Silica gel packets are used to absorb moisture and keep things dry, so they are ideal to reuse throughout your home where you might be worried about excess moisture. Here are a few places we have found these packets to be useful. Just make sure that you keep these out of the reach of children! They are not to be eaten.
6 Uses for Silica Gel Packets:
1. To save your cell phone from water damage. True story, I recently dropped my iPhone in a pot of boiling potatoes while trying to multitask. (OK, I was on Pinterest while making dinner. I'll admit it.) I dropped my phone in the boiling water, quickly pulled it out with a spoon, dried it off, removed the SIM card, and put it in a Ziploc bag filled with silica gel packets that we had stockpiled. I left it alone for a few days, and was shocked to find that it worked perfectly! Supposedly this works better than the rice trick for saving your cell phone, just try to restrain yourself and not turn it on until a few days later because it could cause an electrical short and ruin your phone.
2. To help keep photos safe and free from moisture. Another true story. I am a scrapbooker, and pulled out one of my scrapbooks from a few years back to find the date of a family event, when I noticed that some of my scrapbook pages were wet! I have spent countless hours on my little masterpieces, and was not thrilled to find that one of my kids had probably spilled water, and it had dripped down into the sheet protectors and onto my pages. My hubby air dried all of the pages, and was able to salvage most of the pages and embellishments from the affected scrapbook pages. Now each of those pages have a silica gel packet in between the two pieces of card stock in each sheet protector, just to absorb any excess moisture that might still be hiding in the paper. (We will eventually remove them, because I am unsure of the archival quality of silica, but for now I am okay with them being there short term).
3. To keep collectibles in mint condition. If anyone in your family collects stamps, baseball cards, coins, etc., it's great to add some packets in with your collectibles to make sure they stay moisture-free.
4. To keep important documents safe. Whether you have important documents (birth certificates, social security cards, etc.) stored in files in a desk, cabinet, box, or envelopes, you can add a few packets of silica gel to keep them protected.
5. To use in each container in your basement, garage, or storage unit to absorb excess moisture. We use them everywhere in our basement!
6. To help preserve your ornaments and Christmas decorations. These get pulled out of boxes only once a year, so using silica gel packets in your Christmas boxes is a smart idea.
Okay, I'm adding a few more tips thanks to you readers!! Keep the good ideas coming!
7. Reader Roberta left a great comment on Make Life Lovely's Facebook Page...
"I bought an old book from an online bookstore that reeked of a musty smell. I put the book in a bag with baking soda. It did nothing. I put it in a bag with several gel packs and voila! Smell is all gone!"
8. The Feral Turtle commented that you can reuse these packets once they are full of moisture!! She says "We save our silica gel packets too! They will collect moisture and quit working, though, so we regenerate them in a 200 degree oven for about two hours and store them in an airtight Ziploc bag until we need them."
As you can see, there are so many different ways to reuse silica gel packets, and I know there are tons more that we haven't even thought of yet! Do you keep these packets? Do you have any more ideas about how or where to use them? Leave me a comment and let me know!
You might like to check out these FREE storage solutions for your Christmas ornaments using materials that you would normally thrown away!
Did you know that you can reuse baby food jars for TONS of cool projects? Here are just a few…
Bake a beautiful rainbow cake right inside those baby food jars! I show you how here.
You can also use those jars to make make a lovely wood vase and candleholder.
Did you know that you can make a beautiful iPad case for free? Here's how I made my award winning case using a cardboard box from Costco and my daughter's old skirt!
If you liked this project, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin', and Instagram.
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An old stamping trick was to put them in with your embossing powders to keep them free from moisture.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's smart. I'll have to try that one! Thanks for the tip!
DeleteI had a large one from a furniture delivery.I put it in the bottom of my towel hamper.No more musty scent in the bathroom.
DeleteWe save our silica packs too! They will collect moisture and quit working though, so we regenerate them in a 200 degree oven for about two hours and store them in an airtight Ziplock bag until we need them. I wish I would have saved my cell phone that went for a swim in my tea mug! Great post. Cheers
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!! I'll have to start doing that. Too bad about your cell phone... now you know what to do for next time, right ;)
DeleteI just lay mine out in the hot sun to regenerate them. It saves energy too. I wish I had thought about it for cell phone. We always use rice. Thanks for tip.
