Cabin air filter

It needs to be replaced

 

Some cabin air filters are impregnated with activated charcoal to help absorb odors. That's probably what you are seeing.

 

Yeah, I just had mine replaced at my last service. That and the engine air filter

 

As Xliderider stated, the filter is charcoal impregnated. If the top side is still relatively white, you're ok. If it's dinghy gray then it's probably due for replacement. Look in the top folds for excessive debris as this is also a good indicator of the condition. If you do replace it, go with an OEM or equivalent

 

You could try blowing air in reverse direction, and a little brushing. It's not as critical as the engine filter. This is one item I slack off on.

 

I keep my wife's air cabin air filter clean once a month. I reverse blow compressed air from the inside out and it worked for us since a long time. It was replaced twice since 2012.

 

Just buy a new cabin air filter and a new engine air filter on Amazon. They are cheap and the install is really easy!

Amazon.com: prius cabin air filter

 

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My local auto parts chain stores sell only the charcoal/activated carbon filters at $ 20 and up.
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To answer the OP's question, the filter isn't made for a water flush and reuse.
If you want to reuse, then follow the advice above. Shake it out, blow air through it. good to go.
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I'd say just buy a new Toyota oem cabin air filter. Your old one could be clogged and not letting full air flow through.

 

Our original cabin filter has gone 60,000 kms, so far. That said I suspect our wet coast weather keeps the dust down, more than other climes. I've blown the dust out of it a couple of times.

Still on the original engine air filter too. You can just see it's starting to get a little sooty now, but really not bad. The fuel/air mix is computer controlled too, so even when it starts clogging it won't run rich. And it's really got a ways to go.

 

fyi... check the manual and change the filters as recommended.

Cabin air filter:Made to prevent outside allergens and dust from entering your ride’s air vents. The benefit: it keeps the air that you breathe inside the cabin clean. They’re engineered to trap a whole bunch of things, including pollen, dust, mold spores, smoke, soot and smog – none of which belong in your nose.

 

There are HEPA filters and charcoal filters and just regular filters.
Price varies, yet after a few years it is good to replace.
(The brand Puralotor I believe sells a charcoal for $20 at most parts stores.)

Yes, you can increase the life of the filter by removing and cleaning it with tapping (to drop dirt off it) gentle air.
Pollen and diesel particulates still may stick to it.
Don't forget to clean the filter housing if need be.
The filter function still doesn't last forever.

Have fun.

 

In summer we just shut the vent system down and roll the windows down, most of the time. It's funny, go back 20 years, none of the cars had cabin filters; a lot of this is marketing I think.

 

When you replace or inspect the cabin filter, reach into the filter holder and down. There's a fan which can catch debris which can rattle about. Remove anything you find.