It is generally not recommended to put sawdust directly into your vacuum cleaner bag. While some vacuum cleaners are designed to handle small amounts of fine dust and debris, they are not specifically designed to handle sawdust, which can pose several problems:
Damage to the vacuum cleaner: Sawdust is typically fine and powdery, which can clog the vacuum's filters and reduce its suction power. This could potentially lead to overheating and damage to the motor.
Air quality concerns: Sawdust can contain various particles, including fine wood dust and potentially harmful substances if the sawdust comes from treated or painted wood. When the vacuum attempts to pick up the sawdust, it may release small particles and allergens back into the air, which can be harmful to breathe in.
Fire hazard: If the vacuum cleaner's motor overheats due to clogging from sawdust, it could create a fire hazard.
If you need to clean up sawdust, it's better to use a vacuum cleaner that is specifically designed for dealing with such debris, such as a shop vac or a dust extractor. These machines have stronger suction power and better filtration systems to handle fine particles like sawdust safely.
If you must use your regular household vacuum cleaner, try to minimize the amount of sawdust you pick up at once, and always empty the bag or clean the filters promptly after vacuuming to prevent clogging and maintain proper performance. Alternatively, you can consider placing a damp cloth or filter over the vacuum cleaner's nozzle when picking up sawdust to help trap the particles and protect the vacuum's filters.