DeleteYou can also use dry rice...
DeleteI use them to put in containers with seeds that I have collected from my garden, keeps the seeds from getting mold on them
DeleteBest approach to save electronics after exposure to water is to dip in 90% rubbing alcohol as soon as possible. The sooner the better. Remove battery and let it sit in the alcohol a few seconds, then shake out as much as possible and sit in a warm place to dry. Careful, while it is drying it is also inflammable. Keep away from pilot flames and electric switches and the like. Once dry, usually overnight, install battery and charge fully before turning one to see if it works. The alcohol penetrates and rapidly dilutes the water stopping water's corrosive effects on the sensitive electronics.
Deletei put them in my gun safe too...
DeleteLaying them in the sun will not regenerate them!!!!
DeleteHere's another tip:
ReplyDeleteEmpty the packets over small flowers in a small bowl for lovely, little dried flowers.
I like this idea! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteMy mother used to use them to dry flowers. She learned the trick from my grandmother who used to collect wild rosebuds and dry them for craft purposes. Worked like a charm and the color of the flowers never seemed to fade too terribly. :)
DeleteI need to try this one. When I've dried flowers in the past, I was disappointed that the colors faded. Maybe this is the solution!
DeleteI've done this before, and the flowers stay so nicely shaped... like they are still fresh... not flattened out if you put them in a covered plastic container with enough silica in it.
Deletethey use it in the comercial cut flower buisness , simply put in the water , plant will absorb it and the stem will be full of gel, this will causse flower to never loos it look from where it was harvested, sorry for my bad english
DeleteWas told by a silver-smith to put the packets in with silver jewelry to keep from tarnishing. I haven't tried it, personally, but, he knows his stuff, soooo.....
DeleteBe careful if a pet gets them it will kill them in a matter of hours from dehydration and very painful
DeleteIf you have small children, this could be dangerous to have little silica packets floating around. If you are going to use them in something like a box of Christmas ornaments where the packet might fall out on the floor and get lost, you could tape a silica packet in the same designated spot in every bin so that you can check and make sure none go missing.
ReplyDeleteGood idea Suzanne. My kids can't access our packets, but I like your idea, because you can never be too careful, right? Thanks for your tip!
DeleteSilica is actually non-toxic and safe to eat, aside from the packets' risk as a choking hazard. The warning is there because some silica packets are treated with additives that can be toxic, although generally the additives are colored for easy identification. Thus, a packet of clear or white silica is generally safe, but a pink, blue, or orange packet may contain harmful chemicals other than silica. Just an FYI.
DeleteYou are right they are not poisonous my nephew got into some and they called poison control, they said not too panic they are labeled because of the choking hazard.
DeleteIt's actually not just a choking hazard… the other thing these can cause if ingested is dehydration. While a little bit likely won't have any affects, if a child or pet eats a decent amount, dehydration IS possible. And cats especially can be crafty at finding these and taking them out of hiding. Unfortunately, I'm speaking from direct experience. Just a reminder to be especially careful with them if you can pets and/or children.
DeleteI keep a couple packets in my camera bag to protect the camera from moisture.
ReplyDeleteAnother gread idea! Thanks Kathy!
DeleteFor drying out hearing aides when they get sweat in them or accidentally get wet.
DeleteI do the same every night. I leave them in their box with the silica pkts. This was my audiologist advice.
DeleteI bet that would work on hearing aids that get moisture in them. Just remember to remove hearing aid batteries before.
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea, thank you!
DeleteAwesome tips! I actually use mine to dry out my Polaroid pictures (yes, instant film still exists!). Polaroids tend to change colors as they age, so to stabilize them right away and keep them looking as close to when you took them as possible, drying them out for about a month with silica packets will do the trick. :)
ReplyDeleteOooh, LOVE this idea!! I don't have a Polaroid, but I have a Fuji Instax camera that I love that takes instant film, so I'm sure this would work great with it. Thanks for sharing!!
