What brand of a/f? Is it a K&N stage 1? If it is, they have a cleaning and reoiling kit you can buy. I have the Arlen Ness Big Sucker. It's the same kind as K&N. I spray it around the outside with the cleaner, let it soak fo a few minutes and rinse with water from the faucet from the inside out. I lay it on my floor fan in the garage and let it dry. Reoil with the recharge oil and reinstall. Simple!!