Silica Gel FAQ
Silica Gel FAQs
Silica Gel is a drying and dehumidifying agent that drinks up moisture to effectively prevent rust, corrosion, mold, mildew, spoilage, fogging and condensation. Silica gel is available for purchase in several different configurations. Choose from our rechargeable silica gel canisters and boxes, bulk silica gel, individual silica gel packets or Sorb-it industrial desiccants.
 Rechargeable Silica Gel |
 Bulk Silica Gel |
 Silica Gel Packets |
 Sorb-It Industrial Desiccants |
What is silica gel and how does it work?
Silica gel is a desiccant, or drying agent, that was patented in 1919 by Walter A. Patrick at John Hopkins University in Baltimore Maryland. Despite its name, it is not a gel and should not be confused with silicon gel. Silica gel is a porous, granular form of silica, synthetically manufactured from sodium silicate.
Silica gel is the highest capacity adsorbent available today. Comprised of tiny inter-connecting pores, silica gel attracts and holds moisture by adsorption and capillary condensation. Silica gel is inert, non-toxic, non-flammable and safe to use to protect foods, medicines, sensitive materials and much more. Even when saturated with adsorbed moisture, silica gel looks and feels dry to the touch.
How can silica gel protect my property?
Most damage to stored valuables and supplies is caused by humidity trapped within the enclosed storage unit itself. Humidity in the space turns into condensation which can often cause irreparable damage. Our silica gel products will help to eliminate rust, corrosion, oxidation and tarnish on tools, coin collections, silverware, jewelry, musical instruments and more. In addition, silica gel can protect seasonal storage, collectibles, clothing, leather and more from mildew, fungus, mold and odor. Furthermore, photographs, stamp collections, and documents can be protected from spotting, staining and cracking. See the list below for other areas where the silica gel can be helpful in eliminating moisture.
Where can silica gel be effective?
The more tightly closed the area you plan to protect, the better. Try to limit the amount of moisture coming into the area so the silica gel doesn’t adsorb moisture from outside. If there is moisture from outside the area you want to protect, your silica gel will become saturated much more quickly and require more frequent reactivation. Limit the air flow into the area as well as the number of times you access the area. For example, silica gel will work well in the inside a storage trunk, but it will not work as well if you are opening and closing the lid of the trunk several times a day allowing moisture from the outside to penetrate.
What type of products can silica gel protect?
Silica gel can be used to protect a variety of items from moisture. The list below represents some commonly protected items.
- Tool boxes
- Storage containers
- Safes and vaults
- Silver drawer
- Firearms
- Photos
- Stored vehicles
- Cargo holds on RVs, boats, etc
- Collectibles (stamps, coins, etc.)
- Computer
- Metal and machine parts
- Industrial equipment
- Pharmaceuticals and vitamins
- Electronics
- Military instruments
- Circuit Boards
- Documents
- Instruments
- Photographic equipment and film
- Foodstuffs
- Batteries
- Pet foods
- Optical devices
- Medical equipment
- Leather products
- Textiles
- Seeds
- Jewelry