You won’t believe how many ways you can reuse those silica gel packets that come in the box with your new pair of shoes, your vitamin bottles, and other packaging. Don’t throw desiccant packs in the trash ever again!
We’ve all seen those little white silica packets that come in the box when you buy a new pair of heels, a bottle of vitamins, or a new purse.
I used to toss those silica beads in the trash, but my brilliant husband asked me to start keeping them. He has discovered some great uses for those silica gel packets that I had never thought of!
What is silica gel? What is silica used for?
Silica gel packets are used to absorb moisture and keep things dry.
Many manufacturers add these desiccant packs to their new products to keep them fresh and moisture-free for the consumer.
Silica gel uses
Silica gel packets are ideal to reuse throughout your home in places where you might be worried about excess moisture.
Here are a some genius ways to reuse Silica gel packets
in your home. I wrote this post originally with 6 ideas, and my brilliant readers have shared TONS of amazing useful comments with how they use silica gel packets in their home, so I’ve added to my list with their ideas.
If you have more ideas, be sure to comment and let me know!
Warning: Please make sure that you keep silica packets out of the reach of children and pets. These are not to be eaten, and could be a hazard if left where a small child could access it.
This post contains affiliate links. If a purchase is made, I make a small percentage at no extra cost to you.
50 Surprising Uses for Silica Gel Packets:
#1 Use silica gel packets to save your phone from water damage
I recently dropped my iPhone in a pot of boiling potatoes while trying to multitask (yep, I was on Pinterest while making dinner).
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 restrain yourself and don’t turn the phone on until a few days later. Doing this could cause an electrical short and ruin your phone.
#2 Add silica packets to photos to keep them safe and free from moisture
I recently pulled out a scrapbook I had made, when I noticed that some of my scrapbook pages were wet.
You can imagine how upset I was to find that one of my kids had spilled water, and it had dripped down into the sheet protectors and onto my pages.
My husband quickly air dried the pages, and was able to salvage most of them.
Now each of those pages have a silica gel packet in between the two pieces of card stock in each sheet protector. I did this 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.
#3 Use silica packets to keep collectables in pristine condition
#4 Keep desiccant packs stored with important documents
#5 Add silica gel packets to each container in your basement, garage, or storage unit to absorb excess moisture.
#6 Preserve your Christmas ornaments and holiday decorations with silica beads
Holiday decorations get taken out of their boxes only once a year, so using silica gel packets
in your Christmas boxes is a smart idea to keep your decorations and special ornaments in pristine condition.
#7 To remove the musty smell from old books
Place a musty book in a bag with several gel packs for a few days and the smell will be gone!
#8 REUSE these packets once they are full of moisture
From The Feral Turtle- “We save our silica gel packets too! They will collect moisture and quit working, though, so we regenrate them in a 200 degree over for about 2 hours and store them in an airtight Ziploc bag until we need them.”
Here are 44 more silica gel uses, thanks to my genius readers. Keep the creative ideas coming!
#9 Add them in with your embossing powders to keep them moisture free
#10 Place a large packet in the bottom of a dirty clothes hamper to eliminate the smell of dirty clothes
#11 Make your own desiccant packs with loose silica gel beads and inexpensive tea bags
#12 Store with hearing aids when not in use to remove any moisture from inside
#13 Place in between phone and phone case to keep out unwanted moisture
#14 Lay out silica gel packets in the hot sun on a dry day to recharge them
#15 Add to collected seeds for gardening to prevent mold from growing
#16 Put them in your gun safe and with ammo to prevent rusting
#17 Empty the packets over small flowers in a small bowl to dry the flowers and maintain their color
#18 Store with silver jewelery to keep it from tarnishing
#19 Add to a camera bag and with lenses and other camera equipment
#20 Store with Polaroid pictures for a month to stabilize the colors and keep them looking vibrant
#21 Add a few packs with your camping gear
#22 Place some with hidden geocaches
#23 If shoes or boots are wet when it’s time to store them, add a few silica gel packets inside of them
#24 Keep your jewelry supplies moisture-free with a few silica packets
#25 If you have a condensation problem around your windows, placing a few desiccant packets nearby can help
#26 Keep some in your medicine or vitamin cabinet, especially if stored in the bathroom since it can get humid from baths and showers
#27 Place them in the box with antique or family silver utensils and serving dishes to prevent them from tarnishing
#28 Add them to your sewing pins and needles to keep them from rusting
