6 very useful ways to take advantage of the anti-humidity silica bags

“Throw away, do not eat” is the only legend that is printed on the silica sachets that you find inside shoe boxes, bags, clothes, some toys and in a multitude of products that are sensitive to humidity. Due to this impression of warning, we look at the bags with caution and throw them away as soon as possible. However, its content is not edible, of course, but neither is it toxic or useless. On the contrary, the silica gel bags will be extremely useful in many everyday situations.

What is silica gel?

Silica gel is composed of granules of amorphous silicon dioxide that has a high capacity to absorb water (it is hygroscopic). This capacity is multiplied because, at the microscopic level, the granules offer a huge contact surface. That is why it is used as a drying agent, among other applications.

silica gel it can absorb up to a third of its own weight in water. Bearing in mind that there are about 17 g of water in a cubic meter of air at 20ºC, these gel sachets are very effective in keeping nearby objects dry. In a box, a couple of sachets can absorb all the water in the air.

Pure silica gel is non-toxic, but in some cases dyes (often blue or orange) are added to it, which darken as they absorb water.

6 everyday uses for silica gel

Once you’ve gathered a few bags of silica gel at home, they can come in handy in a number of ways. Keep in mind that the gel that has fulfilled its function and has been moistened is also useful, because when it dries it keeps its properties intact. The more bags you gather, the better they will serve you.

1. Dry a wet phone or camera

You know that water can be lethal for a mobile phone or a camera. If you suspect or are sure that one of these devices has been exposed to excessive humidity, so that water could condense inside, put it in an airtight container just the right size to fit, and put the silica gel bags inside as well. Within a few hours the sachets will absorb excess moisture from the air and thus allow the device to dry out completely.

2. Dry wet shoes faster

Instead of blow-drying wet shoes or placing them next to the heater, simply fill them with bags of silica gel. Also in this case, the gel will absorb moisture and the shoes will dry soon. It also reduces odors.

3. Protect seeds and papers

Damp basements or attics can damage clothes, papers or other sensitive objects stored. They can be protected from excessive moisture with silica gel. To do this, you simply place a couple of desiccant bags in the box that you keep those things in.

They will also be useful for store seeds that you have grown or bought yourself. They will remain in good condition for longer thanks to the silica sachets.

4. Keep stamp or photo collections dry

Postage stamps and photographs are especially sensitive to moisture. With a few silica gel bags in the photo box or stamp album, the photos from grandma’s time and the stamp collection are also well protected.

5. Protect sensitive foods

Even the foods that spoil more quickly Due to contact with moisture or change in consistency, they can be protected with the practical desiccant, for example when traveling or storing in a cellar. In the case of seaweed sheets or effervescent tablets, for example, silica gel often comes in the packaging. Although it is an innocuous substance (if it does not contain dyes or other additives), it prevents it from mixing with the food.

It also helps you so that the detergents and moisture sensitive cleaning agents in powder form.

6. Prevent car windows from fogging up

Foggy windows are one of the annoying side effects of increased humidity, especially in cold seasons. A few bags of silica gel, scattered around the car, they absorb some of the excess moisture and ensure that the windows stay clean for longer.