You are talking about a Mustang here, correct? A brand new Motorcraft filter should only run you around $10. Why bother cleaning it when you can just swap out a for a new one when you need it? It's not like you'll be taking it off weekly to clean it and if you are, spend a little extra money for better quality gas. The location of the fuel filter isn't that bad. Jack the car up, put it on jack stands, and slide underneath. Look up and there it is. The "special tool" costs about $8 at an auto parts store. You're there getting the fuel filter, pick up the tool while you're at it.
And it is a pretty painless change as it is. Unplug the inertia switch, run the car until it dies, unhook the fuel lines connected to the filter, remove the filter, replace the filter, reconnect the lines, plug in the inertia switch, turn the key to the accessory position a few times to refill the fuel lines and you're good to go. I'd say 15-20 minutes or so. You'd have to do the same thing to clean the filter anyways, so just spend the $10 and replace it imo.
