They come with bags of bedding and stuffed in shoes– I'm talking about those packets of silica gel beads. These packets absorb excess moisture making them perfect to prevent mold, mildew, corrosion, and odors.
Put these little gems to good use, the next time a packet comes with your purchase instead of tossing it try the following ideas instead!
1 These silica gel packets keep your belongings safe.
2 Silica packets come with bedding, shoes, electronics, and vitamins.
3 Box some up with books.
4 A few will protect photos.
5 Papers will be safe too!
6 Reactivate them in a warm oven.
7 Place them on a baking sheet for 15 minutes.
Box it up with books
Can't part with your favorite novels? No problem. Keep them safe by tucking a packet or two in the box with the books before storing it away.
Put it away with photos
Protect your precious memories by adding a packet or two in with your photos. Tape a few to the lid of the box to prevent the packets from making direct contact with the photos.
Pop it in with papers
Before you store all those papers you need to keep, like tax returns, toss in a packet or two.
Need more packets? Just ask! Most sales associates in the shoe department are more than happy to give you the ones they'd have to dispose of.
TIP:
Remember after doing their job for some time these little packets can become moisture laden.
To reactivate the silica beads place the packets on a baking sheet and warm them for fifteen minutes in an oven set to 175 degrees.
Caution: Silica packets are dangerous when ingested by people or pets.
GOT ITEMS YOU HATE TOSSING? TRY ME!
What other household items do you hate throwing away but aren't sure how to put to good use? I take requests!
Until next time keep it simple and clutter-free!
Jamie Novak, The World’s Most Relatable Organizer, is author of "Stop Throwing Money Away: Turn Clutter to Cash, Trash to Treasure—And Save the Planet While You're at It." Please visit her website at JamieNovak.com.
From: Today: I hated to leave Haiti. « | 11/23/10 at 11:20 pm
[...] Something to do with those pesky silica packets (besides, you know, throw them [...]
From: Jamie Novak | 12/29/10 at 12:11 am
Another great place to stash a few? In the box with the holiday greeting cards you plan to send next year. The glue on mine got moist and they sealed themselves shut!
From: Emily | 1/3/11 at 7:19 pm
Great ideas! I've also heard that if your cell phone gets wet, you can take it apart and put the pieces in a sealed container with uncooked rice & several silica packets to dry it out safely.