SILICA

20 Ways of Reusing Silica Gel Packets

This annoying little packet has a multitude of household uses.

Silica gel is a desiccant, a substance that absorbs moisture. Despite its misleading name, the silicate is actually a very porous mineral with a natural attraction to water molecules. Manufacturers utilize the gel to keep goods from spoiling, molding or degrading due to humidity. The gel itself is nontoxic, but can have a moisture indicator added (cobalt chloride) which is a known toxin that turns pink when hydrated and is otherwise blue in its dry form. Most silica found in our food and household purchases looks like tapioca beads and is benign unless combined with certain chemicals. 

• Put packs in your ammo cans and gun cases/safes to keep dry.
• Protect personal papers and important documents by putting some gel in a baggie wherever these are stored.
• Keep with photos to spare them from humidity. Tuck a small envelope in the back of frames to protect even the ones hanging on your walls.
• Store in camera bags and with film. After snapping photos in cold or wet conditions, silica gel will absorb moisture to keep your lens from fogging or streaking.
• Leave a couple packs in your tool box to prevent rusting.
• Use the material to dry flowers.
• Place with seeds in storage to thwart molding.
• Stash some in window sills to banish condensation.
• Dry out electronic items such as cell phones and iPods. Remember after the device has gotten wet, do not turn it back on! Pull out the battery and memory card and put the device in a container filled with several packs. Leave it in there at least overnight.
• Slow silver tarnishing by using the gel in jewelry boxes and with your silverware.
• For items in storage, such as cars or anything prone to mildew. For use in engines of sitting vehicles.
• Tired of buying big bags of pet food only to have it get soggy? Store your kibble in a bin and tape some silica packs to the bottom of the lid.
• Cut open the packs and saturate the beads with essential oils to create potpourri.
• Use in luggage while traveling.
• Tuck some in your pockets. Hide them in your closet in leather goods such as coats and shoes, and even handbags, to help them survive life in storage.
• Gather your razor blades and keep in a container with several silica packs to stave off oxidation.
• Video tape collections will last much longer with these to help keep them dry.
• Litter is now made with silica. With its fantastic absorption qualities, this litter requires fewer changes and sends less mess to the landfill.
• Squirrel some away in your car, especially on your dashboard. This will help maintain a clear windshield and leave it less foggy during times of high humidity.

While these packets are annoying and seem like a waste of resources, they can extend the life of many items.
Note: Keep away from kids and pets.