Air filter, Can I clean it, what do I need? Options

[6gsillyca]

I currently have a apex'i short ram intake on my celica. I know some filters are cleanable (k&n, wash and reuse). How can I tell the reuseable ones from the ones you throw away when they get dirty.

Also, ive read that there is some sort of "filter oil" that you use on the k&n reuseables. What is this oil/what does it do?

[94celicadude]

the difference is that a cheap cone filter is made with paper, while a k&n is made with cotton, thus the ability to be washable and re-usable. The filter cleaning kit for the k&n consists of a cleaning agent, and then the red colored oil that gives them the red look, the oil is there so that it can catch smaller particles than just dry cotton, and it also keeps the cotton from drying up and getting sucked into your intake. My advice is try running your filter under water and if i gets all mushy and stuff, then its paper, but otherwise you should have a cotton one that you can wash and re-oil and use.

***DISCLAIMER: this is not set in stone facts, this is just what i have learned from experience, so please to take my words to the grave. ***