5 Easy Ways To Clean Clogged Sandpaper

In this world, everything has a shelf life, even sandpapers. Sandpapers are generally used to smooth rough surfaces, particularly wood. As a result, it became jammed and tough to work on. Clogged sandpaper can give more scratches to your material and work inefficiently.

Why is Sandpaper Clogged?

You may have many questions in your mind as to why your sandpaper gets jammed. It is impractical to buy new sandpaper every time you use it. The reasons behind the sandpaper clogged are given below:

• Due to High temperature - Heat is one of the most common causes of clogs. When you use sandpaper for an extended time, friction occurs, which causes additional heat to be produced. Another reason for generating heat is when you apply pressure on the paper. Heat causes sandpaper to clog faster in both situations.
• Due to Smooth Sandpaper - If your sandpaper is smooth, it will clog more quickly. Make sure you use the proper sandpaper.
• Due to High speed - Working at high speed might cause sandpaper to clog more quickly.
• Due to Wet sanding materials - The sandpaper will become clogged if it comes into contact with wet things. Make sure you are using all of the dried material while sanding.

How To Clean Clogged Sandpaper?

The five methods for cleaning clogged sandpaper are listed below.

1. Using a belt-cleaning stick
2. Using a wire brush
3. Using the sole of the shoe
4. Using soap and water
5. Using a Solvent

Let's explore each method in detail.

Top 5 Ways To Clean Clogged Sandpaper

#1 Using an Abrasive Stick

You can clean the blocked sandpaper with the help of an abrasive cleaning stick. Abrasive sticks, or eraser sticks, are rubber sticks used to clean sandpaper that has been gummed up.

Cleaning process:

• In the sander, place blocked sandpaper. Using a belt sander, use a bend to keep it stable.
• Turn on the sander. To sandpaper, place a stick.
• Flip the sandpaper over and repeat the process until the blockage is gone.
• And there you have it, whole new sandpaper.

#2 Using Wire Brush

Cleaning blocked sandpaper with this method is the simplest. All you have to do now is brush the sandpaper. Although a wire brush will not give a clean or brand-new sandpaper, it will clean the sandpaper to some extent.

#3 Using The Sole of a Shoe

The most basic and least expensive of all the procedures. All you'll need is an old shoe to get started. First, put the sandpaper on the belt sander and start it. Place the sole of the shoe on running sandpaper. If any clog remains, flip the sandpaper and repeat the process.

#4 Using Soap and Water

Another way of cleaning sandpaper is to soak the paper in mild soap for a few hours. Gently brush debris off with a steel brush. Let it dry, and you will have fresh sandpaper to use.

#5 Using a Solvent

For stubborn clogs, you can also use solvents like acetone, mineral spirits, etc. You have two options for cleaning: soaking or just using the solution.

The first step in the soaking method is to prepare the solution by combining the solvent and warm water. Give the sandpaper a few hours or perhaps overnight to soak in the solution. Scrub the sandpaper to get rid of any blocked material after soaking, then give it a good rinse with clean water.

The direct method simply involves applying the solvent to the clogged region, cleaning it, and then giving it a good water rinse. 

Ways to Avoid Sandpaper Clogging

The following advice will help you avoid clogging your sandpaper:

• Quality matters: Purchasing high-quality sandpaper is important. They are more durable and have a lower chance of clogging.

• Frequent maintenance: Sandpapers need to be cleaned and kept in good condition on a regular basis. This guarantees that the sandpaper won't become clogged. Clogging is avoided with routine cleaning.

• Dust collector: Use dust collectors at all times because they will produce clogs more quickly.

• Low pressure: always use little force or pressure when sanding. Clogs tend to settle quickly or sandpaper clogs more quickly when sanding with strong force.  

Note: Ensure to wear a dust mask while doing above mentioned procedures.

We hope that this information will assist you in learning about sandpaper cleaning hacks that are long-lasting and can extend the shelf life of sandpaper. So you don't have to buy a new sander every time you sand.

 Also Read:

• How to Clean Sandpaper Belts
• How to Sharpen Scissors with Sandpaper