Silica gel packets from new bags and shoes are surprisingly useful around the house. Here are 7 clever ways to re-use them - and why you should never throw them out
Lifestyle Georgia Burns 21:42, 23 Mar 2025
Here are 7 unexpected ways to use the silica gel packets that come with new shoes and handbags that will be extremely helpful around the house.
Silica gel packets contain tiny beads of silicon dioxide, which help absorb moisture.
These small particles can absorb significant amounts of water, making the packets ideal for protecting store-bought items from damage caused by humidity.
But their usefulness doesn't stop there - these tiny sashes can help to keep makeup fresh, razors rust free and even fixing your phone.
Silica gel packets often last up to 18 months in a sealed environment, but always keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Article continues below
From preventing mould to eliminating odours, here are seven uses for silica gel packets around the house - instead of tossing them away.
Prevent rust on essential items
Bathrooms can get extremely humid, making metal items prone to rust such as razors or nail clippers.However, adding a silica gel packet to your bathroom drawers can help prevent moisture and stop rust forming.
Similar, a silica gel can be added to your tool box to help prevent rust on your wrenches or other metal items.
Keep clothes drawer fresh
Instead of throwing out the silica gel packets you can add them to clothing drawers or linen cupboards.
Sometimes your clothes drawers have unwanted smells that steam from mould or bacterial growth, due to the humid environment. As silica gel absorbs moisture, it will make it harder for the mould to grow, preventing smells and keeping your drawers fresh.
Household tips and hacks
Keep makeup fresh
Makeup items such as foundation and power last longer in a dry environment - and storing them inside your bathroom can allow excess moisture in and shorten their lifespan.
To get the most out of your makeup, place a few silica gel packets inside your makeup case - this will help to prevent products from hardening and become unable to use.
Reduce window moisture
Silica gel packets can also be used to help minimise window condensation. Simply place a silica packet on your windowsill or in your bathroom to absorb excess moisture.
Keep your gym bag fresh
When sweaty clothes, socks and shows are placed inside your gym bag, it can lead to an unwanted smell. To prevent this you should place a few silica gel packets inside your bag, which will help stop bacteria from growing as the gel packet deprives it from moisture.
Revive your phone
Dropping your phone in water can be a nightmare, but a few silica gel packets can help dry it out.
Similar to rice, the silica gel can help absorb the moisture that’s inside your phone.
If your phone gets wet, wipe away excess moisture before placing your phone inside a handful of silica gel packets in a zip lock bag - seal the bag and leave it over night.
Although you should not use loose silica beads, as the beads can get stuck inside the charging port of your phone - just place multiple unopened packets inside the ziplock bag.
Protect important documents
Silica gel packets can help products valuable documents such as birth certificates, passports and other important paperwork.
Article continues below
By placing a few packets in your drawer or storage box where the documents are, you will be able to keep them dry and prevent moisture damage.
Similarly, they can be used to keep old photographs safe from moisture - making sure they don’t discolour or stick together.
Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
