I tried using the search function and wasn't able to find much on how to go about cleaning the throttle body.

I am planning on cleaning the throttle body tomorrow while I install the K&N air filter tomorrow.

basically, the throttle body is just directly to the left of the OEM air box, right? Then I would need to unscrew the 4 hex bolts connecting the TB to the engine? Once the TB is out, I should then spray both sides of the butterfly valve? with carb cleaner?

Sorry, I'm a newb to car maintenance and this is my first vehicle that I purchased for myself. I've been driving beaters ever since high school..lol

thanks in advance

 

its not as bad as that
Just remove the rubber tube/snout going from the airbox to the TB
Then with key in ignition and a helper- spray carb cleaner at the 3 inch round plate inside the TB throat
Use rag to catch runoff- use toothbrush if really bad
Then have friend turn key to ON but not to start
That forces the plate to open and close in a self test- when it does that you spray the edges and backside of the plate
repeat as needed till everything looks new
replace snout tube- check all hose clamps

ok to shoot carb cleaner or Deep Creep (seafoam aerosol version) directly into the throat with engine running to get some extra cleaning done inside

 

no need to remove TB assembly from the engine

 

Unless there's a problem, no need to clean it before you have 200,000+ miles. The airbox side should stay clean. The engine side will have an accumulation of PCV and possibly EGR that will gum it up. Using a good engine oil with low NOACK will help a lot.