Postal DPF Cleaning vs Local Garage: Which Works Best?

If your diesel has a blocked DPF and you’re looking for a way to get it cleaned properly, you’ve got two main options — drop it off at a local garage or use a postal DPF cleaning service. But which one’s right for you?

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each, compare costs and turnaround times, and help you decide which method works best for your vehicle, budget, and location.

Option 1: Local Garage-Based DPF Cleaning

A garage-based clean means you drive or tow the vehicle to a specialist workshop. The garage then either performs an on-car clean using chemical flushes and forced regen, or removes the filter and sends it for off-car refurbishment.

? Benefits of Using a Garage

• No need to remove the DPF yourself – mechanics do all the work
• Fast turnaround – same-day in many cases
• Live diagnostics – sensor checks and pressure readings before and after
• Instant feedback – face-to-face service and real-time updates

? Downsides of Local Cleaning

• Location-dependent – not everyone lives near a specialist garage
• Labour costs – may be higher than postal if you’re paying for removal/refit
• Time off the road – if parts or faults delay the job

At DPF Clean, our Hanley-based garage offers both on-car DPF cleaning (£200 flat rate) and off-car refurbishment. If you’re nearby, it’s the fastest way to get your diesel sorted and back on the road.

Option 2: Postal DPF Cleaning

Postal cleaning is ideal if you’re not local or have already removed the DPF. You simply package the unit and send it to us. We refurbish the filter in-house, test the flow, and send it straight back — usually within 2–3 working days.

You get the same deep-cleaning process as local customers: chemical flush, heated detergent soak, bi-directional water blast, and final pressure test.

? Benefits of Postal DPF Cleaning

• UK-wide coverage – no need to travel or book garage time
• Workshop-grade clean – same results as full removal jobs
• Tracked return delivery – know exactly when it’s on the way back
• Ideal for trade garages – send multiple units for fast turnaround

? Downsides of Postal Cleaning

• You must remove the DPF yourself – or have a mechanic do it
• 2–3 working day turnaround – not instant like some in-person cleans
• Courier delays – rare, but possible depending on location

Our postal DPF cleaning service includes return shipping in the price and comes with a full before-and-after flow report. It’s trusted by home mechanics and garages nationwide.

Which Option Is Better?

It depends on your situation. Here’s a quick guide:

What About Warranty?

Both options come with our 6-month flow guarantee (Terms & Conditions Apply). That means if your DPF re-blocks due to soot or ash (not oil or damage), we’ll re-clean it once at no extra cost. See full Warranty (Terms & Conditions apply) terms for details on coverage and what’s excluded.

What Do You Need to Send a DPF?

• Make sure it’s securely packaged (double-wrap and box if needed)
• Include your contact details and vehicle info
• Use a tracked courier service for peace of mind

Once we receive the filter, we’ll inspect and clean it within 24–48 hours. You’ll get a message when it’s on its way back. Most customers receive it back and refitted within 3 working days total.

Still Not Sure?

If you’re not sure which option suits your diesel, just get in touch with us. Tell us your vehicle, location, and symptoms — and we’ll advise on the fastest and most cost-effective way to get it sorted.

Whether you bring it to our Hanley garage or send it in from across the UK, you’ll get the same proven cleaning process, professional results, and guarantee (Terms & Conditions Apply)d performance.

Call 07827533529 or book online now to get started.