7 little-known uses for the silica gel packets that come with shoes & bags & why you shouldn’t ever throw them away
IF you’ve ever spotted the little silica gel packets that come inside new handbags or with new shoes don’t chuck them away.
The tiny sachets can actually be extremely useful around your home, including keeping make-up fresh, razors rust-free and fixing your phone.
The silica packs contain tiny beads or grains that are silicon dioxide in solid form.
This works as a drying agent that can draw in water molecules through the paper packing and can absorb around 40 per cent of its weight in moisture.
They can also reduce humidity in a closed container down to 40 per cent.
From preventing mould to eradicating odours, the little packets can be invaluable, and here are seven lesser-known uses…
1. Clothes drawers
Instead of chucking the packets away, why not add them to your clothing drawers or linen cupboards.
Unpleasant odours often come from mould or bacterial growth, which thrive in humid environments.
Silica gel absorbs moisture from the air, making it harder for mould and bacteria to grow—helping to keep your space fresh.
And it’s not just for clothes drawers.
If you notice funky smells under the kitchen sink or in bathroom cabinets, try placing a few silica gel packets in these areas and see the difference.
Silica gel packets can last up to 18 months in a sealed environment—just be sure to keep them out of reach of pets and children.
2. Prevent rust on your essentials
Ever opened your bathroom cupboard to find rust stains on your razors or nail clippers? Bathrooms are humid environments, making metal items prone to rust.
But adding a silica gel packet to your drawers can help prevent this problem.
The same trick works for tools. If your wrench or other metal items in your toolbox are rusting, place some silica gel packets inside to keep them dry and rust-free.
3. Keep makeup fresh
Make-up, especially foundations and powders, lasts longer in a dry environment.
For this reason, experts have advised that storing these in a steamy bathroom isn’t ideal.
To extend the life of your products, place a few silica gel packets in your make-up case or drawer.
They can also help prevent powders from hardening and becoming difficult to use.
4. Reduce window moisture
A tip shared by consumer group Which?, on Instagram shows another innovative way to reuse the tiny packets.
The drying agent can be popped on a window sill or in your steamy bathroom to capture some of the condensation.
But be sure to keep these sachets away from children or pets, as they can be toxic if ingested.
5. Keep your gym bag fresh
Opening up a gym bag after a few days can be an unpleasant experience.
With sweaty clothes, socks, and shoes inside, bacteria and odours can quickly build up.
Silica gel deprives the bacteria of the moisture they need to thrive, so they will become dormant rather than destroyed.
A few silica gel packets in your gym bag will eliminate dampness, and help keep your gym-bag germ and whiff-free.
Is silica gel dangerous if you eat it?
UNFORTUNATELY it is possible that children could mistake silica gel packets for food, while adults might confuse them with salt or sugar packets.
Thankfully silica gel is considered “chemically inert”, according to Healthline, meaning it doesn’t break down in the body or cause poisoning.
However, since it doesn’t dissolve, swallowing the gel or the entire packet can pose a choking hazard.
That’s why manufacturers include warnings like “Do not eat” or “Throw away after use.”
In most cases, ingesting silica gel won’t make you sick—it typically passes through the body without causing harm.
6. Revive your phone
Many people will know the sinking feeling of dropping your phone in water.
Whether it’s a pool, bathtub, or worse—the toilet—there’s still hope.
Silica gel packets can help dry it out.
First, remove the battery (if possible) and gently wipe away excess moisture with a soft cloth, ideally microfiber.
Then, place your phone, battery, and a handful of silica gel packets in a zip-lock bag, seal it, and leave it overnight.
Note: Do not use loose silica beads, as they could get stuck in your phone’s ports or crevices.
7. Protect important papers
Silica gel packets can help protect valuable paperwork like birth certificates, passports, and other important documents.
Just place a couple of packets in your filing cabinet or storage box to keep them dry and prevent damage.
They’re also great for preserving old photographs, helping to prevent prints from sticking together or discolouring over time.