Use a Sneaker to Clean Sandpaper

Sandpaper can lose its effectiveness when it becomes clogged with sawdust. When the grit no longer bites into the wood as it should, it takes more time and effort to complete sanding projects—and nobody wants that! But you can clean sandpaper on your power sander quickly, getting it back to nearly new condition, with a simple old sneaker.

Start up your power sander and dust collection system, making sure to wear hearing and eye protection. Then slowly press the rubber sole of an old sneaker along the sandpaper. You’ll see (and smell) the results instantly. You’ll have clean sandpaper in seconds, with a hint of hot rubber in the air.