When you unwrap a delivery, open a new handbag, or take fresh shoes out of the box, you’ll often spot little silica gel sachets tucked inside.
Most of us throw them away straight away, but they can actually be incredibly handy if you know how to reuse them safely.
Here’s a guide to what silica gel pouches are, how they work, and clever ways you can put them to good use around the home.
What are silica gel pouches?
Silica gel sachets are added to packaging to protect items from moisture and help keep them dry. You’ll often find them in new shoes, handbags and leather goods, as well as with electronics, because they reduce the risk of damp, mould and humidity during storage and shipping.
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According to experts at GeeJay Chemicals, a UK supplier of silica gel:“The scientific name for silica gel is silicon dioxide. There are two main types: non-indicating and self-indicating. Non-indicating gel adsorbs (collects water on its surface rather than absorbing it) just under 40% of its own weight. Self-indicating gel takes up slightly less moisture but changes colour when damp, so you can tell it’s working.”
Is silica gel poisonous?
Most packets are printed with ‘DO NOT EAT’ warnings, but pure silica gel itself is considered non-toxic.
That said, self-indicating silica gel contains cobalt, which is toxic, so those pouches should never come into contact with food.
To stay on the safe side, always keep silica gel sachets well out of reach of children, pets and other animals. Even non-toxic versions can pose a choking risk, and some packets may contain chemical traces from the manufacturing process.
What can I use silica gel for?
Because silica gel actively adsorbs moisture, you can reuse the packets anywhere that dampness or musty smells are a problem. Instead of tossing them in the bin, set a few aside the next time you receive a delivery.
Some clever uses include:
- Keeping photo albums, passports and important paperwork free from moisture damage.
- Slipping them into a jewellery box to prevent silver tarnishing.
- Adding to a toolbox or with gardening tools to reduce the chance of rust.
- Dropping into a gym bag or shoe cupboard to help absorb odours.
Just remember to check the sachets regularly — if the packet splits, the beads can spill out and make a mess (or worse, pose a hazard inside handbags or drawers).
Where can I buy silica gel?
If you’ve already thrown yours away, don’t worry. Silica gel sachets are easy to buy online from retailers such as Amazon, and are available in a range of sizes depending on what you need them for.
