Silica Gel: 11 Possible Uses

Although silica gel itself is not toxic, other substances are sometimes added to enhance the effectiveness of the silica gel. And these could be harmful to health.

Would you like to learn more about silica gel? Then just read on, today we will tell you how you can reuse these bags with the white beads.

Although you may not be really familiar with the name silica gel, which is also called silica gel, this product is almost ubiquitous in your life. You can find it, for example, in the small, breathable bags that are in shoe boxes or bags.

While you may not know the purpose of these bags, you just throw them in the trash, like most other people. Silica gel is a porous, granular form of silicon dioxide that is synthetically produced from sodium silicate, a water glass compound.

The porous structure guarantees that moisture is effectively absorbed and the packaged product reaches its recipient dry and in perfect condition. In addition, the manufacturers recommend removing the small bags from the new bag or wallet before using them for the first time, as they could potentially burst.

Some information about the history of the silica gel …

Silica gel has been known to science since 1640. Although it has been used for various purposes over the years, chemistry professor Walter A. Patrick did not file a patent for it until 1919.

This product was used in the cruel gas chambers of World War II to absorb gases and vapors.

In addition, amazingly , silica gel was also used during World War II to keep penicillin dry and in good condition. Because of this, it has helped save many lives.

What other uses are there for silica gel today?

Silica gel is a desiccant that can be recycled and used for many useful things around the home.

This gel alone is not toxic. However, certain toxins, such as cobalt chloride  , are sometimes added to increase the effectiveness of the silica gel, which could have negative effects on your health.

The globules you usually get are white or transparent, while the toxic variant is blue and turns pink when in contact with water. In addition, there is always a warning on the bags if the contents are toxic.

How can you continue to use these silica gel bags?

Drying flowers

Imagine you have a beautiful flower or blossom that you would like to keep because it means so much to you or simply because of its beauty. Cover them completely with the beads and wait 2 or 3 days, but never longer than 5.

Prevent silver tarnishing with silica gel

As you know, silver tarnishes and turns black due to humidity. If you put a bag of silica gel in your jewelry box, you can prevent this from happening.

To protect old photos

Old photographs lose their color and shine over the years and can turn yellow. Therefore, you should store them with a bag of silica gel to avoid this effect.

Silica gel prevents unpleasant odors from damp clothing

If you’ve been to the swimming pool, the beach, or the gym, you will likely just put your wet clothes in your backpack or training bag. This often creates an unpleasant odor. To avoid this, you should put some silica gel sachets in your pocket.

To protect metal objects

In the case of moisture, metal oxidizes particularly quickly and an oxide layer forms, which affects the functionality of the instrument or destroys it. If you put a sachet of silica gel close by, you can prevent this from happening.

For storing seeds

Seeds will start to mold if you store them in moist conditions. Just add some silica gel sachets and you will avoid this effect.

Dry your cellphone with silica gel

Sometimes your cell phone or other technical device can get wet. Typically, you will likely use rice to dry the device. However, this can cause small rice particles to build up and this dust can damage your mobile phone. The silica gel bags fulfill the same function as rice without leaving any harmful residues.

Other uses

• To avoid condensation in the interior of your car, you can simply spread a few silica gel bags around the car.
• Cat litter is made from silica due to its highly absorbent properties.
• You can also use silica gel to keep your groceries in good condition. However, you should make sure that the contents of the bags do not contain any toxic components and that you do not consume them!
• Silica can also protect your camera’s lens from damage.

For these and many other reasons, you should save the silica gel bags. As you can see, there are numerous ways in which you can reuse them!