Deletethere great to put in with silver jewelry. zip lock bag silver necklas and one packet and no tarnish.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'll have to try this one! I have a silver necklace I need to get cleaned, and once I do, I'll give this a try. Thanks!
DeleteIts actually not the silica but the airtight ziploc bag that prevents tarnish. I make jewelry and keep all supplies in various sized ziploc bags-smaller ones can be found at craft stores. I also include an extra bag with each piece of jewelry I sell.
DeleteThese are great for storing camping gear, and hiding geocaches.
ReplyDeleteAnother great use, thanks KJ!
DeleteI'll have to include them in the geocaches my family finds.
Deleteif shoes or boots are wet or when storing them put the packets in them
ReplyDeleteAwesome, I'll have to try this when it actually rains here in So Cal. Thanks!
DeleteI live in Hawaii where the weather can be damp. This makes my salt clump together all the time, which is annoying when you want just a pinch, and it gets all sticky. So I throw a few silica packets into the crock of salt (that I keep air tight). And Voila! No more damp sticky salt!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, that's a great idea! Thank you for commenting!!
DeleteI also live in a humid (in the summer) climate and use packets from vitamin bottles in my salt shaker to keep it flowing through the holes. I figure if they came from vitamins they are safe to use in food. Will try drying them out at 200 degrees so I do not have to keep finding new ones. Thanks!
DeleteKeep a bag of silica with your silver in a container. It doesn't stain black :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Claudia, now if only I had know this before my silver necklace started getting little spots on it ;)
DeleteWe had a condensation problem around the windows in our bedroom. We put a few large ones around the windows and it helped.
ReplyDeleteVery smart! There are so many uses for these packets. Looks like I really need to update this post to include them all!!
DeleteI put them in the containers where I keep my jewelry supplies (jump rings, wires, metal parts) to keep them from rusting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I need to start doing this!
DeleteI keep them in my vitamin cabinet, and in the separate daily supplement case.
ReplyDeletePerfect use for these, thank you for sharing!
Deletemy mom's meds are kept in my bathroom (which of course gets steamed up regularly from the shower). So whenever i have any of these things, I toss them in the drawer with her medicine bottles to help keep that area less humid.
Deleteif you need to collect a bunch of them, i'd go to your local retail store (esp with knicknacks- cost plus world market, pier1, etc) and ask them to collect some for a day or two. you'll have more than enough to share.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!! Thank you :)
DeletePut them in the box with your grandmother's silver!
ReplyDeleteAlso, in a pinch they are great to level a wobbly table.
Yes, these work great on silver to keep it from tarnishing. Thanks for the tip!
DeleteNot just silica packets - save all the plastic silica drums from vitamin/aspirin bottles. I just pack empty pain reliever bottles with them, and pull them out as needed.
ReplyDeleteGood way to store them, thanks for sharing!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHow do you know when they have stopped working and are full of moisture?
ReplyDeletePut them where you see ants, instant repellant!
ReplyDeleteThey work great to keep your carved pumpkins from molding too quickly at Halloween, too!
ReplyDeleteThis didn't work for us :/ We only had 1 packet to use, so put it in 1 pumpkin to see if it worked. That pumpkin rotted before any others did.
DeleteI thought of adding the silica to paint for a different type of texture in the paintings. It should work but not sure,haven't tried it ye
ReplyDeletet. Still saving silica packets. lol
I keep them with my sewing pins and needles and they don't get rusty. I didn't know about the silverware though so I'll try it.
ReplyDeleteThis is GENIUS!!! I'm pinning and would love to have you link this to my party. Have a great weekend. Love your blog. Linda
ReplyDeletehttp://www.craftsalamode.com/2013/05/what-to-do-weekends-21.html
Thanks so much Linda!
DeletePinned also. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent, thank you :)
DeleteWow. I had no idea that these were useful at all. Thank you for the great tips!
ReplyDeletereally good in your baking soda containers, also cornstarch
ReplyDeleteI put mine in our car to absorb wetness!
