DPF cleaning: methods, process and when it is needed
How DPF cleaning works, the different cleaning methods, what a proper clean includes and when cleaning is the right fix.
Products
DPF cleaners, cleaning fluids and additives
A guide to DPF cleaners: fuel additives that help soot burn, on-vehicle cleaning fluids and workshop cleaning solutions, what each can and cannot do, and how to choose.
Short answer
A DPF cleaner is a chemical product that helps clear soot from a diesel particulate filter. Fuel additives help soot burn during regeneration; on-vehicle cleaning fluids are sprayed into the filter before a forced regeneration. Neither removes ash, so a high-mileage, ash-loaded filter needs professional cleaning.
Products are being researched for this category. We only list products with verified manufacturer information. In the meantime, the buying guide below explains what to look for.
Ask about a productBuying guide: DPF cleaners & additives
Three kinds of DPF cleaner
Fuel-tank additives are poured into the diesel tank. They lower the temperature at which soot burns, which can help a lightly loaded filter regenerate on vehicles used for shorter trips. On-vehicle cleaning fluids are injected into the DPF, usually through the pressure-sensor or temperature-sensor port, then the filter is regenerated. Workshop cleaning solutions are used with cleaning machines for off-vehicle cleaning.
What DPF cleaners cannot do
No chemical cleaner removes ash, repairs a cracked filter or fixes the engine fault that caused a blockage. If a filter keeps blocking, read DPF problems and have the vehicle diagnosed before buying cleaner.
Check compatibility
Use products that state compatibility with DPF-equipped diesel vehicles, and follow the dosing instructions exactly. On vehicles with a fuel-borne catalyst additive system, never substitute a generic cleaner for the manufacturer's additive.
What to check before buying
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Product type
Tank additive, on-vehicle fluid or workshop solution: they are not interchangeable.
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Stated compatibility
DPF-safe, suitable for your fuel and vehicle type.
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Safety data sheet
Available from the manufacturer for professional products.
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Realistic claims
Be wary of products claiming to remove ash or fix any blockage.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do DPF cleaner additives work?
They can help soot burn during regeneration on a lightly loaded filter. They do not remove ash and will not clear a heavily blocked or damaged filter.
Is DPF cleaning liquid safe for my car?
Products designed for DPF use are intended to be safe when used as directed. Check the manufacturer's compatibility information and your vehicle handbook.
What is the best DPF cleaner?
It depends on the job: an additive for prevention, an on-vehicle fluid for a moderate soot load, or professional cleaning for ash. We only compare products where we have verified information.
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How to clean a DPF filter: the options, step by step
The realistic ways to clean a DPF, from helping a regeneration finish to on-vehicle cleaning fluids and professional off-vehicle cleaning, and which to choose.
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