Whoever buys a graphics card or purchases other items on Amazon and similar platforms often finds small packets with white gel inside. But what is this and what is it even good for? MeinMMO explains to you what is inside these packets.
You find this stuff everywhere. Whether you buy hardware or treat yourself to a new pair of shoes: In the cardboard box, you often find these packets with small balls inside. With labels such as “Do not eat” and “Throw away,” the stuff initially looks dangerous. But why would manufacturers pack dangerous items with their products?
Many people also throw this stuff away, because with used graphics cards that you can get cheaper, the packets are usually not included. MeinMMO explains to you what is inside these packets and why you keep finding these items in your belongings.
Silica gel protects your items from moisture
What is inside the packets? In the small packets with the threatening label is the drying agent silicon dioxide (SiO2). We know it better under the name silica gel. This stuff is odorless and colorless.
It consists of rubber-like balls that are mainly used as a drying agent. The balls are not water-soluble, but can absorb water and thus keep things dry or dry them out.
For this reason, you will mainly find these packets with items that need to be protected from moisture. For example, in shoeboxes, with sensitive electronic devices like motherboards or graphics cards, and even with medications.
With computers or other sensitive devices, the so-called anti-condensation bags are supposed to ensure that no condensation forms with fluctuating temperatures, thus damaging the electronics.
You shouldn’t throw away the packets, as you can use them wisely
That’s why you shouldn’t throw away the silica gel: The small packets can be meaningfully reused after their original purpose.
For example, you can dry out soaked shoes or bags with them. Instead of stuffing newspaper into wet shoes, just take a packet with silica gel.
If you travel to a warm, humid place, it can also be worthwhile to pack a packet with your medications or sensitive electronics.
As soon as the silica gel absorbs moisture, the balls change color. This depends on what color the gel was before. Orange balls, for instance, turn into blue-green.
Even after drying, you can continue to use the packets. To do this, you heat the packets briefly to release the moisture again. Because moisture does not stay in the balls permanently.
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