How to Recharge Silica Gel | eHow
Posted: Monday, July 3, 2017 by Tyler Durden in
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How to Recharge Silica Gel | eHow
Those nifty packets you find tucked inside your new pair of shoes are filled with silica gel, a granular desiccant that removes moisture, protecting the item from damage. This high-capacity adsorbent is available in loose or packet form and can absorb up to 40 percent of its weight in moisture. Overtime, however, the silica gel can lose its moisture-removing power and become ineffective. When this occurs, don’t throw the silica gel out: recharge or dry it with heat so you can continue to use it.
Things You'll Need
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Airtight container
- Microwave safe container
- Spoon
Oven Method
- Preheat an oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Lay the silica gel packets flat on the foil-lined baking sheet. For loose silica gel, spread the granules in a layer no more than 2 inches thick on the foil-lined baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet inside the preheated oven and bake for several hours. The amount of time varies between 1 to 12 hours depending on the thickness of the silica gel. A good general rule of thumb is baking for 1 ½ hours for every 30 ounces of silica gel.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the silica gel cool to room temperature on the baking sheet.
- Store the cooled silica gel packet in an airtight container until you're ready to use it.
Microwave Method
- Place the silica gel in a microwave safe container. Set the container inside the microwave.
- Heat the silica gel for three to five minutes on medium to medium high.
- Examine the silica gel for color change, which will occur when it is recharged or dry. If it is not dry, stir with a spoon and place back into the microwave for an additional three to five minutes.
- Continue checking it for color change and microwaving for three to five minutes until the gel is dry. Let the silica gel cool to room temperature in the microwave-safe container.
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Tips & Warnings
- Wear an oven mitt when removing the baking sheet from the oven.
- Never handle silica gel immediately after drying; it can get very hot in the oven or microwave.
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References
- Photo Credit ajt/iStock/Getty Images