ReplyDeleteI put some of these little packets in the back of my van to absorb wetness!!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteWill the silica work if I just place it in my jewelery box, but not in a separate bag? Thanks for all the wonderful idea's.
Keep some with my stored seeds so they stay dry until needed.
ReplyDeleteI baught my guitar at a store near the beach, so when I traveled back home the guy at the shop told me to put the gel packets in my guitar. This apparently help the wood with the different weather and dampness.
ReplyDeleteAlso good in the tupperware box where you keep your cheese. No more mould.
ReplyDeleteI put my packets in my gun safe, keeps out the moisture and rust!
ReplyDeleteIf they absorb moisture as well as smells (the musty smell from the old book) and they come in every shoe box I'm sure it'd be smart to keep them in your shoes...keep them dry and odorless :)
ReplyDeleteMemory card? iPhone??? huh????
ReplyDeleteShe just means a SIM card
DeleteShe just means a SIM card
DeleteOops, my mistake, I know that iPhones don't have memory cards, I meant a SIM card. Fixed the post!
DeletePut in shoes to keep the moisture out that can eventually cause a smelly odor and/or foot fungus. Eww!
ReplyDeleteThey can also be used to keep moisture out of shoes and diaper pails!
ReplyDeleteI've read somewhere that you can use them in a microwave/microwave oven to quick dry flowers.
ReplyDeleteAlso put a fe in your computer case keeps dampness away.
ReplyDeletealso good in with expensive camera equipment/lenses if in a moist environment. I'm going to take a bunch along on my next hiking adventure!
ReplyDeletealso can be used with keeping moister out of dehydrated and flash dried foods.
ReplyDeleteI keep some in the potato bin
ReplyDeleteI add them to plastic boxes where electronic gadgets are stored.
ReplyDeletei put one in each bag of dried herbs I keep. Prevents mold if any moisture should get in.
ReplyDeleteI use them in the canisters I keep the dog treats in.
ReplyDeleteWe put them in our safe to keep things from moisture. We change them out every so often.
ReplyDeleteI use ´em to geocaches. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea! I will share with friends and family. Thanks laura!
ReplyDeleteWorks great in gun cabinets and where ammo is stored, for all the hunters out there.
ReplyDeleteI throw them in tool box...keeps moisture away from tools so they don't collect rust...
ReplyDeletecoole Idee
ReplyDeleteI would advise extreme caution if taping silica gel packs to the underside of pet food storage containers. If they were to fall into the pet food unnoticed and be consumed by your pet they could cause serious problems. While not technically a poison, the silica's super-absorptive properties could cause serious problems and, as mentioned above, the cobalt chloride is a dangerous toxin.
ReplyDeleteI put them in peanuts, flour, big potato chip bags or other chips keeps the oils from getting rancid too soon. The better ones are the packets used in beef jerky which are iron flakes those keep oxygen away hence no oxidation but silica gel works just as good. You can also by silica gel in large qty at craft shops as it is used to dry roses as ornamental flowers all year long.
ReplyDeleteSome of these ideas are great, some I knew about previously. I always use my gel packets to put in my shoes/boots during the different seasons. As an example during the summer I put them in my boots/booties/suede shoes, ones that I know I won't be wearing till next winter. Keeps them moisture free and removes any odor so they are ready for the next season. Thank you all for you suggestions.
ReplyDeleteMy husband has a sock full of the little things, he empties the packets into an old sock and hangs the sock in his gun safe. It helps keep stored guns in good shape, otherwise they can start to rust just sitting in a safe. He puts the whole sock in the oven every few months to keep it working!
ReplyDeleteHere in the Gulf Coast we are moist 90% of the time and I'm just now hording these things from the store I work at. I was heartbroken years ago at my box of first edition books ruined by mold. Now there is a solution.
ReplyDeleteI put them in a box with my incense sticks, i have no more problems with them going out because they have been damp.
ReplyDeleteI put them in tins over the kitchen cabinet to help prevent rusting.
ReplyDeleteWe live in a humid area, so whenever I get one I put it in the bottom of my laundry hamper to help prevent mustiness, (even though I empty the hamper daily). I have about 12 in there.
