Silica Gel Packets We Usually Toss…Alternative Uses, Dangers, And What Are They Exactly?

Chances are you’ve bought something at least once that contained one of those little packets of silica gel. You know, those little packs that say “DO NOT EAT” THROW AWAY DESICCANT. They can be found in vitamins, beef jerky, shoeboxes, purses, electronic equipment, and many, many more items. I’ve always been super cautious and thrown them in the trash immediately so that our cats and grandkids don’t get hold of them. But the other day I discovered two of our cats batting one of those little packets around and one of the edges had been chewed and I could see the little beads that were inside. I’m pretty sure I forgot to take that packet out when I gave them a shoebox to play with. Well I freaked, not knowing if the cats had ingested any of those beads and seriously thought there was a possibility they might die. I immediately checked with the ASPCA and happily found out that even if they had eaten a bead or two, they would be ok and that I didn’t need to do anything (as long as they were acting normal.)

After I had calmed down, I wondered why I had always thought that those packets were poisonous and why they even came in products we buy all the time… and what the heck was silica gel anyway?

WHAT IS SILICA GEL?

Silica gel is a form of silicon dioxide, a naturally occurring mineral. As a desiccant ( drying agent,) it helps prevent degradation or spoilage of products that are sensitive to moisture. Because it absorbs and holds water vapor, it keeps things from being affected by excess moisture or condensation. Silica gel can absorb about 40% of its weight in moisture and can take the relative humidity in a closed container down to about 40%, which is why companies/corporations use them to protect vulnerable products.

IS IT POISONOUS?

According to the Poison Center, “silica gel is non-toxic, meaning that it is not poisonous if eaten. The package says, “DO NOT EAT” because (1) it is not food, and (2) it could be a choking hazard. The packet of gels may easily become lodged in the throat of a small child or animal.”

If you’re worried about pets, the ASPCA says, “While it is indeed true that it is not meant for consumption, silica gel usually produces only mild stomach upset, which typically resolves with minimal to no treatment. If very large quantities are eaten, however, such as with ingestion of multiple packets or mouthfuls of kitty litter (silica gel can be found in certain cat litters to absorb moisture,) intestinal obstruction is possible-especially in very small animals.”

** I would still check with a poison center or your doctor if your pet or child does eat a packet or the beads themselves. AND I would still keep them out of the reach of small children and pets, to prevent any choking hazards.

While researching silica gel packets, I came across a couple of sites that claimed silica gel was toxic and that the packets had made them sick. But in those cases, there was no medical facts to back that information up. On two of the sites the writers actually say their doctors didn’t think that’s what caused their minor ailments, but they (the bloggers) are insistent that was the cause. They didn’t ingest any of the silica gel but were referring to taking vitamins that contained the silica gel packets. My personal thinking is that there will always be someone who reacts adversely to something and that perhaps it was the vitamins that didn’t agree with them.

While reading about silica gel packets I discovered that there are actually tons of ways you can reuse them to extend the life or protect items in your home. I also found out that silica gel packets and beads are sold at stores and online…and here I’ve been tossing them in the trash all my life!

USES IN THE KITCHEN…

Silica gel packets can help keep foods from clumping, stay fresh longer, slow the molding process and prevent tarnish and rust.

• Put in spice drawers.
• Add to dried fruit or dried herbs/spices.
• Put in your brown sugar bags.
• Put in bags/containers of vegetables that sprout quickly like onions and potatoes.
• Keep in silverware drawers or silver chest.
• Set in a bread box.
• Store alongside cast iron pots and pans.

IN THE BATHROOM…

• Keep razor blades sharp and rust-free by storing a couple of packets in your shaving kit. (Or store your razor in a Tupperware dish with a lid and toss in 2 or 3 packets.)
• Place a silica gel packet in linen closets to keep towels and sheets smelling clean and fresh.
• If your bottle of pills or vitamins don’t come with a silica gel packet in them, you can add one to keep them from prematurely dissolving when stored in bathrooms, which can be humid.

IN THE GARDEN…

• If you store seeds for the next season, you can keep them fresher and mold-free by storing in a container with a silica gel packet.

WITH PETS…

• Big bulk bags of pet food can become soggy, depending on where you live and how you store the food. Keep it fresh by putting it in a bin and then tape a few silica packs to the bottom of the lid.
• I’ve read where some people use silica gel in cat liter to absorb moisture. I personally wouldn’t do this, just in case one of our cats decided to eat it and possibly choke. But I tend to be over-cautious sometimes.

WHEN TRAVELING…

• Keep a couple of packets of silica gel in your luggage. When traveling, it will help keep your belongings from moisture or changes in temperature. And when not traveling, it will help keep it moisture and odor-free.
• Keep a few packets in your makeup/travel bag to help keep items dry and moisture-free.
• If you’ve been enjoying a pool or body of water on vacation and find you need to pack but you still have wet towels or bathing suits, place the wet items in a separate bag filled with a bunch of gel packets. It will help remove some of the moisture and slow down the mold process. The more wet items you have, the more packets you need to add.

PHONES, CAMERAS & ELECTRONICS…

• I’ve dropped my phone in a sink of water, the toilet, and our pet’s water bowl…on numerous occasions. Using rice to dry out my phone has always worked well but supposedly, the silica gel packets work even better because of how absorbent they are. Simply pop out the battery and any memory cards and place in a bowl or bag with the silica gel packets. Leave overnight.
• Keep underwater cameras dry and the lens free from condensation by placing silica gel packets in your camera case, along with your camera of course. I read that if you place a couple of packets between the camera and the underwater casing (for underwater cameras,) it can really be helpful and help prevent the lens from fogging too.

MORE USES…

• Avoid rust and tarnish on jewelry by storing silica gel packets in your jewelry box. Keep in tool kits, with fishing gear, and in ice skating bags too.
• Protect photos and documents by putting some gel packets in boxes, crates, or wherever you store them to keep them safe and dry.
• If your home windows form condensation in between the panes, store some of the silica gel packets on the sill so they can absorb the moisture. (Make sure kids and pets can’t get to them.)
• For less foggy windshields, keep packets of silica gel in the glove box or on the dashboard.
• Preserve the life of DVD’s, videos, and cassette tapes by storing in containers with silica gel packets.
• If you dry flowers, you can speed up the process by putting them in a paper bag with a few silica gel packets.
• Store packets in your gym bag or locker to keep your items fresh smelling.
• Keep a few silica gel packs in ammo cans and gun safes.
• Add packets to anything you don’t use on a regular basis and keep stored like seasonal bedding, sleeping bags, clothes, etc.
• For musty smelling books, place books in a sealable bag or container with silica gel packets. Let sit overnight or for several days, depending on how old/musty the book is.

MONEY-SAVING TIP…

Once the silica gel packets don’t seem to be working as effectively as they were, put them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake in a 200 degree oven for a couple of hours. Let cool before using.

Store silica gel packets in a sealed container or bag to maintain freshness.