Here's why you should
never throw out those annoying silica sachets again
Whoa, we had no idea.
Anyone who's ever bought a new electronic
device or pair of shoes will be all too familiar with those little "DO NOT
EAT" sachets that come in the box. Most of us have a vague idea that
they're somehow keeping our products fresh, but toss them as soon as the box is
open without a second thought.
But it turns out that just might be one of the
worst ideas ever because, as Eames Yates reports for Business Insider,
these free sachets can be used for a whole range of life hacks that can save
you time, energy, and money. And we're never throwing one out again.
As the video below explains, the sachets are
called silica gel bags, and they're filled with little balls of silicon
dioxide, which will quickly dry out anything around them.
Despite the warnings on the packet, they're
actually not toxic or poisonous, and are only really dangerous because they
pose a choking hazard (so, yep, keep them away from kids).
But they're actually also incredibly useful,
not only when it comes to keeping your new purchases dry and fresh in the box,
but also for soaking up moisture in other unexpected ways. Here are some of
their life-changing uses:
1. Save your wet phone
Dropped your iPhone in the toilet again?
Forget rice, according to Business Insider, these sachets
are far more efficient at sucking up moisture. Just leave your phone switched
off in a jar full of them overnight, and they should dry the device out
thoroughly.
2. Defog your windshield
Never wait for your windshield to clear up in
the mornings again - instead, simply place a few of these bags under your
windshield on the inside and they'll keep it dry and clear regardless of the
weather.
3. Extend the life of your razor blades
Any shaving aficionado will know that moisture
is your razor's worst enemy, with damp blunting your blades before their time. Business Insider recommendskeeping your razor
in a tupperware container with a few of these silica gel bags to keep them
sharp for longer.
4. Keep your gym bag fresh
You can avoid mould and bacteria colonising
your sweaty gym gear by adding a couple of these sachets to your gym bag. They
should also help with the odour.
5. Protect your old photos
Many of us store our old photos in attics,
cellars, or other equally damp places, which can lead to the pictures sticking
together and deteriorating over time. Keep them in a box with a few silica
sachets and it should keep them dry and in tact for longer.
Seriously, we had no idea, and we'll never take these free
goldmines for granted again. Check out the Business Insider video below to find
out more. The regret is real.