6 Reasons Why You Should Never Throw Away Those Silica Gel Packets !!!
What To Do With Those Silica Gel Packets?
Silica gel packets are full of small grains of silicon dioxide in solid form. The technical name for it is silica xerogel, but most people just call it silica gel.
It’s a desiccant, which means water molecules are drawn to it and out of whatever is surrounding the packet. The water can move through the packaging, which is usually paper.
That means they’re used to keep moisture, and thus mold, mildew, damage, odors, and staining, away from sensitive items. It’s also why you find them in so many packages.
Silica gel is also used in cat litter, water filtration, and as an anti-caking agent in some foods.
But you can also use it around the house!
#1: Dry Out Your Phone
Getting your phone wet is a major hassle, but it happens.
To dry out the small openings and components quickly and thoroughly, drop your phone into a Ziploc bag with enough gel packets to cover it on both sides.
#2: Keep Jewelry Bright And Shiny
Keep a silica gel packet in your jewelry box to keep moisture away from your jewelry.
Moisture causes tarnish, which not only makes jewelry look less attractive, but also means you have to spend time polishing it.
Place some gel packets in the bottom of the jewelry box to keep the moisture out. This is especially good with plush-lined boxes, as it will keep the fabric moisture-free, too.
#3: Vanish Odors From Your Gym Bag
Gym bags can get pretty funky after a while with all the damp, sweaty clothing we shove into them.
The smells come from bacteria that live on the moisture, so if you remove the moisture, you remove the smell.
Drop a packet or two into your bag and forget them. They’ll quietly pull the moisture away and leave your items fresh. They work in lockers, too.
#4: Keep Dry Goods Dry
Silica gel is inedible, but it can help keep foods like dried herbs, bread crumbs, crackers, and anything else that should be kept as crispy as possible from getting soggy.
If you don’t want to drop the packet right in with the food (which is actually fine, so long as it remains unopened), you can tape a packet to the lid, where it will work just as well.
#5: Prevent Damage To Important Documents
Moisture can wreak havoc on paper and damage important documents and photos.
Keep your files and memories safe by putting gel packets into folders and boxes, especially ones that will be shut away in storage for a long time.
They also work to protect audio and video cassette tapes.
#6: Get More Life Out Of Pet Food
Just like they work for human food, silica gel packets work for pet food, keeping dry treats and kibble from getting soggy and stale.
This is a great idea for pet owners who buy in bulk to save money — but don’t want the food to go stale in the meantime.
Also just like human food, make sure the packets are unopened. You can tape them to the inside of a box, bag, or jar for added security.
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