#29 Store with seasonal clothing when not in use- for example, with sweaters, boots, etc. during the summer
#30 A few silica gel packets stored inside a guitar or other musical instruments that
#31 Keep dampness away from your computer by storing some inside your computer case
#32 Place a few in a tackle box to prevent rust
#33 Stuff a few inside your shoes to eliminate moisture
#34 Store with nails and screw and in tool boxes to keep them from rusting
#35 Add a few to your incense sticks storage so they don’t go out due to moisture
#36 If your powder laundry detergent clumps, you can add a couple of dessicant packets to remove moisture and prevent clumping
#37 Drop a few in tins to prevent them from rusting
#38 If you have added to much water to a potted plant, place the plant out in the sun with a few silica gel packets on top of the soil to draw away the excess water
#39 If your dishwasher detergent is clumpy, add a few silica gel packets to absorb the moisture
#40 Place in an electric guitar to prevent body or neck deformations
#41 Use these to keep your welding rods dry
#42 Place inside closets
#43 Store inside suitcases and bags when not in use
#44 Keep your coin collection in pristine shape with a few silica gel packets
#45 Place inside purses that are out of season and not being used
#46 If you live in a humid area, place a few in a makeup drawer
#47 Keep a few inside your gym bag to help keep eliminate moistness and odors
#48 Place multiple packets inside a car that isn’t in use
#49 If you live where it is very humid, place packets inside your dvd cases
#50 Store packets with sensitive electronics to keep them moisture-free
As you can see, there are so many different ways to reuse silica gel packets.
You can buy silica gel packets for a great price on Amazon, so don’t worry if you don’t have any left from your packaging.
Do you keep silica gel packets? Are you going to start keeping them now? Do you have any more ideas on where to use these desiccant packets?
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Buffy0214 says
An old stamping trick was to put them in with your embossing powders to keep them free from moisture.
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Oh, that’s smart. I’ll have to try that one! Thanks for the tip!
Anonymous says
I 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.
Ka says
You could by 1lb or more of these lose silica gels at any walmart or hobby store and make you own silica packs. I bought 100 empty tea bags from eBay for dirt cheap and $13.00 1.5lb silica gel bag at walmart and made my own diseccant packs. Be creative and save.
Barb Michaelis says
Our daughter wears hearing aids and puts them in a moisture cup at night to keep the tubes clear. Currently the moisture cup comes with a metal disk filled with silica pieces that when the color changes from purple to white they need to be regenerated in a hot oven. So that’s another use for the silica gel packets.
Feral Turtle says
We 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
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
What 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 😉
anonymous says
You can put them behind your phone, inside of a phone case, if you use a case. This will help keep out moisture.
Anonymous says
I 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.
Anonymous says
You can also use dry rice…
Anonymous says
I use them to put in containers with seeds that I have collected from my garden, keeps the seeds from getting mold on them
Bonie says
Putting them n w/ur seeds is a great idea my marigolds always molded unless I pulled all of the seeds out of the flowers before storing so the packets idea is just great, thanks. Bonie
Manon says
It *is* a great idea, but there is a difference in the desiccants, so do make sure that what comes with shoes is safe for any seeds for food crops. 🙂
Laura says
Yes, very true! Thanks for the reminder.
Bobby Baucom says
Best 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.
mirroredge says
Should be 99% isopropanol (found at hobby shops and online) This is for your phone’s motherboard to soak in, if you throw the entire phone in goodbye 13mp camera, speaker/mic etc.
Soak mainboard in the 99% isopropanol overnight, and apply a high temp ultrasonic bath, but cilica wont do much, dry out the outside, sort of like a towel
Anonymous says
i put them in my gun safe too…
Rebecca says
My husband does this too. He also puts them in his ammo cans.
Anonymous says
Laying them in the sun will not regenerate them!!!!
NaySayer says
False: Leaving them in the Sun WILL “recharge” them (dry them back out), if the ambient humidity is low enough.
Flash says
Here’s another tip:
Empty the packets over small flowers in a small bowl for lovely, little dried flowers.
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
I like this idea! Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous says
My 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. 🙂
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
I 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!
Anonymous says
I’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.
