How to reuse silica gel packets

Le silica gel sachets They're widely used for their ability to absorb moisture and keep environments and objects dry. They're found in electronics packaging, shoe boxes, and even dry food containers (not in direct contact with food). When they become waste, they can be highly polluting (silica gel is not a recyclable material), but they can easily be reused in many ways. For example, for cleaning, from silverware to car windows, and for stains on ovens or pans. And they're invaluable for saving a cell phone that suddenly falls into water.

Against humidity

Silica gel sachets, thanks to their material properties, provide very effective moisture protection. You can use them for:

• Shoes and boots: just insert them inside to avoid bad smells and mold.
• Sports bags, suitcases or backpacks: to counteract residual humidity.
• Drawers and cabinets: perfect for small spaces where humidity accumulates.
• Cameras and electronic devices: the sachets prevent the formation of condensation.
• Containers for photos or documents: protect against degradation caused by humidity.

You can also put silica gel near the books, to the documents you want to preserve or to parts of the house where the reignshumidityWith their absorbent power, the sachets prevent the deterioration of paper and walls. With the silica sachets you also protect the musical instruments or items stored in their cases. These are at risk of molding, and this can be avoided by placing silica gel packets inside the cases.

To save electronic devices that have ended up in water or become wet

If your cell phone accidentally falls into water, you can save it by using silica gel packets. Place the packets, the phone, and the battery in a container and let them soak for about 48–72 hours. The silica will absorb all the moisture in the device which will work again. In this case, it is not necessary to open the sachets, which are more effective than the ones used to save cell phones that have fallen into water. rice.

For cleaning

Furthermore, they can also be useful for cleaning:

• Silica sachets make make the silverware shineLeave them in the drawers where you keep your silver items. They remain shiny and do not undergo the natural tarnishing process.
• The sachets in question They also save tools from rust, especially those locked in the toolbox.
• If you place the silica sachets on the dashboard of your car, the windows of your car they don't fog up when it rains outside.
• Finally, they prove to be precious allies for cleaning the most stubborn stains on the oven, pan, and stove, without scrubbing too much and causing scratches.

To protect objects and cosmetics

Silica gel bags can be used around the home to protect various items from moisture and the resulting damage. Thanks to their water-absorbing properties, they help prevent mold, bad odors, and other inconveniences. Benefits include:

• The freshness of linen and towelsThese sachets also eliminate the musty smell, which is so unpleasant on towels, even after washing. To keep all your laundry fresh, place the sachets in the drawers where you store it.
• The photosPrevent those hanging on the wall or kept in photo frames from getting damp over time. Place a silica gel sachet behind them and you're done.
• Eyeshadows and powderSilica gel sachets make makeup last longer and generally keep it in good condition. Add a few to your makeup bag for the best results.
• Seeds and dry foodsIn this case, they protect the seeds before planting, keeping them in optimal condition before they are placed in the soil. Furthermore, inside a flowerpot, they prevent the seeds from drying out prematurely.
• Clothes to keep. As with linen and towels, if you put the bags in which you stored your clothes during the change of season, help keep them fresher.

The precautions

You must be very careful, especially during use, as silica gel It must not be ingested under any circumstances, and in fact the writing often appears on the labels Don't Eat.
Silica sachets should be kept away from children and pets, and should never come into direct contact with any food.

Where to throw away silica gel sachets

The silica gel sachets they must be disposed of in the dry/undifferentiated wasteThis is because, although silica gel is a non-hazardous and chemically inert absorbent material, it is not recyclable in normal recycling systems. Furthermore, the sachet containing it is usually made of mixed materials such as plastic, paper, or synthetic fabrics, making sorting impossible.

Read also:

• How to reuse shoe boxes
• How to recycle paper bags and envelopes
• Recycling Tea Bags and Chamomile Tea: 10 Ideas