How to Clean and Oil Your Air Filter Like A Pro

When you’re riding motocross, your air filter takes a beating. It’s the frontline defence between your engine and everything the track throws at it — dust, sand, mud and grime. Neglect it, and performance (and engine life) will drop off fast.

Keeping your air filter clean and correctly oiled is one of the easiest ways to protect your engine and keep it running smooth. Follow this step-by-step guide and you’ll be dialled in, ride after ride.

What You’ll Need

Get your kit ready before you start:

Muc-Off Air Filter Cleaner
Muc-Off Bio Air Filter Oil
Bucket or wash tray
Clean protective / workshop gloves
Clean rags or paper towels
Grease (for the sealing lip)

Step-by-Step: Cleaning Your MX Air Filter

1. Remove the Air Filter

Remove the seat and carefully take out the air filter. Be sure no dirt drops into the intake — stuffing a clean rag into the airbox while you work is a pro move.

2. Shake Off Excess Dirt

With the filter removed, gently shake off loose dirt and debris. Take it easy — twisting or wringing the foam can damage the filter.

3. Prep the Cleaner

Give the Muc-Off Air Filter Cleaner a good shake, then pour enough into a container to fully submerge the filter.

4. Soak It

Drop the filter into the cleaner and leave it to soak for 1–2 minutes. This loosens old oil, grease and stubborn grime.

5. Massage the Foam

Wearing workshop gloves, gently massage the cleaner through the foam to lift out contaminants and dirt.

6. Squeeze & Repeat

Carefully squeeze the filter to release dirt and cleaner, then pop it back into the solution and repeat if needed.

⚠️ Never twist the filter — this can tear the foam or damage the glued seams.

7. Rinse Thoroughly

Submerge the filter in warm water first, then rinse thoroughly with cold water until all cleaner and dirt are gone.

Stubborn grease? No stress — simply repeat the cleaning process.

8. Dry It Properly

Allow the filter to dry fully before oiling. We recommend hanging it up or laying it on a clean paper towel in a well-ventilated area.

Important: The filter must be completely clean and fully dry before applying air filter oil.

How to Oil Your Air Filter Correctly

9. Apply Muc-Off Bio Air Filter Oil

Once the filter is dry and ready:

Shake the can thoroughly
Spray evenly over the entire filter from around 20cm away, ensuring full coverage

The pink dye makes it easy to see protected areas, while the built-in UV dye lets you check coverage in low light using a UV torch.

10. Work It In & Remove Excess

Put on clean gloves and massage the oil into the foam for even coverage. Gently squeeze out any excess — you’re aiming for a tacky finish, not a dripping one.

11. Let It Dry

Leave the oiled filter to dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 10 minutes, but ideally overnight, for full evaporation and maximum performance.

12. Grease the Seal

Apply a thin layer of grease to the sealing edge of the filter. This extra step helps stop fine dust sneaking past the seal and into your airbox.

13. Reinstall & Send It

Remove the rag from the intake, refit the filter and seat securely, and you’re good to go. Your air filter is now clean, oiled and ready to take on whatever the track throws at it.

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Filter?