Clever Ways to Reuse Silica Beads Inspired by Pinterest

by | Aug 2, 2017 | At Home, Beauty, DIY, Pinterest Interest, Travel

They come in most things ordered online. From tiny packets in the bottom of pockets to larger bags added to keep things fresh. Silica gel beads are more than just a one-time use. The beads have a shelf life of 3-6 months and can accomplish a lot of things that spruce up home life!

Brown Sugar Savior

Place a packet or two of silica beads at the bottom of an air-tight container. Add in the bag of brown sugar on top. Shut the lid tight and see how much longer the brown sugar remains fresh and easily measured for use.

Trash Can

I used to sprinkle baking soda every now again in my trash to neutralize the smell. No more. Instead, I stick a few silica bead packets on the top of the trash can. Silica not only neutralizes the smell, but it takes out moisture. The moisture enhances the smells in the can, so when eliminated, there is a huge improvement. Every three to six months, I throw them away and put a few fresh packets to keep the scents at bay.

Fridge/Freezer

With so many different types of food going in and out of the fridge and freezer, there is bound to be some smell cross over. Place about three packets in various points of the fridge and freezer. I like to stick one in the produce drawer in the fridge because the freshness of the produce is extended as well. Any moisture is absorbed as well along with any residual smell. Keeping a stinky cheese tasting good, but not stinking up the fridge is a dream come true!

Luggage

Traveling to a wet and damp place or maybe even during a rainstorm? Place a few silica bead packets in the luggage to keep the inside items crisp and dry. Make sure to add them in the exterior pockets or interior compartments that have the really important stuff. I place one at all times in my toiletry bag and jewelry bag for good measure.

Cell Phone Savior

Cell phones that took a dip in the ocean or pool must be dried off quickly. Towel dry the phone to soak up any exposed residual water. Place the dried phone in a bag filled with silica gel packets. I give my bag at home a boost of power by adding rice and oatmeal so every part of the bag will work at drying out the phone. Leave overnight and this bag of goodness will give the phone a fighting chance to be bone dry again.

Keepsakes

This one is my favorites. I am an avid collector of cards and photographs. Although I wish to sort them all out and put them in books right when I get them, a large majority are still in a keepsake box. To make sure everything remains the same in quality, place a few packets in the box. The Silica beads remove moisture in the closed space allowing the keepsakes to remain dry. It makes me happy to see that even though I may not have done anything with the keepsakes, the important items are not ruined.

Silver Jewelry

Gather up the silver jewelry you wish to keep looking clean. Place them in a plastic bag and add a couple of silica bead packets. They will stay pristine for a very long time. The lack of moisture stops the tarnishing process. This way the silver studs or serving tray look simply divine!