Anonymous says
they 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
Anonymous says
Was 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…..
jackie says
You can also use a piece of chalk to keep your silver jewelry from tarnishing:) learned this trick at a jewelry party
becky rinks-missey says
Be careful if a pet gets them it will kill them in a matter of hours from dehydration and very painful
NaySayer says
Nay: The threat of pet dehydration is nil. Because Silica Gel is inert, the real risk is the choking hazard or, on the rare occasion, they are coated with a harmful substance.
elizabeth Brolan says
Becky Rinks-Missey
Thanks so much for the animal vs silica caution. I would never forgive myself had I’d been careless with this stuff and harmed or lost one of my pets. I wonder if the silica packets that come in new shoes and so on carry this warning on them? They certainly should. Thanks again for posting this critical information.
Suzanne Beach says
If 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.
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Good 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!
Stircrazy says
Silica 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.
Kristen Corson says
You 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.
Jenn says
It’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.
Kathy says
I keep a couple packets in my camera bag to protect the camera from moisture.
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Another gread idea! Thanks Kathy!
Anonymous says
For drying out hearing aides when they get sweat in them or accidentally get wet.
Chris Borchardt says
I do the same every night. I leave them in their box with the silica pkts. This was my audiologist advice.
Anonymous says
I bet that would work on hearing aids that get moisture in them. Just remember to remove hearing aid batteries before.
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Excellent idea, thank you!
Rose says
Smart, useful, I hate putting those in the trash & in the environment!!!!
Good use and out of harms way from kids and pets!!!!
Love this site Pinterest
Thanks you,
Rose
amy kelinda says
Awesome 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. 🙂
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Oooh, 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!!
Anonymous says
there great to put in with silver jewelry. zip lock bag silver necklas and one packet and no tarnish.
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Wow, 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!
anonymous says
Buy some Tarnex for silver cleaning. Just dip and tarnish all gone!
Anonymous says
Its 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.
KJ says
These are great for storing camping gear, and hiding geocaches.
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Another great use, thanks KJ!
bobby burns says
I’ll have to include them in the geocaches my family finds.
Anonymous says
if shoes or boots are wet or when storing them put the packets in them
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Awesome, I’ll have to try this when it actually rains here in So Cal. Thanks!
CarlGoesPaleo says
I 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!
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Awesome, that’s a great idea! Thank you for commenting!!
Anonymous says
I 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!
Claudia Star (aka star74) says
Keep a bag of silica with your silver in a container. It doesn’t stain black 🙂
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Thanks Claudia, now if only I had know this before my silver necklace started getting little spots on it 😉
Anonymous says
We had a condensation problem around the windows in our bedroom. We put a few large ones around the windows and it helped.
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Very smart! There are so many uses for these packets. Looks like I really need to update this post to include them all!!
LavenderField says
I put them in the containers where I keep my jewelry supplies (jump rings, wires, metal parts) to keep them from rusting.
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Thanks, I need to start doing this!
Anonymous says
I keep them in my vitamin cabinet, and in the separate daily supplement case.
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Perfect use for these, thank you for sharing!
Anonymous says
my 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.
Sherry Hogan says
Best to keep medicines in a room other than a bathroom due to the steam and the higher temps,
Anonymous says
if 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.
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
What a great idea!! Thank you 🙂
Anonymous says
Put them in the box with your grandmother’s silver!
Also, in a pinch they are great to level a wobbly table.
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Yes, these work great on silver to keep it from tarnishing. Thanks for the tip!
Anonymous says
Not 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.
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Good way to store them, thanks for sharing!
Anonymous says
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous says
How do you know when they have stopped working and are full of moisture?
Anonymous says
Put them where you see ants, instant repellant!
Laura says
Hmmm, I’m not sure on that one. Sorry!
Kelsey says
They work great to keep your carved pumpkins from molding too quickly at Halloween, too!
Anonymous says
This 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.
Ziva says
I 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
t. Still saving silica packets. lol
Anonymous says
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.
Linda Bouffard says
This is GENIUS!!! I’m pinning and would love to have you link this to my party. Have a great weekend. Love your blog. Linda
https://www.craftsalamode.com/2013/05/what-to-do-weekends-21.html
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Thanks so much Linda!
jane says
I use them in my containers of screw’s and nails. I save large tictac containers and separate all the little screes and label. No rust and I live in high humidity.
