Don’t Throw Away Those Silica Gel Packs

Every other package that shows up at my door has one of these little packets. Don't throw them out. They can be so helpful around your home.

Three of the last five packages that were delivered to my home had a silica gel pack in them. A couple of the packages had a few packs. They are little super suckers when it comes to absorbing moisture. My nine-year-old asked me what their purpose was and I just quickly said what I've always believed to be true about them. I really wished I hadn't just thrown them out, because you won't believe what i just learned about just how effective these packets really are, and how they're your next great Life Hack.

First, the quick science lesson behind silica gel, from Science World,

Silica gel can hold 30 to 40% of its weight in water. Water molecules stick to its surface. Each silica bead has many tiny interconnected pores, resulting in high surface area. The tiny pores hang on to moisture through capillary condensation, which means that, even when saturated with moisture, the beads seem dry.

I guess I never really thought about how much moisture, and possibly mildew, could build up in many of things that are shipped around the world. If not for these tiny little packets, imaging what could happen to electronics, clothing, or medicines, without something to control the moisture level.

This leads me to my recent discovery of the many ways those little packets can be re-used around your home. But only if they are still sealed up and/or in those little breathable bags.

[H/T 999KTDY]

Steve Shannon is host of The Steve Shannon Show on 97ZOK. On the air weekday mornings from 6 to 10 a.m. and a special 'Rewind' show, featuring favorite moments from previous shows, on Saturday mornings from 5 to 7 a.m.. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and like his page on Facebook.