Wrap a Paper Towel Around a Shop Vac Filter to Catch Fine Dust

The Problem

Vacuum up drywall dust, sanding dust, or any fine powder and it works its way deep into the folds of the shop vac filter. Once it's packed into the pleats it's almost impossible to get out — tapping and blowing the filter only does so much — and a clogged filter chokes the suction. Replacement pleated filters aren't cheap, so a few dusty cleanups can cost real money.

The Technique

1. Wrap a length of paper towel around the outside of the filter, covering the pleats.
2. Tape it to itself with painter's tape, or whatever tape is handy, so it stays put.
3. Vacuum as you normally would. The paper towel intercepts the fine dust before it can reach the filter's folds.
4. When you're done, peel off the towel and throw it away. The filter underneath stays clean.