Linda Bouffard says
Pinned also. 🙂
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Excellent, thank you 🙂
ogcoffeecorner.com says
Wow. I had no idea that these were useful at all. Thank you for the great tips!
Anonymous says
really good in your baking soda containers, also cornstarch
manicmom says
I put mine in our car to absorb wetness!
manicmom says
I put some of these little packets in the back of my van to absorb wetness!!
Anonymous says
Will 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.
Anonymous says
Keep some with my stored seeds so they stay dry until needed.
Anonymous says
I 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.
Margaret Kay says
Also good in the tupperware box where you keep your cheese. No more mould.
Anonymous says
I put my packets in my gun safe, keeps out the moisture and rust!
Anonymous says
If 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 🙂
Anonymous says
Memory card? iPhone??? huh????
JBrown says
She just means a SIM card
JBrown says
She just means a SIM card
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Oops, my mistake, I know that iPhones don’t have memory cards, I meant a SIM card. Fixed the post!
Anonymous says
I’ve read somewhere that you can use them in a microwave/microwave oven to quick dry flowers.
Anonymous says
Also put a fe in your computer case keeps dampness away.
jltadventures says
also 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!
Anonymous says
also can be used with keeping moister out of dehydrated and flash dried foods.
Anonymous says
I keep some in the potato bin
D says
That might make the potatoes shrivel up faster??
Anonymous says
I add them to plastic boxes where electronic gadgets are stored.
Quinta Ross-Huffman says
Put in shoes to keep the moisture out that can eventually cause a smelly odor and/or foot fungus. Eww!
Quinta Ross-Huffman says
They can also be used to keep moisture out of shoes and diaper pails!
Anonymous says
I use them in the canisters I keep the dog treats in.
nitesea says
i put one in each bag of dried herbs I keep. Prevents mold if any moisture should get in.
Shon Jones says
We put them in our safe to keep things from moisture. We change them out every so often.
Vilimarika says
I use ´em to geocaches. 🙂
Anonymous says
Interesting idea! I will share with friends and family. Thanks laura!
hunter's wife says
Works great in gun cabinets and where ammo is stored, for all the hunters out there.
Anonymous says
I throw them in tool box…keeps moisture away from tools so they don’t collect rust…
Terry says
Seems like they would be good in a tackle box to keep the lures and hooks from rusting.
Anonymous says
coole Idee
Bhavik Vyas says
I 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.
Anonymous says
Some 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.
Anonymous says
I put them in a box with my incense sticks, i have no more problems with them going out because they have been damp.
Anonymous says
I put them in tins over the kitchen cabinet to help prevent rusting.
Anonymous says
We 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.
Terry says
Might be good to add to powdered laundry detergent. Mine is trying to solidify and it’s only May!
Anonymous says
Also 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 🙂
Anonymous says
We 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!
Ricardo Hernandez says
I 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.
Shannon says
My 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!
Anonymous says
I keep some packets with sewing needles to make sure they don’t develop rust
BaytownMom says
Here 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.
carolyn m. says
Put some in your tool box to keep your tools rust free. Also where ever you store nails.
Beth Smith says
It would cost more to run the oven for 2 hours than it would to just buy new O2 absorbers.
Charline Brand says
Put a packet in your candy dish with your hard candy, if you live in a humid area, and it doesn’t get gooey!
Charline Brand says
put them in your candy dish, if you live is a humid area, so your hard candies don’t get gooey
Anonymous says
we use them when we are saving seeds
Renea says
I 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.
Anonymous says
I use them inside my bottles of herbs and spices and my salt shakers.
Faith (Stevie) Harris says
place 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.
Faith (Stevie) Harris says
place 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.
Anonymous says
They are good for killing bugs as well!
Cassie says
If 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.
Anonymous says
Well…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…;)
So this is only another fake myth…sorry for the disapointment
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
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 🙂
Anonymous says
The gel packets are also great in your jewlery box, it keeps silver from tarnishing 🙂 silver only tarnishes from not wearing it and moisture.
