Black Friday shopping? Here are fall and winter uses for silica gel packets
A few tips and tricks of what you can do with those small silica gel packets you get in packaging.
If you've been scoring some great Black Friday deals, there's a high chance the products you're buying will come in silica gel packets. Silica gel is a granular form of silicon dioxide, which is a naturally-occurring material. It is highly porous and extremely effective at absorbing moisture.
Silica gel is often packed with consumer goods because it helps keep products dry and free of mold when stored in warehouses and during shipping. While naturally occurring, silica gel should never be ingested. And the fact that it comes from nature doesn't necessarily make it environmentally friendly: The packets that contain them are often made with non-recyclable and non-biodegradable materials. Instead of contributing to landfill waste, consider hanging on to those packets.
Here are some cold weather uses for them:
Preserve your winter wardrobe. Silica packets can go into sweater drawers or storage bins containing coats, scarves, and wool socks to keep them moisture-free during fluctuating fall temperatures.
Keep shoes dry. Slip packets into boots or shoes that get wet in the rain or snow.
__Protect patio furniture.__When putting items away for winter storage, throw in a couple of silica gel packets to reduce moisture retention.
Keep windows clear. Place packets along windowsills to help absorb cold-weather condensation. This will also work on your car windshield.
Protect holiday decorations. Wreaths, lights, and baubles can be saved from moisture damage or rust with the help of silica gel.
Emergency kits for your car and home can be kept dry with silica gel.
If you're in a flood-prone area, keep silica gel packets in sealed bins to protect valuables and documents from unexpected water damage.
Header image created by Cheryl Santa Maria.
