Abstract: An air filter cleaning system comprises a support plate mounted on a frame with a clamping system for clamping an end face of the filter against the underside of the support plate. A supply tank can be filled with air up to a predetermined pressure. A duct communicates from the supply tank to an opening in the support plate. The valve can be opened to substantially instantaneously release the air into the interior of the filter to explode through the filter wall. A collection bag is engaged around the lip on the underside of the support plate to collect the material exploded from the filter wall.