If your diesel particulate filter (DPF) warning light has come on, you’re probably wondering: “How much is this going to cost me?” The good news is that professional DPF cleaning is significantly cheaper than replacement – and in most cases, it’s all you need to get your vehicle running smoothly again.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly what you can expect to pay for DPF cleaning in 2025, compare your options, and help you understand what affects the final price.

Quick Answer: DPF Cleaning Cost Overview

Typical DPF cleaning costs in the UK (2025):

• Mobile on-car DPF cleaning: £150 – £350
• Postal/off-car DPF cleaning: £180 – £400
• Garage-based DPF cleaning: £200 – £450
• DPF replacement (for comparison): £800 – £2,500+

Important note: Prices vary depending on your vehicle make/model, DPF condition, location, and service provider. Always request a quote based on your specific vehicle before booking. The ranges above reflect typical market rates across the UK, but your actual cost may differ.

On-Car DPF Cleaning Cost: £150 – £350

On-car (or “mobile”) DPF cleaning is where a specialist comes to your location and cleans your DPF without removing it from the vehicle. This is typically the most convenient and cost-effective option for moderately blocked filters.

What’s Included:

• Diagnostic scan to assess DPF condition
• Chemical cleaning solution flushed through the DPF
• Forced regeneration cycle
• Post-cleaning diagnostic check
• Flow test (with reputable providers)

Typical Price Range:

• Standard cars (small diesel): £150 – £250
• Larger vehicles (SUVs, vans): £200 – £350
• Premium/luxury vehicles: £250 – £400+

When On-Car Cleaning Works Best:

• DPF is 40-70% blocked
• No physical damage to the filter
• Regular maintenance has been followed
• Warning light has only recently appeared

Pros:

✅ Most affordable option
✅ Completed at your home/work
✅ Usually takes 1-2 hours
✅ No need to remove DPF

Cons:

❌ May not work for severely blocked filters (80%+)
❌ Less thorough than off-car cleaning

Postal/Off-Car DPF Cleaning Cost: £180 – £400

Postal or off-car DPF cleaning involves removing the DPF from your vehicle, sending it to a specialist facility for deep cleaning, and then reinstalling it. This is the most thorough cleaning method.

What’s Included:

• DPF removal (you arrange, or mechanic does for additional cost)
• Ultrasonic or thermal cleaning
• Flow testing before and after
• Detailed condition report
• Return shipping (usually included)
• Guarantee/Warranty (Terms & Conditions apply)

Typical Price Range:

• Cleaning only (you remove/refit): £180 – £300
• Including removal/refitting: £350 – £600+
• Express service (24hr turnaround): +£50 – £100

When Off-Car Cleaning Works Best:

• DPF is 70%+ blocked
• On-car cleaning has failed
• You want the most thorough clean
• You have access to a mechanic for removal/refitting

Pros:

✅ Most thorough cleaning method
✅ Flow tested with proof
✅ Higher success rate for badly blocked DPFs
✅ Usually comes with guarantee (Terms & Conditions Apply)

Cons:

❌ Vehicle off the road for 2-5 days
❌ Additional cost if mechanic removes/refits DPF
❌ Not suitable if you need immediate solution

DPF Replacement Cost: £800 – £2,500+

If your DPF is physically damaged, cracked, or melted, cleaning won’t work – you’ll need a replacement. This is significantly more expensive than cleaning.

Typical Replacement Costs:

• Aftermarket DPF: £400 – £800 (parts only)
• OEM (manufacturer) DPF: £800 – £1,500 (parts only)
• Full replacement (parts + labour): £1,000 – £2,500+
• Premium/luxury vehicles: £2,000 – £4,000+

When Replacement Is Necessary:

• DPF is cracked or melted
• Internal substrate has collapsed
• Cleaning has failed multiple times
• Filter has reached end of life (150,000+ miles)

💡 Cost-Saving Tip: Always try professional cleaning first. In 85-90% of cases, a blocked DPF can be cleaned successfully, saving you £700-£2,000+ compared to replacement.

