The invention relates to a method for cleaning a filter element ( 9 ) located in a filtering chamber ( 10, 11 ) and to a filter implementing the method. The filter includes an inlet ( 4 ) leading to the inlet side ( 10 ) of the filtering chamber, an outlet ( 6 ) starting from the outlet side ( 11 ) of the chamber, and a flow passage ( 13 ), which connects the chamber inlet side preferably to atmospheric pressure and by means of which a pressure difference can be generated between the different sides of the filter element in order to produce a flow impulse detaching solid matter accumulated on the element. In accordance with the invention, the inlet side ( 10 ) of the filtering chamber is connected in a first step to a confined buffer chamber ( 14 ) under lower pressure, the pressure equalisation between the chambers producing a flow impulse cleaning the filter element ( 9 ), after which the buffer chamber can be connected to atmospheric pressure. Such two-step pressure drop during cleaning of the filter element allows use of the elements in high-pressure hydraulic systems without exposing the element to risk of damage.