ReplyDeleteAlso work great during Halloween. Put a good handful in your pumpkin to keep it from molding! Works great. I work in a pharmacy so I used about 15 desecants from the pill bottles :)
ReplyDeleteWe are drying beans from our garden and throw a couple packs in with each jar. Since I work in a pharmacy I have a boundless supply!
ReplyDeleteI keep some packets with sewing needles to make sure they don't develop rust
ReplyDeletePut some in your tool box to keep your tools rust free. Also where ever you store nails.
ReplyDeleteIt would cost more to run the oven for 2 hours than it would to just buy new O2 absorbers.
ReplyDeletePut a packet in your candy dish with your hard candy, if you live in a humid area, and it doesn't get gooey!
ReplyDeleteput them in your candy dish, if you live is a humid area, so your hard candies don't get gooey
ReplyDeleteI put one in with my homemade dishwasher detergent and no more clumping. I wish I had started to keep these little packets years ago. Love the idea about using them in smelly shoes. Wish I would have known this when I had 4 teenagers in the house.
ReplyDeletewe use them when we are saving seeds
ReplyDeleteplace them in an air tight jar or metal tin with sewing pins to keep them rust free. Also works for small parts like nuts, screws, etc. I use the ones that come in medicines to put into the bulk spices that I buy at the Amish store. Some of those powder type spices can really cake up.
ReplyDeleteplace them in an air tight jar or metal tin with sewing pins to keep them rust free. Also works for small parts like nuts, screws, etc. I use the ones that come in medicines to put into the bulk spices that I buy at the Amish store. Some of those powder type spices can really cake up.
ReplyDeleteIf you find you (or the rain) have overwatered a potted plant, put it in a sunny spot with a few silica packets on top the soil for a day or two. The silica draws water from the soil, and the sun absorbs it from the packets so they can continue to work.
ReplyDeleteI use them inside my bottles of herbs and spices and my salt shakers.
ReplyDeleteThey are good for killing bugs as well!
ReplyDeleteWell...nice ideas but lousy results...because Silica Gel bags only are usable until they absorb all the moisture that they can take...they don't last forever, normally each small only can take a maximum of 50ml of water...and that always depend on the humidity of the place where they are...;)
ReplyDeleteSo this is only another fake myth...sorry for the disapointment
No, not a myth! Once they absorb all the water they can handle and are full, you can dry them out in the sun or by placing in the oven as others have suggested in the comments. I myself have so many that I just toss them and use more that I have, but drying them out has worked for others to restore them back to their original state. Of course if you live in a very humid place they won't last as long, but that doesn't mean this is a myth or that it doesn't work. Just look at all of the commenters, and I think that they are woking just fine for them :)
DeleteHi, I use them to prevent body or neck deformations in my electric guitars. Just put a couple of bags in the guitar box
ReplyDeleteThe gel packets are also great in your jewlery box, it keeps silver from tarnishing :) silver only tarnishes from not wearing it and moisture.
ReplyDeletehere in Brazil it's very humid and everything gets molded, so I buy cheap 2-lb packets of silica gel in pet stores (it is sold as cat litter) and put a couple of tablespoons inside an old cotton sock, tie the top and place one packet in each drawer, cabinet, etc. It works! Once a year I "bake" all the packets in a moderate oven until they stop steaming to reactivate them and voilà !...
ReplyDeletehere in Brazil it's very humid and everything gets molded, so I buy cheap 2-lb packets of silica gel in pet stores (it is sold as cat litter) and put a couple of tablespoons inside an old cotton sock, tie the top and place one packet in each drawer, cabinet, etc. It works! Once a year I "bake" all the packets in a moderate oven until they stop steaming to reactivate them and voilà !...
ReplyDeleteHere in Florida's highly humid weather I keep them in with my pins and needles. It keeps them from rusting.
ReplyDeleteI put them in my salt and spices dispensers. Keep salt and spices dry.
ReplyDeleteI put them in salt and spice dispensers. Keep the stuff dry on rainy days...
