Silica gel is often found in tiny white sachets at the bottom of a shoe box or inside a new handbag. More often than not, people end up throwing away the sachets not knowing that they can use them for other purposes.
Research online shows that they can be used to:
1. Dry out a wet phone
In case your phone tumble into the water. Don’t panic. Just get a few silica packets; remove the case, battery, SIM card, and SD card (if there was one inside) then set them aside. Place the phone in a bowl filled with silica gel packets to dry out the moisture. Wait for at least 24 hours before switching your phone back on.
2. Keep underwater cameras dry
These kind of cameras are usually okay under water but one needs to be careful to avoid pile-up in condensation that leaves streaks on their lenses. A few Silica gel packets will work magic
3. Protect razors
No one likes rusty razor blades. This is normally caused by oxidation reaction on the metal thanks to free moisture in the air. Keep razors in Tupperware containers filled with Silicone sachets and they will last longer.
4. Preserve pet food
More often than not, pet owners buy food in bulk and store them together. This makes the food prone to moisture absorption which can make it go bad. Pack pet food in plastic bins and tape a few silica gel packets on the inside. Dry food, happy pets!
5. Dry wet clothes
You know that time when the holiday comes to an end and you didn’t pack properly. The last thing you want is that mouldy smell when you toss your wet swimsuit into your travel bag. Place your wet clothes in a different bag and place a few Silica sachets in them. No mouldy smell when you get home!
6. Keep seeds dry
To keep seeds fresh for an oncoming planting season, keep them in sealed containers with Silica gel packets in them. This prevents them from getting mouldy before use.
7. Prevent jewelry from turning color
Slip a few packets of Silica gel into your jewelry box. This prevents moisture from tarnishing or deteriorating the quality of your priced belongings.
8. Hearing aids
If you live in an area where moisture fills the air, you might need to store your hearing aids in a container with silica packages at night. This is to avoid any infections or further damages that can be caused by moist hearing aids.
9. Keep pumpkins, squash fresh
You probably have pumpkin pie left-overs or half-cut leftover pumpkins. These are commonly known to gather mould and rotting fast. This can be prevented by breaking open a silica gel packet and using the beads inside. Push them into the outer layer of the pumpkin or squash to help them thrive through the cold months.
10. Protect photographs
Drop a few sachets into a ziplock bag with your photos to make sure they don’t get damaged by moisture.
11. Protect papers
Just like everything else on the list, preventing damage from moisture will mean keeping few silica sachets in the storage drawers.
12. Prevent trash smell
Instead of tossing your silica gel packets away after buying a bag or a shoe, use them to keep the bottom of your trash can fresh.