Jordelito says
Hi, I use them to prevent body or neck deformations in my electric guitars. Just put a couple of bags in the guitar box
Anonymous says
Here in Florida’s highly humid weather I keep them in with my pins and needles. It keeps them from rusting.
irene says
here 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!…
irene says
here 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!…
Anonymous says
LOL 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!
lorain diederiks says
I put them in my salt and spices dispensers. Keep salt and spices dry.
lorain diederiks says
I put them in salt and spice dispensers. Keep the stuff dry on rainy days…
Lorri Lee Chambers says
Put 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…
Anonymous says
Great to keep welding rods dry!
esteban pontieri says
Everything is great, but… I think isn’t a good idea introduce a chemical product in your domestic oven for 2 hours!
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Hi 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.
James Naquin says
Easy off oven cleaner has harsher chemical based ingredients that you place in your domestic oven for several hours so I doubt these things are going to hurt anything,,,, just saying!
Anonymous says
I 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.
Anonymous says
Not 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!
Thanks for reading this.
Anonymous says
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 .
Saskia says
In the netherlands silica is sold as cat litter so a pet shop might be an option
jayne lynn says
I 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.
Anonymous says
You 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.
Staci McCoy says
Also good to put with any silver like jewelry, silverware etc to prevent tarnishing.
Ted Horn says
I use them for my coin collection along with a zip-lock freezer bag. they are chemically inert and safe for this task.
Anonymous says
Keep the roaches away
Anonymous says
When 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.
Janet Shade says
I put them in my violin and viola cases (attached to some string). Much easier and cheaper than humidifiers.
David (a guitarist) says
Be very careful Janet – Silica Gel is exactly the opposite of a humidifier. Silica Gel removes moisture whereas a humidifier adds it. In certain climates wooden musical instruments need to have moisture ADDED.
Please ask for advice from a LOCAL (to you) music store you could by extracting moisture from the wood seriously damage your instruments.
Bethe says
I think she meant de-humidifier maybe?
Bhavik Vyas says
We could use those silica gel, one thing before we reuse those silica gel, we must re dry.
Because 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.
Anonymous says
Thanks for all the great ideas! I’ve always thrown them away but not anymore.
drahcir says
We bought Christmas hard candy that had silica packs in it to keep it from sticking together but it works any hard candy container.
Anonymous says
They help keep moisture out of hearing aids too. If you take them out for bed, put them in a container with a silica packet.
Anonymous says
A 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.
Anonymous says
can anybody tell me where can I find the silicone bags?
Laura says
You can buy them off Amazon, or get them for free in your shoe boxes, vitamins, and in other packaging of things that you buy from the store.
USB Direct says
Awesome tips guys, and of course great article!
Krysten Lynette says
Becuase I live in the humid south I put them in with my make-up.
Anonymous says
I 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.
Anonymous says
I 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.
women tips says
Nice post! i like this.
Sudarshan Nair says
LAURA THIS MSG IS JUST TO SAY THAT YOU LOOK HOT. 😛
Terry says
you can also use the silica gels from when you get your new shoes for getting rid of a bee’s nest, it will shrink the nest and kill the eggs. we live in the country and this is what we use
Vaiva says
I do not want to keep those things. BuT I WAnt your christimas ornaments 😀
The ideas are great, specially for the files and photos. You guys are genius!
Laura says
Haha, thanks!! I bought them from Pottery Barn a few years ago, and they’re my favorite!
Antonino Sirchiaanne says
The really important thing to know about these silica packets is to KEEP THEM AWAY FROM DOGS AND CHILDREN!!! If they injest them, it can kill them. They will absorb all the moisture in the stomach or intestine if they make it that far, so be very careful!
mandaazi says
Sorry if its eaten in large quantity it will dehydrate the stomach, but will not kill, but will make the person feel sick for a short period, because the constant moisture will deplete the capacity of the silica gel to absorb moisture in the long run.
Jamie says
Instant cold gel pack. Put several in a ziploc bag, add a cup of ice water and silica will burst. Let it set for a minute. Place on injured ankle.
Christine says
Yeah, I keep them in my shoe boxes where I got them from in the first place. 😀
deby says
Silica gel is non-toxic, it is not poisonous to humans or animals. They say do not eat because it’s not food and the packet could be a choking hazard for small children or get stuck in an animals digestive track.
Saskia says
I buy cat litter silica big bag for 8 euro then i have 2.2 kilo’s
Kristen says
Keep them in your tackle box to keep your fishing equipment in nice shape…. Plus I make my own cigarettes and sometimes my bag of tobacco will get too dry or too moist to work with so here’s what I do:
Too moist add the silica gel pack overnight or if you need immediate results then lay a thin layer on a plate and zap it in the microwave 30 seconds….
