There are lots of ways to reuse products like plastic bottles, wine corks, and even old CDs and DVDs … but did you ever think you could reuse silica gel packets?
Most people throw them away immediately since those little packets just get in the way. But what if you could find a use for them? And, how can you reactivate the desiccant if it is stiff or soaked?
Silica Gel can be reused to dry wet electronics such as headphones. First, remove the battery and memory card from the device and place them in a tight box with Silica Gel packets for at least 48 hours.
Silica Gel can also be repurposed into a customized potpourri. To produce a customized potpourri, cut open the sachets and soak the Silica Gel in aromatic oils. Silica Gel can also add a beautiful touch to potpourri by drying flowers.
Put a few gel packets in your toolbox, tackle box, or a container storing your razor blades to prevent rusting. Also, slow the effects of tarnishing by placing a few silica gel packets in jewelry boxes and with silverware.
Tuck some packets in the pockets of clothes, especially leather goods such as coats, shoes, and handbags. The silica won’t keep away moths, but it will help preserve the fabrics and materials while they’re waiting to be worn in your closet. This also works with luggage while traveling or in storage.
Silica Gel loses its effectiveness after absorbing moisture (up to 40% of its weight). However, the beads can be reactivated and reused multiple times. To reactivate the Silica Gel, spread the saturated Silica Gel beads thinly on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes at 79.4°C in a preheated oven. The heat from the oven will absorb moisture from the desiccant pack, which will help reactivate the Silica Gel. After that, place the desiccant bag in a zip lock bag upon removing it from the oven to keep moisture away, and the desiccant pack will be ready for use when needed.
In conclusion, while seeing these silica gel packets everywhere may appear to be a waste of resources, they have the potential to increase the life of many goods significantly. They should also be collected for recycling because they can be reactivated multiple times.
