Thanks that what I was thinking, but have heard not to do it , I’m old school and back in the day we oiled about everythingHello C.,
Yes, lightly oil but squeeze out excess with paper towels. The thin film of oil captures the super-fine dust particles that can easily pass through a dry filter otherwise. The film of oil also helps preserve the foam for years to come. The clean the foam, just use dawn dish soap and hot water, let dry and then re-oil.
Many years ago, engines were equipped with oil bath air cleaners, and the intake air was drawn through the oil before entering the carburetor. They were the most efficient, but they were also messy and people hated to fool with cleaning them.
Hello C.,
Too many new age parts changers around that never learned the finer points of servicing.
Most would lose their mind if they had to replace a set of ignition points in an older engine.

Now wait a minute, some of us don't have a mind to lose after being driven crazy by our vendors.Hello C.,
Too many new age parts changers around that never learned the finer points of servicing.
Most would lose their mind if they had to replace a set of ignition points in an older engine.
True but at MY house, I have a crap ton of spray cans. Everything known to us we can buy seems like LOL.You can use aerosol foam filter oil. It can usually be found at your local power sports shops. It's more convenient and less messy than than the old method.