Silica Gel & Your Gadgets

[efransophoto]

Most electronics are useless once even minimal condensation builds up inside, let alone submersion! I place these in my camera bags or ziplock bags with electronics I'm storing for longer time periods and that really does help. But to say you're simply "assuming" that this is a solution is really a far reach. You should re-record this video to state that most devices are toast after submersion

Although, you have me curious as to dump some expendable device just to see...

[JYC422]

I would comment a time when he actually shows an example, but he just talks the whole time.

[DeviousTelevision]

Harold Ramis, yes?

[HedgehogStudios1]

I bought 10, 5 gram packs from SORB-IT on eBay for 6.29$ USD

[andrew1haddad]

Rice also works, I plan to use a combination of both if need be.

[CyberCacique1]

@andrew1haddad Sure. Rice is another good option.

[loopba]

Just buy some silica gel from craft shop when you need it, don't bother hording for someday

[CyberCacique1]

@loopba That's a good idea, but ending up on the show 'HOARDERS' will likely not occur with a sandwich bag filled with silica gel packs from past electronics purchases. :) Plus, for the cheapskates like me who don't want to waste the gas/time to drive to the craft shop or the purchase itself, FREE is the right price. LOL!

[101gadgetlover]

Where did you get the unlock screen on your iPod from?

[catman72]

you can re-activate old silica gel by microwaving it or heating it in a pan (not teflon!)

till it releases the moisture it absorbed.

but before you do this - open each bag and get rid of those with blue pieces in them- those are a bit toxic.

the red ones are ok.

these colors are there to indicate that moisture was absorbed.

when the silica gel balls are fresh - they are all clear white.

and BTW - drying gadgets requires to completely open them first...

[CyberCacique1]

@catman72

Great comment....because of the detail within it. :)

I appreciate it.

[sochinza]

i dont know if you can test on regular silica bags found on electronics and pill bottles. but there is several RECHARGABLE DESSICANT who change colors when its moisted. once recharged it recover the original color. (turn red to blue or white to blue) there is a site called DESSICANTSONLINEdotCOM that have such items. if not google "Reusable Indicating Silica Gel Desiccant Canisters" and it will display the mentioned items. Good look with that! and thanks for the reception

[sochinza]

thats an excellent idea for speeding up the drying process of a wet gadget. the issue with silica bags or Desiccant bags is that they naturally absorbs the moist of they environment so if you save silica bags for too long they will became ineffective, there is a way to restore the drying properties of silica but i strongly recomend to purchase a Reusable Desiccant (there is several non xpensive in the market)

[CyberCacique1]

@sochinza

Great comment. I think the effectiveness is certainly something to consider. Are you aware of anyway to "test" effectiveness? Hmmm....I might have to look into this because I would hate to add insult to injury if one of my gadgets needs immediate "care" and I cannot help. :)

I'll also look into the Reusable Desiccant.

Thanks again,

[personalityprototype]

@sochinza You can "recharge" it by putting it in the oven set to a low temperature for a couple of hours.

[ConditionRedDawn]

a cheaper and just as efficient product, is rice. I've dropped a remote control into a glass of water and threw it in a bowl of rice, it worked perfectly.

[CyberCacique1]

I have heard that and as a child, my parents had a few grains of rice in the salt shaker.

I have never "tested" rice, but I think you bring up a great alternative to Silica Gel. Thanks.

[sochinza]

silica and cooking salt work in the same way so its a good alternative. the only thing is that salt humidity absorbing rate is considerably slower than silica. but it works!

[catman72]

@CyberCacique1

rice is next to useless, better use salt.

but silica gel is the best - in any given condition.

even when fully saturated, silica gel will absorb 40% more moisture than its surrounding.

despite the frightening "do not eat" text on the package-

it's totally non-toxic.

infact it's used in the food industry and even has an E number.

the reason why you shouldn't eat it is that you shouldn't put it in your mouth

as you might accidently breath it, it will not melt away.

[KayakFisher01]

Cell phone and a glass of water on my bed. My son sat down and the phone slid to his butt and the water fell over and soaked my phone. Pulled battery and had a fan blowing on the phone for several days. Phone worked but the gel packs could have helped too.