http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/5554/cabinfilter5sl.jpg

I washed mine. :cool:

Take your car wash bucket and fill with soapy water & dunk it a few times.

Then I sprayed it with Simple Green and using my fingers I gently scrubbed the filter. Rinse it off and lay in the sun to dry.

I got this idea from my Craftman shop vac which says in the book you can wash and reuse the paper filter which I have done many times.

It looked really grey before I started and was heading for black soon.

Its easy to do and will save you a few bucks.

-Scott A.

I believe the filter is treated or impregnated with some stuff that washing may remove, although it's still better than nothing. I did vacuum mine a few times before giving up on it. However there are other alternatives, have you seen this thread?-
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=476514

I didn't see that thread.

I have searched in the past and did know about the house filter cut to fit deal.

I think what I did is easier. Just an idea I wanted to share.

I know washing it has to be better than doing nothing or having no filter at all.


-Scott A

Ok, not bashing what you did, just wanted to make a point. Unlike the filter in your shop vac this one is not intended to be cleaned and re-used, so although it is possible to do so it may lose some effectiveness afterward. It may also begin to perforate after a couple of cleanings, mine was getting thin in a few spots.
The aftermarket filter companies are also making cabin filters, but unfortunately I haven't seen any Subaru applications listed yet. Hopefully they will come out with them soon at a more reasonable price than the dealer charges.

how much do they cost, and where are they located?

I think they run about $30 and are located behind the glove box