14 Smart Ways To Use Silica Gel Packets Around The House Instead Of Throwing Them Out

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Everyone knows of those little packets that often come in newly purchased items that are full of some kind of mystery beads and are famously labeled "DO NOT EAT. THROW AWAY." Well, only one of those statements is true, which is that these satchels, called silica gel packets, do not make a good snack. However, given their endless handy uses around the house, break one of the rules and don't toss them in the trash.

The beads inside these packs are composed of a natural compound called silicon dioxide, which has exceptional absorption characteristics. Because of the level of moisture these porous little beads can absorb, they are used as a means to control humidity in the environment in which they are placed, also called a desiccant. These dried silicon dioxide beads are placed into a satchel for ease of use and are put inside product packaging for an endless number of items.

So, rather than tossing these handy little moisture removers, recycle your silica gel packets and put them to work throughout your home to preserve, protect, and dry out your household items in many ways. From preserving flowers and precious keepsakes to rescuing books or electronics that took an unexpected bath, silica gel packets can do it all. So, start creating a stash with all of your leftover packets from purchases (or you can buy them in many sizes and quantities like these from Amazon) and put them to good use in any or all of the 14 smart ways we are sharing today.

Silica gel packs can really save the day in that horrible moment when you've managed to drop your phone in the toilet or pool and need to dry it out. Phone manufacturers have discouraged the traditional drying method in rice, as the particles can damage the device. Instead, immediately power down your phone, hand dry what you can, and put it in a bag or container with a few silica gel packets to fully dry for 24-72 hours. With a little patience and luck, your device may end up just fine.

Keep a few small mesh bags with silica gel packets inside to drop into your shoes when you remove them in the mudroom or entry. Since shoe stink often comes from bacteria caused by moisture exposure, these little humidity controllers keep your sneakers fresher for longer. And similar to the way there are often silica gel packs inside the shoebox when you buy a new pair of kicks, they are also perfect for preserving and protecting your prized shoe collection from moisture damage when in storage.

For those with leftover seeds or open seed packages after planting season is over, adding a silica gel packet to your airtight container will help keep your seeds dry, protected from mold caused by moisture, and prolong the length of their storage life until they are ready for the ground next year. These handy little packets are also perfect for drying out seeds for a few days prior to freezing them for even longer-term storage.

When storing items for the long term, such as off-season decor, mildew caused by undetected moisture damage is a bummer when it's finally discovered. Even worse, priceless documents, records, photos, and keepsakes can easily be permanently ruined by humidity. Silica gel packs tucked into decor totes, keepsake bins, and document boxes will help keep your precious belongings dry and free of damaging mold. They are also a great way to absorb the moisture in a safe with very little airflow, protecting irreplaceable contents.

When drying flowers for crafting or keepsakes, use silica gel to maintain the shape and color of the blooms. Place a layer of loose silica gel beads at the bottom of an airtight container, nestle your flowers on top, and carefully add more beads until the flowers are covered. Wait at least three weeks, or until the petals feel like paper, for the blooms to fully dry. Some preservationists are opting to keep them in there for a month and a half to be sure.

Humidity can accelerate the tarnishing process for jewelry, as well as cause additional issues like fogging and rust in the gears for your beloved watch collection. Adding silica gel packets to your jewelry box or watch drawer can help control the humidity and slow the tarnishing process, as well as avoid other issues caused by moisture damage. For items that are often sentimental and/or expensive, it's essential to protect your keepsakes and investments by keeping them dry.

Exposure to excess moisture will cause the blades of a razor to rust and dull prematurely, meaning you are forced to replace them sooner or risk an inferior shave. However, by storing your razor in a container with silica gel packs between uses, you are effectively reducing the moisture exposure and prolonging the life of the blade. This is also a great drying hack for traveling with razors, which somehow always seem soaked when you need to put them back into your luggage.

When it comes to that dreaded gym bag stink (ugh), the culprit is bacteria caused by moisture. Help keep your sporting equipment free of odor by adding silica gel packs to storage cases, bags, and even lockers. While stinky sporting goods may seem like an uphill battle, these little packets will work wonders to help control the humidity that's causing the smell. Be sure to also remove dirty clothing and follow the silica gel sneaker tip above for a holistic approach to banishing gym stink for good.

Judging by the fact that many pill bottles come equipped with silica gel packets when you buy them, it should come as no surprise that leaving them in or adding a pack to a medicine, vitamin, or supplement bottle without one will help keep your capsules dry. Removing exposure to moisture prevents pills from degrading and breaking down, prolonging the life of your products. This is especially important if you live in a high-humidity location or have a many-month supply in one bottle.

Similar to a pill bottle, silica gel packets can be added to countless pantry items to keep them dry, prolong their lifespan, and keep their texture. Dried teas, chili peppers, salt, spices, crunchy potato chips, cereal, jerky, freeze-dried fruits, and any other crispy or dried snack that tends to wilt in high humidity will benefit from the moisture control. Silica gel packets also help prevent clumping in powders like drink mixes and spices, as well as keep dried pet food fresher for happy furry friends. It is important, though, to make sure that the packets aren't punctured or accidentally eaten, as that can be hazardous for humans and animals.

If an electronic is exposed to too much humidity, the moisture can get inside and rust or corrode parts, as well as create mold. Any electronics with a glass lens, such as a camera or cover, can also build up condensation and fog over time. For airtight electronic cases, add a silica gel packet to regulate the humidity and maintain the integrity of your electronics. For non-airtight cases, the packs will need to be "recharged" periodically in the oven as they absorb humidity from the environment.

Prevent your home library from getting musty or moldy by keeping moisture at bay. Place silica gel packets behind or around your favorite books to ensure your collection stays dry. For preserving extra-special publications or in cases where you need to dry out a book that had an unfortunate encounter with a spill or unexpected rainstorm, you can even insert the thin gel packets inside the book itself. Dreaded booklice also feed on mold, so keeping your books dry means they have no reason to stay.

To prevent rust and corrosion of metal items in storage, add a few packets of silica gel to remove the moisture from the interior of the container. This could be used in a toolbox as a storage vessel for hardware, like nails and screws, or a tin of pins and needles in your sewing kit. This premise can also be applied to storage boxes for fishing lures, which are in regular contact with water, given the nature of the sport and the need to be properly dried.

No one wants their clothes to smell musty or develop mildew, so use silica gel packs to help control humidity in your closet or dresser, especially for those located near your steamy shower, protecting your favorite outfits from moisture. These packs are also perfect for keeping off-season clothing items that are packed in boxes or containers for storage dry for the long haul, especially in locations like damp basements. You can also use this trick in your luggage for keeping your wardrobe fresh while you are on the go.