Reuse Silica Gel
So, have you got thousands of silica gel packets but not sure what to do with them instead of throwing them away? Then, you're reading the right article. There are tonnes of ways to reuse them, read on!
Contents
Steps
Getting Started
- Find some packets. So you might have found some packets inside a seaweed packet or something else. If it has had contact with food, it's better if you wipe it clean with a dry cloth or something and then wash the cloth. Don't wash the packet or else the gels will suck in the water but you will learn how to dry them up later on so it doesn't matter unless you want to do an extra job.
Reusing Them
- When you have important files, paper etc. where you don't want it to get wet, place some packets to wherever the objects are stored in so it could suck in the water therefore not allowing mold etc. to accumulate.
- Place some packets into your motor's storage places. These damp places often have mildew. Placing the packets can absorb water and kill bad things.
- Stuff some in within photos to keep them safe. Tuck a small envelope filled with one packet behind the picture's back to protect the frames/pictures hanging on your walls.
- Place a packet in your camera bag with film and camera. The gel will absorb the water when the things have touched with water therefore not decreasing the quality of pictures with streaks or fogs.
- Since a lot of things in a toolbox are made of metal and can rust, place some packets in there to prevent rusting.
- Dry flowers with silica as well. It's a quick and no mess way. It'll take about 2 to 3 days until all dried.
- Some seeds of plants are prone to mold, bacteria etc. Place some within the storage area to prevent this from happening.
- Stash some packets near or on window sills to banish condensation so your windows are clear.
- Use it to dry up your electronic devices. They are a great way to use and it takes one day. Take out the memory card but don't turn on the phone and leave some packets in a container.
- Slow down the process of silver tarnishing by using the gel beads in jewelry boxes and with your silverware. Tarnishing is a big issue with silver!
- The packets can keep cat or dog food in good condition too. Just stuff the food in a bin ans stick some packets behind the lid then close it.
- Cut open the packs and saturate the beads with essential oils to create potpourri which is used for scent and aroma.
- Place some packets in your luggage to keep clothes etc. dry.
- Use them for clothes. Place some in the pockets of clothes to keep them clean and free from mold and possibly bugs.
- Hide some in closets where handbags, shoes, accessories are to make sure they are in good condition.
- If you have blades or knives vulnerable to rust, place some packets of gel in the container.
- Place them with video tapes to keep them healthy and long-lasting.
- Hide some packets in your car especially the dashboard to ensure your wind screen is clean and free of fog.
- Use them to keep Halloween pumpkins from molding. They are a great way to preserve pumpkins but are not edible. Place 3/4 grams of silica for every 100 cubic inches of pumpkin.
- Use them to Preserve Leaves With Silica. It's a simple and a really effective way to preserve them.
Drying the Gel
- Now, if your gel has turned pink, blue or etc., that means that there is too much moisture. This is how you dry them.
- Preheat your oven to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius).
- Open the packets if you haven't already and lay them out on a baking tray with a cookie sheet or baking paper as apart as possible.
- Heat them for about 5 hours until they have turned to the original color.
- Remove the tray and store them in an air-tight container where no liquid can get in. Don't make contact with sun-light.
Warnings
- What ever you do, don't let a child touch it or even see it and you shouldn't touch it or eat it too.
Sources and Citations
- http://www.mnn.com/local-reports/illinois/local-blog/how-to-reuse-silica-gel-packets - research source for most of the methods
