10 clever uses for silica gel bags
Please note these are toxic if ingested by pets!
Next time you find a sachet of silica gel in a Covid testing kit, a handbag, or in a box of new shoes, don’t throw it away – these multi-purpose little sachets have a range of practical household uses.
Today we’re bringing you 10 clever uses for silica gel bags you didn’t know before.
1. Preserve old photos and books
Moisture can wreak havoc on old photos and books. Silica gel placed inside an album or in an old book will help absorb unwanted moisture and can even do away with the musty smell.
2. Save waterlogged phones
If you accidentally drop your mobile phone in the sink or get drenched in a rainstorm, leaving it in a bowl of silica gel bags will help draw the moisture out much the same way a bag of rice will.
3. Absorb unwanted smells
If you carry your gym bag with you between work and home, try popping a few silica gel bags into the pockets to keep things fresh. You can also try this in your shoes – the silica gel bags will gradually eliminate dampness and help prevent the bacteria that causes smells from thriving.
4. Protect important documents
Important documents like birth certificates, marriage licences and social security cards can be prone to fading and damage if they’re exposed to moisture. Try putting them in a large envelope with a packet or two of silica gel to keep them safe over time.
5. Preserve Christmas decorations
For the majority of the year when they aren’t in use, Christmas ornaments tend to live in the far corners of our cupboards or tucked away in the loft or garage. Keep them safe from damage with silica gel bags; they’ll draw away moisture and keep your precious items at their best.
6. Protect your silver
Moisture is a major cause of tarnish and corrosion on silverware and silver jewellery. Slip a silica gel packet into your jewellery box to keep them from tarnishing.
7. Saving seeds
If you’re a keen gardener and you save seeds between seasons, you’ll know how important it is to keep moisture out to prevent sprouting and molding. Put seeds in individual envelopes and then store together in an airtight plastic container – add one or two silica gel sachets to soak up any residual moisture and keep them safe until it’s time to plant again.
8. For kibble
If you buy your dog food in bulk you’ll know that occasionally it can grow soggy over time. Transfer your kibble to a large plastic Tupperware container and tape silica to the inside lid to absorb any moisture and keep your dog food fresh. But please beware as consumption by animals is poisonous which is why you need to tape it to the lid!
9. For drying flowers
Speed up the process of drying and pressing flowers with the help of silica. Put your dried flowers in a paper bag with a packet or two of silica gel to help speed up the process.
10. In your camera bag
Condensation inside your camera lens can ruin your big photo moments. Keep silica gel in the bottom of your camera bag to draw out any moisture from moving from cold to hot environments.
If you find your silica gel bags aren’t working anymore, don’t throw them away – you can dry them out by placing them in the oven on low temperature – about 95C – for one to two hours. Then keep them in a sealed sandwich bag until they’re ready for use again.
Do you save your silica gel bags? Let us know in the comments below!
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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