Silica gel packets can usually be found included in the packaging of different types of products. It is common practice to dump packets like these almost without noticing them. Still, there’s a benefit to them that a lot of people tend to miss. A desiccant,

silica gel, soaks up moisture in the air which makes it a handy material in many areas of life. Reusing these packets allows your goods to last longer and solves everyday challenges you might have at home. Changing landfill materials into useful products is smart and greener.

Silicon dioxide which is found in nature, is what silica gel turns out to be. It is changed into small, spongy beads that soak up water well. Even though it advertises warnings not to eat,

silica gel is non-reactive and safe to touch. It uses adsorption because the moisture sticks to the outside of the beads instead of being taken in by them. It means silica gel is very useful in situations where humidity needs to be managed carefully.

Placing silica gel packets in important documents and photographs allows them to be protected. If paper gets soaked, it might end up warped, smudged or have mold growing on it. Placing your packets in document boxes or photo albums helps to dry out the space which ensures your important items are safe and intact for longer.

Toolboxes are good places to add silica gel as well. Tools are commonly kept in places that get humid such as basements or garages and this leads them to rust quickly. Putting silica gel packets in your toolbox helps control moisture and prevents rust, making your tools last longer and work correctly.

Dull and rusty razor blades can be made much sharper and cleaner in these type of rainy environments. After shaving, keep your razor inside a little sealed storage box that contains moisture absorbent pellets. Having just one habit saves the blade and also keeps your scissors clean.

Electronics can also be damaged by too much humidity. Storing any sort of electronic device in moisture can cause real trouble for its delicate components. Putting silica gel packets into storage boxes or containers for electronics lowers the chances of water damage and keeps your devices in good shape.

Pet food freshness benefits greatly from adding silica gel. Having kibble around moisture may result in stale or moldy kibble. Putting pet food in airtight bins that contain silica gel packets will help lock in flavor and nutrients.

During unfortunate accidents where your phone has been wet, silica gel could help save the day. Following the battery and SIM removal, seal the device with a lot of packets and allow it to stay in the container for several days. Over time, the packets will take moisture out of the device and while it’s not always successful, it is said to help phones that are on the edge of being harmed by water.

Silica gel lessens the chance of silver items getting tarnished. Jewelry, cutlery and most silver goods can develop a coating when they come into contact with air and moisture. Drying packs included in jewelry storage cases preserve the shine and quality of your silver by making the atmosphere dry.

Musty odors may develop in a gym bag that becomes damp from sweaty clothes. Putting in a few silica gel packets helps absorb excess moisture and removes odors, leaving your bag smelling nicer between times when it’s being used and washed.

Keeping silica gel packets in seeds you put away between seasons is also useful for gardeners. Dryness helps keep seeds alive and a couple of packets in a seed jar or envelope can be very useful. Doing this prevents the seeds from rotting and helps the plants succeed after planting.

Certain spices don’t keep well in a humid climate. Snow turbans can collect moisture which results in powders becoming lumpy and the seasoning losing its taste. Having packets of spices in your spice rack or cabinet makes your kitchen staples last longer and keeps them secure.

Clothing that has been put away in attics or basements often develops mold or mildew. If you put silica gel packets in your bins or suits, the moisture in the air will be absorbed, preserving freshness of your clothes.

Most holiday decorations are out of sight until the holiday season and if left out in humidity they can easily deteriorate. The silica gel in the packets is effective at keeping mold and discoloration away from your ornaments or fabrics, so your decorations will stay in good shape and undamaged every year.

Before throwing out these little packets, see what other uses they have in our homes. Because they absorb moisture, dehumidifiers help preserve and protect your possessions. When you use silica gel, you are practical and also making your valued things last longer and stay in better condition. A small tweak here can lead to big results and silica gel shows us this very well.