Abstract: A method of cleaning polymer residue from a polymer melt filter formed of a sintered powdered metal includes pyrolyzing the polymer residue-contaminated filter within a heated chamber at a temperature within the range from about 400.degree. to about 600.degree. C. and for a time sufficient to pyrolyze substantially all of the polymer residue. Simultaneously with such treatment, the heated chamber is flushed with steam to prevent combustion of the polymer residue. The pyrolyzed filter is then treated with a solvent and back-flushed with a pressurized fluid stream by passing the fluid steam through the filter in a direction opposite to the polymer melt flow therethrough.