DPF Cleaning vs Replacement: Cost Comparison

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Potential Savings: Choosing cleaning over replacement can save you £700 – £2,200 on average.

What Affects DPF Cleaning Cost?

Several factors influence the final price you’ll pay:

1. Vehicle Make & Model

• Small diesel cars (Ford Fiesta, VW Polo): Lower end of price range
• Medium cars/SUVs (BMW 3 Series, Audi Q5): Mid-range pricing
• Large SUVs/vans (Range Rover, Mercedes Sprinter): Higher end
• Luxury/performance (Porsche, Jaguar): Premium pricing

2. DPF Blockage Severity

• 40-60% blocked: Standard cleaning usually sufficient
• 70-80% blocked: May need more intensive cleaning or multiple attempts
• 80%+ blocked: Often requires off-car cleaning or replacement

3. Location

• London/South East: Typically 10-20% higher than national average
• Midlands/North: Mid-range pricing
• Rural areas: May have travel surcharges for mobile services

4. Service Type

• Mobile service: Often cheaper (lower overheads)
• Garage/workshop: Mid-range (includes diagnostics)
• Main dealer: Most expensive (£300-£600+)

5. Additional Services

• Diagnostic scan: Usually included, or £30-£50
• DPF removal/refitting: £80-£150 (if not DIY)
• EGR valve cleaning: +£50-£100
• Sensor replacements: £40-£150 per sensor

Regional DPF Cleaning Costs: What to Expect

Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire

Mobile on-car cleaning typically ranges from £150-£280 for standard vehicles. Postal services from local specialists usually cost £180-£320 including return shipping within the region.

West Midlands (Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry)

Expect to pay £170-£300 for mobile services, with garage-based cleaning ranging £200-£350. Higher competition often means better value.

London & South East

Premium pricing applies: £200-£400 for mobile cleaning, £250-£500 for garage services. Postal services to Midlands/North providers can save 20-30%.

North West (Manchester, Liverpool, Preston)

Competitive market with prices similar to Midlands: £150-£300 mobile, £180-£350 garage-based.

Scotland, Wales & South West

Slightly higher due to lower provider density: £180-£350 mobile, £200-£400 garage. Postal services often most cost-effective.

How to Get the Best Price on DPF Cleaning

1. Get Multiple Quotes

Prices can vary by £100+ between providers. Request quotes from:

• Mobile DPF specialists
• Local garages with DPF equipment
• Postal cleaning services
• Independent mechanics

2. Ask About Guarantees

Reputable providers offer:

• Money-back guarantee (Terms & Conditions Apply) if cleaning fails
• Flow test proof (before/after readings)
• Warranty period (typically 30-90 days)

3. Check What’s Included

Ensure the quote covers:

• Diagnostic scan
• Cleaning process
• Post-clean testing
• Any necessary chemicals/additives
• Travel costs (for mobile services)

4. Consider Postal Services

If you have a trusted mechanic who can remove/refit the DPF for £80-£120, postal cleaning (£180-£300) + labour can still be cheaper than mobile services in expensive areas.

5. Don’t Wait

The longer you drive with a blocked DPF, the worse (and more expensive) the problem becomes. Early intervention usually means:

• Lower cleaning costs
• Higher success rates
• Less risk of additional damage

Warning Signs Your DPF Needs Cleaning

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to get your DPF checked:

• ⚠️ DPF warning light illuminated
• 📉 Noticeable loss of engine power
• ⛽ Increased fuel consumption (20-30% worse)
• 💨 Excessive black smoke from exhaust
• 🚗 Engine going into “limp mode”
• 🔄 Failed regeneration attempts
• 🏁 Rough idling or poor acceleration

Cost of ignoring these signs:

• Continued driving can cause turbo damage (£500-£1,500 repair)
• Injector problems (£300-£800 per injector)
• Complete DPF failure requiring replacement (£1,000-£2,500)

Early cleaning (£150-£350) prevents these expensive repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions About DPF Cleaning Costs

How much does it cost to clean a DPF filter in the UK?