ReplyDeleteLOL I always joke with my daughter... since she was little.. I say.. here eat this (because it says "Do Not Eat" all over it. Then I toss in the trash! I will not do that anymore! I could use them in so many ways your readers have posted tips! awesome and thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletePut them in your jewelry box and keeps your jewelry from tarnishing...Kitty litter works for this too just not as easy to do...keep them in with your digital cameras....in your travel cases...
ReplyDeleteEverything is great, but... I think isn't a good idea introduce a chemical product in your domestic oven for 2 hours!
ReplyDeleteHi Esteban, I can't vouch for the safety of that, either. I've never baked them in the oven to dry them out. Some people have suggested placing them out in the sun to dry on a warm day, which sounds much safer. You can also buy the packets, and just replace them when they get full.
DeleteGreat to keep welding rods dry!
ReplyDeleteI also collect to use it in household, eg. camera pocket and other IT products, salt spender, coffee, rice also (this is extremely very good, it spells out all small insects). It's very good tool to keep all your household stuff, documents, photos, IT products, shoes, etc.
ReplyDeleteNot only keep Silica Gel out of reach of children....but also keep Silica Gel out of reach of all Pets. Silica Gel will kill pets!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading this.
Not sure if you knew or not but you can buy canisters of silica gel. Walmart used to sell it for drying fresh cut flowers but I think when they downsized their craft section they may have gotten rid of it. But you can always check and see (they start stocking some things again from time to time). If its not there anymore you can go to craft stores like Michael's and purchase a can of it there. When it turns pink or blue its time to recharge. Just pop in the oven on 200 degress for a few hours. When it turns white again its good to go and ready to reuse .
ReplyDeleteI gather them up til I have a decent amount then empty the bags and put them into a sewn tube, sew the end so they want come out then when I go hiking or playing golf etc, I soak them with cold water til they swell up and tie the tube around my neck and I keep cool for hours. they dry naturally.
ReplyDeleteYou can buy a bag of silica beads at the craft store. Fill small organza bags and put them everywhere. Good to use in closets and suitcases,too.
ReplyDeleteAlso good to put with any silver like jewelry, silverware etc to prevent tarnishing.
ReplyDeleteWhen we return home from traveling, I put a couple into the suitcase before it goes into storage. I also use a couple in the underbed tote where I keep my summer sandals during the cold months. If you change purses a lot, put one inside the ones being "rotated" into storage. This is especially important for leather items. Be creative! They can't hurt anything unless they're ingested.
ReplyDeleteI put them in my violin and viola cases (attached to some string). Much easier and cheaper than humidifiers.
ReplyDeleteWe could use those silica gel, one thing before we reuse those silica gel, we must re dry.
ReplyDeleteBecause after one cycle silica gel will absorb the humidity so that material getting high humid, Simple way is open the packs and put in some heat resistant container and put in heat oven for about 30 minutes with about 200 deg C. For some silica gel when they getting wet the color will change , and after dry they will back to with color or little bit pink color.
Thanks for all the great ideas! I've always thrown them away but not anymore.
ReplyDeleteWe bought Christmas hard candy that had silica packs in it to keep it from sticking together but it works any hard candy container.
ReplyDeleteThey help keep moisture out of hearing aids too. If you take them out for bed, put them in a container with a silica packet.
ReplyDeleteA rice is doing very similar job. Once I dropped my camera to a sink full of water and I didn't notice it for two hours. I took battery off and I put the camera in a bowl full of rice. I covered it completely and after two days I tried to switch it on. The camera is working until today.
ReplyDeletecan anybody tell me where can I find the silicone bags?
ReplyDeleteAwesome tips guys, and of course great article!
ReplyDeleteBecuase I live in the humid south I put them in with my make-up.
ReplyDeleteI play semi-pro ice hockey. I put a few packs inside my jockstrap (between the cup and the "pouch" to keep my man parts from getting too funky.
ReplyDeleteI have a ceramic croc where I keep my shallots and garlic. I toss these packets in to help keep the moisture low and I think it helps these bulbs stay fresh longer.
ReplyDeleteNice post! i like this.
ReplyDeleteLAURA THIS MSG IS JUST TO SAY THAT YOU LOOK HOT. :P
ReplyDelete