Reusing desiccant packets around the home controls moisture.
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Although a little humidity may be good for your health and skin, it's not always beneficial for other things. When you purchase shoes, leather goods, toys and medicine, these items are often packaged with small packets of silica beads, called desiccants, which absorb and control moisture. Desiccant packets are typically thrown away, but they can be saved for use in other areas of the home.
Instructions
1. Place desiccant packets inside bags where you store blankets, clothing, linens or pillows. Cloth is particularly susceptible to moisture and can easily mildew, ruining the material. Depending on the size of the bag, two to three packets should suffice.
2. Pack any electronics in resealable, plastic bags when you travel, and throw a couple of desiccant packets into the bags. Cameras, phones, PDAs and video equipment are highly sensitive to moisture and can malfunction if moisture collects inside the equipment.
3. Add packets to a closet or cupboard where you store your leather shoes, belts and purses. Not only will the packets attract moisture, they will extend the life of your expensive things.
4. Open 20 to 30 packets and pour the beads into a tall glass. Dry fresh flowers by inserting the stems into the silica beads, and allow the flowers to sit in the silica for several days.The flowers will dry more quickly, and the silica protects the color vibrancy and the integrity of the petals and leaves.
5. Place intact desiccant packets inside safes where you store important documents, guns and ammunition. Airtight cases like safes trap air inside, including humid air, so desiccants protect your valuables.
6. Store desiccant packets among the things shelved in your garage. The packets are certainly ideal for wicking moisture away from things, but they also help control odors that are worsened by higher humidity levels.
7. Throw a couple of packets into a craft box, tackle box or tool box to prevent rusting of metal or the breakdown of paper or fiber materials.
8. Slip several desiccant packets inside of an envelope and add the envelope to the box or drawer where you store photographs. Think of the desiccant as an archival aid, and make sure the envelope is sealed.
9. Store several packets in the boxes where you keep your Christmas ornaments and decorations. Handcrafted, paper or bread-dough ornaments and decorations are more susceptible to trapped moisture, and the packets will protect these irreplaceable things.
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