Professional DPF cleaning typically costs between £150-£400 depending on the method (mobile on-car vs postal off-car cleaning) and your vehicle type. This is significantly cheaper than DPF replacement, which costs £1,000-£2,500+. Prices vary by location, vehicle make/model, and blockage severity, so always request a specific quote.

Is DPF cleaning worth the cost?

Yes, absolutely. DPF cleaning costs £150-£400 compared to £1,000-£2,500 for replacement. Professional cleaning has an 85-95% success rate for blocked filters and can restore your DPF to near-new condition. It’s always worth trying cleaning before considering replacement.

How much does DPF regeneration cost?

A forced DPF regeneration at a garage typically costs £80-£150 and takes 30-60 minutes. However, if your DPF is heavily blocked (60%+), a simple regeneration often won’t work – you’ll need full cleaning (£150-£400). Many cleaning services include forced regeneration as part of the process.

Can I clean my DPF myself to save money?

While DIY DPF cleaning additives (£15-£40) exist, they rarely work for significantly blocked filters. Professional cleaning uses industrial-grade equipment and chemicals that aren’t available to consumers. Attempting DIY cleaning on a badly blocked DPF often wastes money and delays proper treatment, potentially causing additional damage.

How often does a DPF need cleaning?

Most DPFs need professional cleaning every 80,000-120,000 miles, depending on driving style. Short journeys, city driving, and low-quality fuel accelerate blockage. Regular motorway driving helps prevent blockages through natural regeneration. If you mainly do short trips, consider preventative cleaning every 60,000-80,000 miles.

Does DPF cleaning include a guarantee (Terms & Conditions Apply)?

Reputable DPF cleaning services typically offer a 30-90 day guarantee (Terms & Conditions Apply). This means if the DPF blocks again within the guarantee (Terms & Conditions Apply) period (due to cleaning failure, not new driving habits), they’ll re-clean it free or refund your money. Always ask about guarantee (Terms & Conditions Apply)s before booking and get them in writing.

What’s cheaper: mobile or postal DPF cleaning?

Mobile on-car cleaning (£150-£350) is usually cheaper upfront, but postal cleaning (£180-£400) is more thorough and has higher success rates for severely blocked DPFs. If you can remove/refit the DPF yourself or have a mechanic do it cheaply, postal cleaning often offers better value long-term due to lower failure rates.

How much does DPF cleaning cost for a van?

Van DPF cleaning typically costs £200-£450 due to larger filter size and more complex systems. Small vans (Transit Connect, Caddy) are at the lower end (£200-£300), while large vans (Sprinter, Crafter) cost £300-£450. Commercial vehicle specialists often offer better rates than general garages.

Are there hidden costs with DPF cleaning?

Reputable providers include all costs in their quote. However, watch for potential extras: diagnostic scans (£30-£50 if not included), DPF removal/refitting (£80-£150 for postal services), replacement sensors if damaged (£40-£150), or travel charges for mobile services outside their area (£20-£50). Always ask what’s included upfront.

Is main dealer DPF cleaning more expensive?

Yes, significantly. Main dealers charge £300-£600+ for DPF cleaning – often 2-3x the cost of independent specialists. The cleaning process is identical; you’re paying for the dealer brand and premises. Independent specialists with good reviews offer the same service at much better value, often with better guarantee (Terms & Conditions Apply)s.

Next Steps: Get Your DPF Cleaned Today

Don’t let a blocked DPF turn into an expensive replacement. Professional cleaning can restore your filter to near-new condition for a fraction of the replacement cost.

Ready to book?

Mobile DPF Cleaning in Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire:

• Same-day service available
• Completed at your home or workplace
• From £150 for standard vehicles
• Flow tested and guarantee (Terms & Conditions Apply)d

Postal DPF Cleaning (UK-Wide):

• 24-48 hour turnaround
• Free packaging guide provided
• Flow tested with before/after proof
• From £180 including return shipping

📞 Call us today for a free quote based on your vehicle

🌐 Or visit our contact page to book online

Don’t wait until it’s too late. The longer you drive with a blocked DPF, the more damage you risk – and the higher the eventual cost. Get a quote today and save hundreds compared to replacement.