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There are numerous methods to reuse to merchandise like plastic bottles, wine corks, and even previous CDs and DVDs … however did you ever assume you may reuse silica gel packets?
An odorless substance that naturally absorbs moisture, silica gel is used as a desiccant to maintain merchandise from spoiling, molding, or degrading resulting from humidity. The gel, which appears to be like like tapioca beads or white crystals, is a type of silicon dioxide, which is present in nature as quartz and in sand. Nontoxic by itself, it might be mixed with sure solvents or chemical compounds that make it poisonous. (In that case, it should be disposed of as hazardous waste.)
Packets of silica gel appear to be ubiquitous. You’ll discover them in merchandise starting from bottles of nutritional vitamins to sneakers to new electronics. Before you chuck them straight into the rubbish, try these reuse suggestions.
Electronics Superhero
Are you a pictures junkie? Store some silica gel packets in digital camera baggage to soak up moisture after snapping images in chilly or moist situations. The silica will assist hold your lens from fogging or streaking. If you continue to use movie, retailer it with silica for moisture safety. And when you have framed images, tuck silica packets within the backs of frames to guard towards humidity.
You also can use silica to dry out electronics like cell telephones and iPods after they’ve gotten moist. Without turning the machine again on, pull out the battery and reminiscence card and put the machine in an hermetic container full of silica gel packets for at the least 48 hours. Note: The longer you let it dry earlier than attempting to show it on, the higher the possibility it is going to work whenever you do.
Natural Air Refresher
Make your personal potpourri by chopping open the packets and saturating the silica gel with important oils. You also can use the silica gel to dry flowers to make your potpourri extra ornamental.
Paper Protector
Protect vital private paperwork by storing them with bagged silica beads.
Rust and Tarnish Banisher
Put just a few gel packets in your toolbox, sort out field, or a container storing your razor blades to forestall rusting. Also, sluggish the consequences of tarnishing by inserting just a few silica gel packets in jewellery packing containers and with silverware.
Mothball Companion
Tuck some packets within the pockets of garments, particularly leather-based items corresponding to coats, sneakers, and purses. The silica gained’t hold away moths, however it is going to assist protect the materials and supplies whereas they’re ready to be worn in your closet. This additionally works with baggage whereas touring or in storage.
Seed Protector
Place packets of silica with seeds in storage to thwart molding.
Pet Uses
To keep away from these massive baggage of kibble from getting soggy, retailer dry meals in a bin and tape silica packets to the underside of the lid. Note: Carefully examine the packets first and don’t use any which are torn or have holes — you don’t wish to feed silica to your pet.
You also can disperse the beads all through cat litter (if the model doesn’t already use it) to place its absorption properties to the check. This will end in fewer litter adjustments and offer you a greater bang in your buck.
Defogger Extraordinaire
Silica gel to the rescue! Place some silica gel packets on the dashboard of your automobile to assist preserve a transparent windshield in occasions of excessive humidity. The silica additionally works nicely within the corners of your windowsills to cut back condensation. You also can depart a packet in eyeglass instances.
Reactivate and Reuse!
After the silica gel absorbs moisture (as much as 40 percent of its own weight), it loses its effectiveness. But there’s a silver lining to this rain cloud: The beads can be reactivated and reused repeatedly.
Do you’ve got recommendations for reusing silica gel packets?
Editor’s Note: Originally revealed on August 6, 2010, this text was up to date in January 2025.
