filter price and cleaning vs replacement.
For workshops weighing up buying equipment rather than outsourcing cleaning, see DPF cleaning machines.
What affects the cost
Prices vary by market and workshop, so this table shows what moves the price rather than quoting figures. Ask for an itemised quote.
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Cleaning method | Additives cost least; on-vehicle chemical cleaning sits in the middle; off-vehicle thermal cleaning costs most but is the only method that removes ash. |
| Filter size and type | Large commercial-vehicle filters take longer and need bigger equipment than car filters. |
| Removal and refitting | Labour depends on how accessible the DPF is. On some vehicles it is a short job; on others other parts must be removed first. |
| Diagnosis | Finding and fixing the cause (sensors, hoses, injectors, EGR) may be charged separately. |
| Parts | New gaskets, clamps or a replacement pressure-sensor hose may be needed. |
| ECU reset | Resetting soot and ash adaptations needs a suitable diagnostic tool; some quotes include it, others do not. |