These days, it seems like everything you purchase, including electronics, clothes, pharmaceuticals, and more, comes with those tiny silica gel packets. They always come with two instructions: throw away and don’t eat. You don’t have to discard them, even though you should definitely avoid eating them! In fact, they serve a variety of purposes in the home.
A little word regarding the frequently mentioned safety warning: Clear silica gel pellets are safe to handle and harmless. To show when they have absorbed moisture, certain pellets are coated with color-changing compounds, which are frequently carcinogenic. For these tasks, avoid using colored silica gel pellets. They’re useful otherwise. We’ve found ten various applications for them in the garden and around the house.
1. Keep your phone safe.
Keep your phone and battery apart. Put both in a baggie that can be sealed and as many packets of silica gel as you can locate. After sealing the bag, leave it until morning. (It’s far better than throwing out a whole bag of rice!)
2. Keep your leather shoes safe.
Put a few packets of silica gel inside your leather shoes (or even athletic shoes) to absorb moisture and prevent mold growth.
3. Let your bathing suit air dry.
To quickly remove the moisture, try throwing a handful of these packets in a zip-lock bag with your wet swimsuit.
4. Keep your books safe.
To prevent mustiness in your older books, place a pack of silica gel inside the cover. To get rid of any musty odor that may already be there, you can also put the book in a bag with the packets.
5. Maintain a clear window
The perfect combination of temperature and air causes moisture to fog up your windshield. Keep these packets on the dashboard to avoid a foggy windshield.
6. Keep your photos safe
To protect your photos from moisture, place a packet of silica gel below each picture frame. They will endure longer.
7. Dehydrated blooms
For this one, you’ll need a bunch of those gel packets; alternatively, you might use silica from the craft store. Your flowers will appear dry yet attractive after being carefully trimmed and covered with silica gel. View the entire Mohans Rule tutorial.
8. Maintain the freshness of your pumpkin
Consider throwing some silica gel packets inside the carved pumpkin if your Halloween friend molds and rots too rapidly. It will prevent moisture buildup and extend the time that your jack-o’-lantern is mold-free. Bonus: you can fire your jack-o’-lantern normally because the gel packs aren’t combustible.
9. Protect your seeds.
Moisture should be kept as far away from seeds as possible if you wish to plant them the next season. To keep your seeds safe, store one packet in a shoe box.