An apparatus and method for cleaning ash/soot and other particulates from diesel particulate filters (DPF), including diesel oxidative catalysts (DOC) and similar exhaust components. Section for dry and wet cleaning include conduits that connect to the filters. For dry cleaning, a filter is mounted clean side up and air pressure is applied in opposite directions so that the particulate is dislodged and falls out. For wet cleaning, the filter is floated with a slug of liquid cleaning solution which is surged back-and-forth through the filter to dislodge and remove the particulate. The dry and wet cleaning sections may be combined or collocated, or may be located separately or used one without the other.