How to Package Your DPF for Postal Cleaning

Using our postal DPF cleaning service? Great — it’s one of the easiest ways to get your diesel filter cleaned without visiting the garage. But before you send your DPF to us, it’s important to package it properly. Done right, your filter arrives safe, is cleaned fast, and gets returned ready to refit. Done wrong, it could be damaged in transit or delayed — costing you time and money.

Here’s a full guide on how to prepare, protect, and post your DPF for safe delivery to our Hanley workshop.

Step 1 – Remove the DPF Safely

Make sure the DPF is removed by a competent mechanic or technician. Avoid cutting brackets, bashing sensors, or tampering with mounting flanges. Damaged filters can’t always be cleaned — and cracks or melted cores often mean game over.

If sensors are attached, remove them carefully and label their ports to avoid confusion when refitting. Leave the DPF fully drained and cool before packing.

Step 2 – Clean Off Surface Grime

Before you box it up, give the filter a quick clean. Wipe off excess soot, oil, or road dirt from the outside using a cloth. This helps reduce contamination in transit and speeds up our inspection once it arrives.

There’s no need to open, flush, or attempt any cleaning yourself. Just send it in as removed. We’ll handle the rest.

Step 3 – Choose the Right Box

A good box makes all the difference. Here’s what we recommend:

• Double-walled cardboard – strong enough to support 8–15 kg
• Box size – allow at least 5–10 cm padding space on all sides
• Reinforced base – tape all bottom edges with strong parcel tape

If your filter is unusually large (e.g. Sprinter, Transit Custom), let us know before sending. We can advise on safe courier options for oversized items.

Step 4 – Wrap It Well

Inside the box, use protective materials to cushion the DPF:

• Bubble wrap or thick foam padding all around
• Wrap the filter body fully to avoid metal-on-metal impact
• Fill air gaps with crumpled cardboard or void-fill to stop movement

A well-packed filter should not move or rattle inside the box. Shake it gently before sealing to be sure.

Step 5 – Include Your Details

Every package must include a note with:

• Your name and contact number
• Return address
• Vehicle make, model and engine
• Any known DPF faults or recent repairs

Optional: include a printout of our booking form (if supplied) or your garage’s job sheet. This helps us keep track and speeds up turnaround.

Step 6 – Label and Send via Tracked Courier

Seal the box securely using reinforced parcel tape around all seams. Mark the box “DPF – HANDLE WITH CARE” and use a tracked courier for peace of mind.

We recommend services like:

• UPS
• DPD Local
• ParcelForce 48
• Evri (for smaller filters only)

You are responsible for ensuring the item reaches us safely. We cannot be held liable for filters damaged in transit (see our terms and conditions).

Our Address

DPF Clean  
Unit 2, 2 Cutts Street  
Wood Terrace  
Hanley, ST1 4LX

What Happens Next?

Once your DPF arrives, we:

• Inspect it for damage and suitability
• Run a pre-clean flow test
• Carry out a full clean using our heated detergent system
• Re-test and print your flow results
• Pack and return it via tracked courier

Most filters are cleaned and shipped back within 2–3 working days from arrival. You’ll receive updates by phone or email once complete.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Sending a melted, cracked or oil-soaked DPF – we can’t clean it
• Failing to include contact details – causes processing delays
• Poor packaging – leads to transit damage or rejected delivery
• Not using tracked shipping – risk of lost or unverified parcels

Still Not Sure What to Do?

If you’re unsure how to pack your DPF or need advice on the right courier to use, just get in touch. Our team can guide you through the whole process and confirm when your filter arrives safely.

Get It Cleaned Right — Without Leaving Home

Postal DPF cleaning is a simple, effective, and fully trackable option for anyone outside our local area. Follow these steps to get your filter to us safely — and we’ll do the rest.

Have questions or want to book a clean? Call us on 07827533529 or send us a message.