There are MAF sensor spray cleaners available in many stores (AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, Walmart etc.) that make cleaning relatively easy. I personally prefer to remove MAF sensors before cleaning them, however, you can do it on the car. The car might have a rough idle after cleaning for a brief period of time.

 

I removed and cleaned them, is the mesh "after" the air intake filter necessary? Was thinking about cutting it out for better performance since I am OCD in changing air filters.

 

Daswede420, man. You touched the untouchable subject - that mesh. Thing is, it is ONLY used on US-spec LS. No such thing in Jap and in Eur.
At some point I was chasing 'weird' trims case and found out that US uses mesh (somewhat changing the intake specs).
My educated guess is that this restriction is coded into US ECMs, as trying meshed boxes (yes, I bought a couple from ebay to test my theories) skew trims on Eu-spec car/ECM.
So I'm not sure removing those is a good idea. Try F resonator instead, if you can find and buy one

 

That mesh screen is on Toyota cars also. I asked the tech at dealer about it and he says its a carbon block to prevent out gassing after the engine is shut off. Its an EPA thing and doesn't really make alot of sense considering the throttle is closed at shut down. And.yes you can remove it and most likely get better mileage.My o4 Sienna XLE had it and I removed it ten years ago. It may have a small difference in performance and a tad bit better mileage.Be ware though its glued in place so you have to literally rip it out. It would probably be a task to re install it if you wanted to. I never went back after I removed mine.

 

If there were a noticeable improvement from removing it, there would be posts all over the internet by now. IMHO.

 

I agree SWFLA that's why I said it made so little difference on my Toyota, But you get people who swear by it.
I just pointed out why its there and it can be removed. Iam leaving mine in place on the LS.