They can be found in every shoebox or newly purchased bags: small bags with transparent balls in them. What is it about them?
"Do not eat, please throw away": This is on the sachets that we find in almost every package of a newly purchased product.
It contains small, colorless spheres called silica gel. The editors will explain what this is and how useful they are.
What is silica gel anyway?
The silica gel, also called silicon dioxide (SiO2), is used as a drying agent because it is so porous and has a large inner surface. For example, shoe boxes are included to keep possible moisture away from the products.
Due to this property, the silica gel can also be used for many other things. Here are a few suggestions:
Save wet electronics
When the smartphone or another electronic device has plunged into the water, tears are in the eyes of many. These items may still have to be saved.
You've probably heard of the trick of putting a wet cell phone in a rice container to soak up the liquid - the same thing works with silica gel.
The beads also have the advantage that they do not leave any annoying residues that may still clog connections.
This keeps silver jewelry beautiful
Wet silver jewelry tends to turn black. You can prevent this by placing some silica gel in the box beforehand.
Unclump the salt and sugar
Are you also annoyed by your sugar or salt shaker? The white powder constantly clumps in it and the meal has to get by without proper salting. But not with silica gel: Put a bag of it in the shaker and wait for a while. Soon the powder loosens up again and can be spread easily.
However, make sure that none of the silica gel gets into your food - it is non-toxic, but still not suitable for eating. You can read more about this in the last paragraph.
Combat unpleasant smells
The reason for smelly workout clothes are, of course, the welding residues adhering to the fabric - with a bag of silica gel in the sports bag to insulate one of the unpleasant odors , as this moisture is bound.
You can also use this effect for a musty smelling car. With a larger amount of small packages, you should get a handle on the smells.
No more foggy displays or lenses
Those who play around with a camera in the cold for a long time often have to struggle with a fogged up lens at home. You can avoid this effect by putting the camera in a bag full of silica gel before you get warm .
Protect medication while traveling
If you are afraid that your medication in your suitcase or in your handbag will be damaged during a long trip, silica gel is the perfect solution. With a few enclosed packets, the moisture is also warded off here.
Even during World War II, silicon dioxide is said to have been used to keep penicillin dry and therefore effective.
Video: silica gel - you can do that with it
Stowed belongings
There is often less heating in the attic or in the basement, which is why there is more moisture. If you want to protect stored books or photo albums from it, you should put a few bags of silica gel in the boxes . Even mold and strange smells don't stand a chance.
No more rain-soaked clothes
Nothing is more annoying than wet shoes or wet bags. With a few bags of silica gel you speed up the drying process.
The small bags can also be of great use in the wardrobe.
© picture alliance / Oliver Berg / dpa
Can I buy the silica gel separately?
The useful drying agent can also be easily purchased via online platforms without having to make a trip to the nearest shoe store beforehand. The silica gel is even offered in kilo bags .
What is particularly gratifying: after the work is done, you do not have to throw the bags away - if you heat them in the oven at 100 degrees Celsius, they can be reused.
Can silica gel be regenerated?
Once the useful bags have done their job and absorbed moisture, they often end up in the trash can. This need not be. The silica gel can be regenerated again in the oven. To do this, spread it flat on a baking sheet and place the device at a maximum of 80 degrees in circulating air .
Does the silica gel have disadvantages or is it even dangerous?
Why does it say "Don't eat, throw away!" on the sachet? Are you dangerous? The granules themselves are non-toxic , but the sachets may contain additives.
The color of the silica gel also gives you information: transparent balls are harmless, pink ones have already absorbed moisture and blue ones can contain toxic substances.
The label primarily serves as a distinguishing feature to foods - the silica gel should not be confused with salt or sugar.
Read here what you should always do before cleaning the bathroom. With this trick you repair your dripping shower head.
Also interesting : These ingenious life hacks finally bring order to your wardrobe.
By Franziska Kaindl with material from dpa
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