An apparatus for cleaning diesel particulate filters. First and second nozzle members direct flows of compressed air into the axially-extending filter cells from both ends of the filter, the nozzle members being offset so as to avoid blowing directly towards one another. The flows from the nozzles impinge only one or a few cells at a time. The nozzle members are moved over the entirety of the first and second end faces of the filter. The nozzles may be translated on arms while the filter is rotated simultaneously on a turntable or rollers. The filter and nozzles are housed within a cabinet having one or more windows, which enable an operator to view the cleaning process and also to identify filters having damaged media. The dislodged particulate material is withdrawn from the cabinet by an exhaust duct system.