How to Clean Fuel Injectors at Home

One of the easiest ways to clean clogged fuel injectors is by using a high-quality fuel injector cleaner. These can be found commonly at most auto parts retailers.

Products like Techron Fuel Injector Cleaner, Lucas Injector Cleaner, or Techron Fuel System Cleaner are designed to break down deposits in the injectors. Simply add the recommended amount of cleaner to your fuel tank and drive as usual to let the cleaner work through the system.

Also keep in mind that vehicles that are stored for several weeks or months at a time are more likely to develop fuel system clogs than ones driven regularly. Fuel additives can be used as a preventative measure for cars you plan to store away for winter.

If you're still experiencing performance issues, inspect the fuel pump, fuel filter and connected vacuum line for signs of damage or leaks. A failing fuel pump can prevent the injectors from receiving proper fuel pressure, leading to clogged injectors.

Replacing faulty components may be necessary to keep your fuel system running smoothly.

This is another job to consider handing to professionals. Depending on your model of vehicle, the fuel pump can be extremely hard to access, and may even require removal of the entire fuel tank. The fuel filter may also be located inside the tank, or it may be closer to the engine mounted behind the fuel rail.

If cleaning doesn't restore performance, you may need new fuel injectors. Over time, deposits can become too thick to remove with fuel additives or cleaner kits. Installing new injectors ensures your engine receives the proper fuel mixture for optimal performance and efficiency.

To prevent clogged fuel injectors in the future, use fuel additives periodically and keep your fuel system clean.

For vehicles that you plan to store over the long term, pour a fuel stabilizer additive into the tank and plan to run the engine in your driveway or around the block for at least a few minutes every couple weeks to keep the fuel flowing.

Checking the fuel tank cap for a secure fit and ensuring no contaminants enter the fuel system can also help maintain injector performance. Routine maintenance will keep your vehicle running efficiently for years to come.

For a more thorough cleaning, consider using a fuel injector cleaner kit. This process requires disconnecting the fuel rail and throttle body, attaching the cleaner directly to the system.

The cleaner runs through the injectors without the interference of fuel from the tank, providing a deep clean that removes stubborn buildup.

Some types of cleaning kit will come in an aerosol can similar to carb cleaner, while more professional-grade kits require a source of compressed air in order to force their compounds through the injector plug and blow any contaminants out of the nozzle.

If you're not experienced with auto maintenance, or unsure how to disconnect and install fuel injectors, be sure to consult with a professional mechanic and consider having them do the job for you. Assembling the fuel rail incorrectly could cause a rough-running engine, fuel leaks and potentially lead to a fire hazard.

Fuel injectors work by squirting a tiny amount of fuel through a nozzle into the engine's combustion chamber. We may think of gasoline as a simple fluid, but it actually contains hundreds of chemical components, some of which are added by the supplier.

Over time, these compounds may collect inside the fuel system leading to a partial or complete clog.

Modern fuel suppliers add detergents into the mix in order to help prevent clogs, which means driving your vehicle regularly actually helps keep the fuel system clean. A vehicle that sits around is more likely to have compounds in its fuel deteriorate into junk that can clog up the system.

If you drive your vehicle frequently (at least once every few days) and feel symptoms such as a rough engine idle, you may want to look to a different cause — like old, failing spark plugs. The fuel filter is another likely source of clogs as it collects any contaminants present inside the fuel tank.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.