how to better clean an old K&N air filter?

[heftylefty58]

The previous owner of my 2003 Yukon Denali had already installed a K&N air filter, so I bought K&N's 99-5050 cleaning kit when I bought the car.

When following the directions for the kit, I will say that the Filter Cleaner does an excellent job getting rid of the old red K&N oil.

However, I can't seem to improve the dirtier areas that are dark gray:





I've already focused the cleaner on the more stubborn areas a couple times in the above pics. Any tips for doing a better job in those stubborn areas? Or, do you not bother cleaning it any more thoroughly than what you see in my pics?

 

[yukondoit]

Looks clean to me buddy.. I got one of those in my 94, it looks like that after I clean it.

 

[Cobra]

I disagree mine looks cleaner than that. Don't get me wrong I don't think that is bad. I just know mine does not have left over dirt like that. I usually only rinse it from the inside out to avoid embedding the dirt deep into the cone. This maybe what has happened here. just my opinion.

 

[dstratltr450]

Looks pretty clean idk i always clean mine in a parts washer then water then air.

 

[Noto81]

Looks pretty clean idk i always clean mine in a parts washer then water then air.

I didn't think you were supposed to use any additional air?? Or do you mean air out?