Too dry: add a slice of bread or a wrung out steeped regular (no flavors) teabag….
Tamara says
where all do you get these silica pack at. like what products do they come in?
Patrice says
I’ve read a lot of home remedies and DIY projects and a few pages have said that they kill bed bugs by dehydration. Just take some out the packet and crush it into a powder and sprinkle it between matresses and in the bugs favorite hiding places. But be careful where you place it so you don’t breathe in the powder.
Robin S Bell says
Thank you
Bethe says
They’re great for keeping moisture out of medicines which can make meds less effective or ruin them altogether. Put some in your medicine cabinet, drawer, box, wherever you keep your Rxs, vitamins and supplements.
They’re also good for keeping luggage fresh. Throw a few in your suitcase (add a fabric softener sheet for fragrance if you like) before you put it away between trips. Also, keep in your gym bag(w/fabric softener sheet). Works wonders!
Put inside shoes to help dry them out from sweaty feet or getting shoes wet.
Thanks for all you do! Hope these are useful for some 🙂
Sincerely,
(Name below in info box)
Debbie says
I put silica gel packets in with my sterling silver jewelry – it helps keep it tarnish-free~
Pat Fulton says
We use the silica gel plastic cylinders, in the biscuit tin, and they never go soft, also put them in a container in the fridge, and stops so much moisture, and mold.
Wendy says
For the silica packets. Put one in a zip lock bag with generic jewelry and the jewelry won’t change color 🙂
JENNALACEY TYLER says
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE SILICA GEL I COULD NEVER SAVE THAT MANY AS I DON’T BUY ANYTHING THEY ARE IN.
D says
Look for silica gel cat litter in a larger bag.
D says
Then put it in an old sock or smaller cloth bag
Becky Zellers says
I camp, & my tote of spices is damp from being outside. I throw a handful in the bottom & it keeps the spices dry. My husband also throws them in his tool boxes to keep the moisture off the tools & prevent rust.
Keith Koen says
I use them in my fishing tackle boxes. It keeps your lures and hooks from getting rusty after using them and then putting them back wet in the box.
Johnny says
They are good for the gym bags
sanibel_999 says
I have an old car that I put in storage for the winter. I try to leave packets around the inside of the car – front seat, front floor, back seat, back floor. I don’t know if it does any good, but I figure it can’t hurt.
Patti says
Hi All…I make my own garlic, onion and tomato powders…And, also, beef, chicken and bone bouillon. I found your post because I was looking to see if I can use the little silica gel packs from Meds to use in my food jars ? Thank You for answering my question…
Merry Christmas !
Jessica says
Not sure if someone mentioned this already, but throw them in your powdered laundry soap to help keep it from clumping up!
Louise says
Put silica gel packets in dvd cases. It is very humid where we are and most of our DVDs had dvd rot.this has saved us a lot of dvds
JQT Noturaverage says
Awhile back used to watch Billy the Exterminator. He would explain how silica basically suffocates soft shelled insects (wheat bugs, spiders, roaches, etc) so I started using them everywhere in my kitchen drawers, cabinets, junk drawers. I noticed a big change. I’m now finding wheat bugs again so after now seeing this post I believe my current packets need to be regenerated.
Roger M says
If you grow mushrooms, once harvested, you can use the silica gel to dry the mushrooms.
Andrei says
In order to protect items from moisture you can buy larger amounts of silica at the pet shop. They are sold as cat litter. I recently saw a YouTube Life hack and they bought silica, put it in a sock and then placed the sock in the car. It absorbed all the moisture and there were no more foggy windows.
Rajesh galgalikar says
Few packets of silica into a Ziplock bag and start your journey. its create dry environment inside bag and make your journey safe.
Mary Miller says
I put them in my jewelry box with my silver jewelry. They delay tarnish.
Christine says
I rug hook with wool fabric a have them between layers, since wool absorbs and it’s hard to tell if fully dry or not.
I also use them in containers I have my home dried herbs in just in case not fully dry when I seal the jar.
I get them from my work from a product we use repeatedly, and they are super big ones ! Score.
Judith Adams says
You can also use the gel packs in your jewelry box-it keeps your jewelry from tarnishing!!
