How to reuse silica gel packs, part two

Add silica gel packs to containers of homemade kale chips (or apple chips) to keep them crispy. (Credit: Lindsay Coulter)

I gave you six ways to reuse silica gel packs --- found in vitamin bottles and seaweed snacks --- and you gave me another 10.

Add silica gels packs to your:


Toolboxes to prevent tools from rusting. Thanks, Adam, Ella and Chuck!
Musical instrument cases. "They're great. I offer them up to customers at my guitar shop." ~ Adam
Watch (or smartphone) if it takes on water. "If you get your watch wet and the glass fogs up, put it in a sealable plastic bag with a few of these bags." ~ Michelle (and thanks to David, too!)
Containers of homemade kale chips (or apple chips) to keep them crispy. Thanks, Laine!
Recycling cupboard to absorb excess moisture (and cut down on funky smells that can result). Thanks, Laurie!
Seed packages. Thanks, Jim!
Car in the winter to remove moisture from leaky windows. Thanks, Dana!
Camera case and bags. Thanks, Kellie!
Jewellery box. Thanks, Showey!
Night-guard container. Thanks, Gail!

Cliff also offered advice on how to dry out silica gel packs:

Silica can absorb large quantities of moisture. But if you put an item that's dry with a moisture-laden silica gel pack, you risk transferring moisture from the gel to your item until humidity equilibrium is obtained. This is counterproductive. Your microwave can test moisture content. Put the silica in for 30 seconds. If it comes out hot (careful!), it's full of moisture. If it's barely warm -- microwaves only heat water molecules -- it's dry. Too wet? Dry gel packs in the oven at 150 degrees and open the door occasionally to exchange the moisture-laden air for dryer air.

Note: Do not open silica gel packs, and keep them away from children and pets.

Have you come up with other ideas you'd like to share?

Sincerely,

Lindsay Coulter, a fellow Queen of Green

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