Do you have a lot of silica gel packets and don't know how to use them? Instead of throwing them away, there are tons of ways to reuse them. Read on to find out more.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparation
Step 1. Get packets
You can find silica gel packets in several places, for example in a seaweed pack. If the packages have come into contact with food, it is advisable to clean them with a dry cloth and then wash the cloth. Do not wash the sachet, otherwise the gel will absorb the water (later you will also learn how to dry the sachets, so it is not a problem, but to facilitate the process it is better not to wet them).
Part 2 of 3: Reuse the Packets
Step 1. When you have important documents or papers that you don't want to get wet, put a few packs of silica gel in the container where you will keep the cards
The gel will absorb the water, so mold will not form, etc.
Step 2. Put some packages in the car's glove box
Often, mold can form in the wet gloveboxes of the car. The silica gel packets will absorb water, killing harmful agents.
Step 3. Place packages with photos to keep them safe
Insert a pouch containing a small package on the back of the photo to protect photos and frames hanging on the wall.
Step 4. Put a small package in the case that contains the camera and film
The gel will absorb water in case of contact, preserving the quality of the photos, avoiding the formation of streaks or faded areas.
Step 5. Since many tools in the toolbox are made of metal, use packets to prevent rusting
Step 6. Use them to dry the flowers
Thanks to the silica gel, the flowers will dry completely within 2-3 days.
Step 7. Place packets in the flower seed containers
Some plant seeds are in fact subject to mold and the action of bacteria.
Step 8. Place some packets near or on the windowsill to prevent condensation and keep the windows clean
Step 9. Use them to dry electronic devices
Use them for example to dry phones that have come into contact with water (make sure, however, to turn off the device and remove the memory card); put some packets in a container with the device and wait a day.
Step 10. Slow down the oxidation process of silver by placing packets of silica gel in a jewelry box or with cutlery
Oxidation is a very common problem of silver objects!
Step 11. Use packets to better store dog or cat food
Put the food in a container with a lid; attach small packages to the lid and close.
Step 12. Open the packets and soak the balls with essential oils to make a potpourri to perfume the room
Step 13. Place packets in the suitcase to keep clothes and other items dry
Step 14. Use them for clothes
Put packets in the pockets of your clothes to keep them clean and to avoid the formation of mold or the attack of insects.
Step 15. Arrange some in closets where you store bags, shoes and accessories to keep them in good condition
Step 16. If you have any blades or knives that tend to rust, put some small packages in the drawer where you store them
Step 17. Place them close to the videotapes to keep them from spoiling and to make them last longer
Step 18. Place packets in the car, especially near the dashboard, to keep the wiper clean and non-condensing
Step 19. Use them to protect Halloween pumpkins from mold
Silica gel is perfect for preserving pumpkins, however it is not edible. Put 3-4 g of silica gel for every 250 cm3 pumpkin.
Step 20. Use them to preserve the leaves
A simple and effective method to preserve the leaves.
Part 3 of 3: Dry the Gel
Step 1. If the gel has turned pink, blue or any other color, it is too wet
In this case you will have to dry it. Here's how to do it.
Step 2. Preheat the oven to 120 ° C
Step 3. Open the packets and distribute them furthest apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Step 4. Bake for about 5 hours or until they return to their original color
Step 5. Remove the pan from the oven and store the gel in airtight containers where no liquids can penetrate
Don't put them under the sunlight.
