Why Timely and Proper DPF Cleaning Care is Important

The Enviromotive Experts
Apr 28
2 min read

Preventative maintenance is a growing priority for fleet managers and diesel engine owners, and DPF cleaning care is a critical part of it. Every diesel particulate filter (DPF) will eventually require professional cleaning to maintain performance and avoid costly repairs.

This article covers how often DPFs need cleaning and what proper DPF maintenance procedures look like.

How Often Does a DPF Need to Be Cleaned?

The timing for DPF cleaning depends on several factors:

Mileage driven
Gallons of diesel consumed
Engine operating hours
State of engine tune
Service conditions (heavy duty vs. light duty)
Fuel quality

Every truck and piece of equipment is different, meaning DPF cleaning intervals vary. A well-maintained engine will extend the time between required cleanings, while an out-of-tune engine will clog the DPF much faster.

DPF Regeneration vs. Professional DPF Cleaning

It’s important to understand that regeneration (regen) is not the same as full DPF cleaning.

Passive and active regeneration burn off soot but do not remove ash.
Over time, ash accumulates inside the DPF, creating backpressure and reducing the filter’s efficiency.
Proper cleaning requires removing the DPF from the vehicle and professionally cleaning it using specialized equipment.

using the Enviromotive regeneration oven

What Is Involved in Proper DPF Cleaning?

Professional DPF cleaning involves:

Air Blast Cleaning – High-pressure air knocks loose soot and ash from individual DPF cells.
Vacuum Extraction – Simultaneous extreme suction removes the loosened contaminants.
Baking Process – Filters with heavy ash buildup are baked at high temperatures to turn soot into ash, making it easier to remove.
Final Inspection – Checking airflow and integrity to ensure the DPF is properly restored.

At Enviromotive, our EvacuBlast System and EvacuBlast Regeneration Oven bring DPFs back to near-new condition, helping vehicles run cleaner, last longer, and avoid costly replacements.

📄Want a step-by-step look at the process? Click here for an overview of the EvacuBlast DPF Cleaning Process.