Becky garcia says
Do I just put the packet of silica in the bottom of the kitchen trash can or do I need to put the silica in the sun first, do I put the packet in a baggie then in the sun first Thank You
JP says
I keep one in my camera bag to prevent lens fogging and danger to sensitive electronics. They work well for laptop bags and backpacks as well.
mandaazi says
Hi, Can I use these packets to keep table salt dry?
Martha lewis says
What about a poll bottle?
Mia m says
You can use the soclica gel packets to get rid or sweat am deathly odor from your shoes. My gym shoes and kind of gross and stink so I put tho silica gel in them and it worked perfectly
David says
I keep them in all of my camera bags for photography during cold/wet weather, at the beach, or just for any excess water around the house. Also, bringing metal camera gear from cold temps to warm ones can result in condensation, so these are great for fighting that effect.
Shan says
I used it to fix my earphones after dropping them in water, worked great ?!
TINI S says
I make all of my own toiletries and cosmetics and im wondering if i could powder up some silica (the untreated kind, no the kind with added toxins) and incorperate it into my homemade deodorant somehow?
I live in the Arizona desert and during the summer, some of us need a stronger anti-perspirant, when it reaches ungodly temperatures!
I wonder if silica would help absorb sweat?
Hmmmm.
Laura says
I don’t recommend trying that, although I’m sure it’s tempting when it gets so hot. I don’t know that it’s safe to put on your skin. It’s always better to be safe then sorry!
Keri says
Thank you for all the Heaps of great ideas I’m going to use??
I have a couple in each of my eskies. I just hate cleaning the mould out after hubby hasn’t dried them before closing the lid & putting them away. No more yucky smelly ?
Laura says
Awesome, so glad you found the ideas helpful! They really are pretty useful little things, aren’t they? 🙂
Xnazmus says
The gel can hurt your pets
They absorb moisture
My dog ate one and I had to make him vomit before they swell up
Laura says
Yes, I would definitely make sure these aren’t accessible to your pets. Thanks for the reminder!
Maya Wood says
Question (I think I get the answer already, but no one has said it): I’ve seen that it’s good to keep them in medicine cabinets (I don’t use the one in the bathroom, fyi). Anyway, I have some rather large pill bottles where my old doc hooked me up with meds that were about the expire (in this case, *not really,* and he knew this, but because of wasteful guidelines, he was going to have to throw them out). SO, long in short, since I have so many, I’m wondering if I can toss some silica packets in the bottles with them. I suppose this is a dumb question as some medicines include them, but I didn’t know if anyone thought there was any risk to this (overdrying??); they are normal tabs, not get ones or anything. Thoughts? Thanks ahead, and thanks for a great post
Maya Wood says
Meant to say: “not **gel** ones or anything, lol. And while at it, the reason I’m really wondering about this IS because they were close to the *official* expiration dates, and although he felt confident they were fine, there are so many, I want to make sure they stay that way. ANOTHER important FYI, I know very well that no one here is a medical expert, am only looking for *opinions*. I will check with a doc to be sure when I can 🙂
Laura says
I would only use silica gel that was food safe, just to be sure, so ones that already come in vitamins or other food. Maybe you can find food safe silica gel on Amazon? I wouldn’t throw the regular packets in though!
Maya Wood says
Haha, just blowing up this kind old thread. I have one more question, if anyone in the community or you, Laura, are still checking this thread. My boyfriend smokes and I have an occasional one, althouh I’m moving to vaping (I know, it’s awful awful awful, but it is what it is); so, what about putting loose silica in the bottom of enclosed ashtrays?? I’m thinking if they absorb some shoe smell (which has to do with moisture, but still), is it POSSIBLE they could collect some ash smell?? And does anyone know if they’re flammable (I don’t think so, or we’d probably know it, but burning them via a cig cherry might be unpleseant). Any experience or thoughts? I may just be reaching here.
Oh, and I just wanted to say, I LOVE the smell of old books, lol! I’d never use them for that! But it’s a good idea for those crazy folk who don’t 😉 .
Laura says
Haha, I know what you mean about the smell of old books. To be honest, I’m not sure. Better safe than sorry though, so I would keep them away from the ashtrays just in case. 😉
Amy Heist says
Campers are notorious for getting damp or having leaks…add them in areas that are prone to dampness
Laura says
Good idea Amy!