Can I clean a DPF myself?

No. The ash and soot are hazardous waste materials that must be disposed of properly according to regional environmental regulations. Cleaning your own filter with compressed air, chemicals or water puts these hazardous materials into the air, groundwater or sewer system which is illegal and could prove to be quite costly if caught. Besides that, you can’t clean a DPF without specialized equipment. If you want proof, put some on some protective gloves, smear on some soot and attempt to clean your hands.