A self-cleaning magnetic filter for removing ferrous contaminates from a natural gas process stream including a housing through which the process stream follows for removing ferrous contaminates in the process stream by magnetic attraction with a plurality of magnetic bars that are removably disposed in a plurality of non-magnetic sleeves disposed within the housing. A recirculating washing solution is used to flush contaminates that adhere to the exterior surfaces of the non-magnetic sleeves and from the housing. A bag filter is used to remove contaminates from the washing solution to allow recycling the washing solution.