Note: This page may contain affiliate links.

Vacuuming Sawdust

Is Vacuuming Sawdust OK? (Read This First!)

Are you on a woodworking project and thinking of vacuuming sawdust? 

Vacuuming small amounts of sawdust with a household vacuum is fine. Still, you cannot handle huge piles of sawdust with a regular vacuum because the wood shavings can clog the vacuum filter and ruin its motor.

Read on to know how safe it is to vacuum sawdust with your regular vacuum and what is the correct method of cleaning sawdust. 

Table Of Contents

🤔Can I Use a Normal Vacuum for Sawdust?

Can I Use a Normal Vacuum for Sawdust

Your regular household vacuum cleaner might help you absorb minimal sawdust. 

However, you shouldn’t use Dyson, Shark, or Bissell to clean the sawdust, as they can undergo severe damage. 

A regular vacuum cleaner won’t be able to take the load for a larger space filled with wooden carvings.

🧹Drawbacks of Using a Household Vacuum to Clean Sawdust

  • A cheaper vacuum has insufficient suction power.
  • While cleaning, the sawdust may obstruct the airflow and ruin the suction power of your device. 
  • The filter can get blocked with wood shavings. 
  • The wood dust can also block the motor. 
  • The HEPA filter of regular household vacuums is much smaller than shop vacs. As a result, the dust will fill the vacuum bags or canisters more often. Thus, empty a regular vacuum cleaner while vacuuming sawdust frequently. 

However, for those who don’t want to purchase a new vacuum for a small woodworking project:

📌The Advantages of Using a Household Vacuum to Clean Sawdust

  • A good vacuum with high suction power can help you absorb minimal wood dust. 
  • The HEPA fine particle filter can help avoid serious health issues while working with sawdust. 
  • The dust separator can help you collect most of the fine dust particles. 
  • Unlike a shop vac, quality vacuum cleaners tend to be quieter while vacuuming sawdust.
  • It is suitable for small woodworking projects if you don’t want to spend money purchasing a brand-new shop vac.

The three main essential points that you should consider before putting regular vacuum cleaners to use are: 

  • The higher suction power 
  • Better airflow 
  • Better filter quality
Also Read: Can You Vacuum Baking Soda?

👍How To Clean Up Sawdust: Best Ways!

What Is the Best Way to Clean Up Sawdust

We’ll outline the exact process of cleaning sawdust. We’ll use a shop vacuum as it’s better to avoid household ones if you can. 

📝Things You Need

  • N-95 masks 
  • Clean duster
  • Damp microfiber cloth
  • Broom 
  • Shop Vac
  • Dust Collector

👉Steps To Clean Up Sawdust 

  • Start by dusting the sawdust from the ceilings and walls with a duster. Then, even if the remains fall on the floor, we can clean them later. 
  • Dampen a microfiber cloth and mop the furniture and appliances of your home from top to bottom.
  • Keep washing the microfiber cloth regularly whenever it gets saturated with dust. 
  • Use a broom to sweep the fine dust and collect it into a sealed garbage bag. When done with the final cleaning, you must throw this into an outside trash can.
  • Alternatively, use shop vacs to suck the sawdust from the ceilings, walls, furniture, appliances, and the floor. Start vacuuming in a high-to-low direction. 
  • Clean vacuum parts thoroughly post-use. 
  • You must invest in a dust collector if the woodworking lasts longer or if you own a woodworking shop. Dust collectors trap dust from the atmosphere into the dustbag and circulate clean air in your home.
Also Read: How To Clean Balcony Floor

🔎Tips To Prevent Sawdust From Getting Everywhere  

  • Try to work in an open area, possibly out of your house, to shoot maximum wood dust outside.
  • Never use a fan while cleaning sawdust if you don’t want the wood particles to get into the atmosphere of your home. 
  • Install a dust collector in your house to breathe clean air. Also, use heavy-duty bags to accumulate maximum dust over time.
  • Do not let the sawdust pile up over time. Clean it frequently. If you don’t want to breathe in the wood dust, wear an N95 mask.
Also Read: Does Carpet Powder Hurt Vacuums?

⚙️How Do You Fix a Clogged Vacuum From Sawdust?

How Do You Fix a Clogged Vacuum From Sawdust

Despite all precautions, wood shavings may clog your vacuum. Follow these steps to fix it ASAP:

  • First, unplug the vacuum and turn it off.  
  • To prevent breathing in sawdust, put on an N-95 mask.
  • Next, empty the canister or bag into an outdoor trash can. 
  • Disassemble the parts of the vacuum cleaner.
  • Find the clog on the vacuum head, hose, or vacuum filter. 
  • Wash the washable parts of the device under warm water. Then, use brushes, scissors, and screwdrivers to remove clogs from the roller brush and non-washable parts of the vac. 
  • Let the tools and components dry. 
  • Put your vacuum back together, and plug it in for a test run. 

Note:

Do not apply excessive force to any part of the vacuum while unclogging it, or you may break it.

Also Read: How To Fix Shark Roller Brush Stopping

💡Vacuuming Sawdust FAQs

How do you get rid of sawdust in the air?

You can vacuum floors with a HEPA filter vacuum atleast once a week to eliminate sawdust in the air. But a dust collector machine is the best way to tackle disturbing wood dust.

Don’t sweep or use a feather duster to dust. It will merely circulate the sawdust into the atmosphere.

How harmful is breathing sawdust?

According to the IARC, exposure to wood dust increases the risk of developing cancer of the nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, and nasal cavities. 

Moreover, wood dust is linked to toxic effects such as:

1. Dermatitis
2. Eye, nose, and throat irritation
3. Damage to the respiratory system, and 
4. Allergic reactions

Can I use my shop vac as a dust collector?

You can build your DIY dust collector using your shop vac and tools like clamps, adjustable tubing, blast gates, and two-and-a-half fittings. 

It’s a cost-effective way to remove large amounts of sawdust, but it’s better to wear an N95 mask to protect yourself from particulate matter.

Watch this video for the exact steps: https://youtu.be/weQOy1D_8HI.

Can you vacuum up sawdust with a Dyson?

You should never suck wood dust with Dyson as it can clog its filters and damage the motor. Use a shop vac or dust collector instead.

Besides sawdust, you should avoid vacuuming fine particles like baking soda, baby powder, cornflour, and white powder carpet cleaners with Dyson. You’ll damage your vac and void the company warranty.

What should not be vacuumed?

You should avoid vacuuming the following list of items (not exhaustive) to ensure the long life of your machine:

-Dry cereal
-Gravel 
-Shredded paper
-Hair clumps
-Used coffee grounds
-Plant debris
-Liquids 
-Large pieces of broken glass
-Wet foods
–Coins
-Fireplace Ashes
-Small items 
-Construction dust
-Soil

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top