Choosing Between Dry and Cleanable (Cotton) Filters

Both dry and cotton/cleanable filters offer similar performance characteristics. The main difference comes down to preference: would you rather throw away your filter when it’s dirty, or clean and reuse it?

Vehicle Warranty Considerations

If your vehicle is under warranty, using a dry filter can help prevent dealer claims of improper maintenance. Regardless of which style you choose, S&B has your back:

“S&B commits that our customers will not be charged for a repair due to the manufacturer denying their warranty claim because of the presence of an S&B intake kit or OE replacement filter.”

Read our warranty commitment

Operating in Dusty Environments

Dry filters can be blown out with compressed air (from 6" away, in short bursts) to extend their life before replacement. Cotton (cleanable) filters should not be blown out with air — the media may separate.

Filter Wraps

We recommend using a filter wrap with either filter type. It keeps bugs, debris, and larger contaminants off the media — extending the filter life and making service easier.

Learn More: Cleanable vs. Dry Filters

Want to dive deeper into the differences between cleanable (cotton) and dry filters? Visit our detailed guide to learn about performance, maintenance, warranty considerations, and which filter best suits your driving environment.

Read the Full Filter Comparison