How to Keep Drywall Dust From Blowing Back Out of a Vacuum

Drywall finishing is a messy affair. Wet joint compound drips from your tools, and sanding dried compound generates fine, grayish dust that can float throughout your home, coating everything in its path. Vacuuming the dust is the most effective way to remove it, but drywall dust destroys typical household vacuums, which usually don’t have filters designed to handle fine powder. The most effective alternative is to use a shop vacuum. But most shop vacuums also lack appropriate filters, meaning the dust blows out the air exit instead of remaining within the collection chamber.

New vacuum filter

Instructions

- 1
  Shop for a vacuum filter specifically designed to handle drywall dust. Retail hardware stores typically carry suitable filters for a variety of popular shop vacuums, but you may need to contact the vacuum manufacturer directly to obtain a new filter that fits your model.
- 2
  Unplug your shop vacuum and remove the existing filter. Typically, this requires undoing several latches to lift out the vacuum motor. Unfasten any screws holding the filter in place and set it aside for future use during projects that don’t involve drywall dust.
- 3
  Install the new filter. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for the new filter to ensure it remains effective and keeps dust within the chamber. For example, remove and clean the filter as soon as the vacuum's suction significantly decreases.

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