Have you ever noticed how many products you buy often use silica gel for their packaging? We already know they’re inedible, due to the clear warning on the packets. However, have you ever considered putting them to some use, seeing how everyone has collected at least a tiny box full of these packets?
Many times, products that are exposed to moisture get ruined. This is because moisture encourages the growth of mold and leads to spoilage. Condensation is also a factor that affects some electronics and can speed the rate of chemical decomposition.
Silica gel packets, also known as silica gel desiccants, are basically drying agents that are capable of absorbing moisture from the surroundings and retaining it. These packets are a highly cost-effective way for companies to protect their products from excessive moisture.
You can find small packets in the packaging of almost every product that needs to be kept dry, like electronics, vitamins, leather, and more. There are many crafty ways to make use of the gel packets, so be sure you hold on to a few of them when you find the next.
How To Use Silica Gel For Non-Commercial Purposes:
- Use it to save your phone: If your phone fell into water or got wet in the rain with you, you no longer have to worry about it. You can use silica gel packets to save your phone by placing them in a plastic bag with your phone.
Let it sit for at least a day or two and your phone will be up and running again! Remember to do this as soon as you can because the longer you wait, the more chances there are of permanent damage to the electric components of your phone.
- Rust: You can easily prevent rust in any box or cover it with any tool to ensure it does not rust. This is because the gel will absorb excess moisture and ensure that your stuff is rust-free. This will not work on items that have already begun to rust however and are only a way to prevent your stuff from rusting.
- Razor Protection: If you’ve noticed that you are running through razors rapidly and if your razors deteriorate quickly, you can use silica gel packets to preserve them.
Excessive moisture can cause your razors to lose their sharpness and even wiping the blades dry cannot guarantee complete removal of moisture. That is why letting your razors dry on a packet or two of silica gel whenever you’re not using it can help you keep your blades for longer.
- Gym Bag: Your gym bag can really use a few packets of this gel above anything else. The moisture from your shoes and clothes can leave your bag smelly.
Excessive moisture that hasn’t dried off can also leave fungus growing there, and your clothes will come in contact with that surface. Keeping a few packets in your bag can ensure complete absorption of moisture and will leave your bag fresh.
- Preserve Memories: Keep a few packets in any box or container you use to store your photos, letters, or valuable trinkets. The packets will keep them dry and preserve them for you to cherish for years!
- Electronics: You can place silica gel in the place you store your electronics, especially devices with a lens or screen. These items are especially sensitive to moisture and condensation. Storing them with silica gel can give you added protection and keep your electronics dry.
- Keep your coffee jar dry: One of the most common issues you face in the kitchen is when your coffee jar captures moisture every time you use it and then jams the coffee powder, rendering it useless. Sticking a silicon gel packet inside the cap will allow the moisture to be absorbed and keeps the coffee powder free-flowing.
- Prevent silver tarnish: If you place a few packets inside your jewelry box or along with your fancy silverware, you can prevent or at least help slow down the tarnishing of these items.
- Fresh Pet Food: Pet food often comes in huge packets and it is hard to keep moisture out of them after they’ve been opened. You can just place a few packets of silica gel into a dry, air-tight container and transfer the dry food into it. This will ensure that your pet’s food is fresh and crisp, just the way they like it.
These are a few simple ways you can use silica gel desiccants. Many industries all over the world use it for purposes beyond drying or preserving products. There are certainly more innovative ways to use the huge pile of silica gel you have lying at home, so put them to good use immediately!
