Ok guys (and gals)...I've used K&N filters in my automobiles for quite a while and have always used the "recharge kit" with the cleaner and the oil for around $12-15. What's so special about the cleaner itself? It smells like it's got ammonia in it...what is it made of? It must have a degreaser in order to clean the cotton gauze that makes up the filter..what else? Can you just use Dawn dishwashing detergent? And no, I'm not complaining about the $12 for the recharge...just seems like it should be a simple product to remove the old oil/crud inside the filter.

On a different note...I bought an Eddie Marine flame arrestor for my boat a couple years ago and the filter is starting to look a little dingy...it's one that has what appears to be a white paper filter element...which looks like the cotton gauze used in a K&N...is the filter that I have a K&N or is it cleanable? Not sure what to do with this but it started off white and not the typical reddish color of a K&N but I figured it might not have the oil in it as oil is flammable?????

Ok...I guess that's it for now. Thanks as always for the help!!

Ttt?

I have used a product called "Purple Power" I have bought from local Auto Parts stores. Basicly a strong degreaser for engines and tires. A gallon is less than 5 dollars. Spray the filter down and let it soak 15 minutes or so and then rinse with warm water in a sink. It cleans well,is cheap, and gets the KN filters spotless.
I still use the filter oil from KN but if you were to go to a motorcycle shop I bet there are 10 different brands of filter oil.