It seems like everywhere I turn, those “Do NOT Eat” Silica Gel Packs are everywhere. I get a new pair of shoes…silica packs. I eat a snack pack of seaweed…silica pack. I get a new electronic…silica pack. They are everywhere and I have been throwing them away as quick I find them. It has such terrifying “DO NOT EAT” precautions, I figured I need to get rid of them ASAP. Must be poison in a tiny little bag. I’m not alone right?
So what is Silica?
According to Wikipedia:
- It is a naturally occurring mineral that is purified and processed into either granular or beaded form that is generally in a permeable bag
- It is used as a desiccant to control local humidity to avoid spoilage or degradation of some goods
Where to Stash Silica Gel Packs
- Keeps bacteria from growing in your gym shoes
- Open the packs and keep the silica gel beads in a mason jar (about 1/2 full) ready for your accidental swim with your iPhone. It will dry your phone out WAY faster than rice
- In a box of old photos so the pictures won’t stick together
- Your car’s dashboard to keep the inside of your windshield from fogging up
- Anywhere you might have moisture:
- Luggage (keeps everything dryer with potential temperature change
- Makeup/toiletry bag
- Beach bag for wet towels and swimsuits
- Underwater Camera (place it inside the case to keep the lens clear and dry)
- Your jewelry box so you can help avoid rust and tarnish on jewelry
The list is endless of the uses for silica gel packs. They might be the greatest inventions since slice bread!
Moral of the story: SAVE SILICA GEL PACKS
*Please note that : According to the Poison Center, “silica gel is non-toxic, meaning that it is not poisonous if eaten. The package says, “DO NOT EAT” because (1) it is not food, and (2) it could be a choking hazard. The packet of gels may easily become lodged in the throat of a small child or animal.”
