Silica Gel Dehumidifier FAQs
 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 dehumidifiers 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.
How do I use my silica gel?
Remove the Silica Gel Hydrosorbent from its protective packaging. Position the unit on an exposed surface anywhere within the closed area to be protected. For the 200, 450 and 900 gram units, be sure that the end containing the indicator card is on the bottom so that the active ingredients rest on the indicator card. Examine the indicator card from time to time. When the indicator changes from blue to pink, follow the reactivation instructions listed below and included with the unit. After reactivation is complete and the unit is cool enough to handle, return it to the enclosed space. If you leave the unit out in the open, it will rapidly adsorb moisture from the surrounding air.
Please note: When you first use the silica gel in the area to be protected, it may become saturated rather quickly as it "drinks up" residual moisture. Once the residual dampness is removed, you can maintain a dry condition with less frequent need to reactivate the silica gel.
What size silica gel packages are available and how big of an area do they protect?
We have five convenient sizes available. For larger areas, you can combine units for protection. (Please note: Cubic feet is measured by computing the area of the unit to be protected. Multiply length times width times depth.)
How long will the silica gel protect my area from moisture?
It’s difficult to tell how long the silica gel unit will protect your area before it needs to be recharged. There are two main factors that contribute to the equation: One is the size of the area, and the second is the amount of "new" air getting into the area. If the area is not sealed tightly outside air will penetrate and will affect the length of time before the unit needs to be reactivated. Also, if you are frequently exposing the area to "new" air by opening and closing the lid, door, etc, it will affect the time until reactivation is needed. Please Note: When you first use a Silica Gel Dehumidifier in a particular area, it may become saturated rather quickly as it absorbs residual moisture. Once the residual dampness is removed, you can maintain a dry condition with less frequent need to reactivate.
How do I reactivate my Silica Gel Hydrosorbent?
Reactivation times shown below are minimums. Sometimes, when the silica gel becomes overly saturated, it’s helpful to extend the reactivation period. However, do not vary from the recommended temperatures.
40 Gram Unit
When the blue silica gel beneath the inspection window turns pink, reactivate as follows: Place the unit in a 300 degree F oven for at least 3 hours (or until the silica gel turns blue again). Reactivation instructions can also be found on the canister.
200, 450 and 900 Gram Units
Place the unit with the indicator card side down in the area to be protected. Examine the card occasionally to see when the center circle turns pink. When it turns pink, remove the bag of silica gel granules from the cardboard unit and place the bag in a 240 degree F oven for at least 3 hours. Replace the bag in the unit. Please note: It may take several hours for the indicating circles to turn blue again. Reactivation instructions can be found on the unit.
750 Gram Unit
When the blue silica gel beneath the heat-resistant inspection window turns pink, reactivate as follows: Do NOT remove the cap with the inspection window. Place the entire unit (do not disassemble) in a 325 degree F oven for at least 3 hours. The silica gel will gradually turn blue again. Reactivation instructions can be found on the bottom of the canister.
How long do the Silica Gel Dehumidifiers last?
Hydrosorbent Silica Gel can be reactivated indefinitely. Each Hydrosorbent Silica Gel unit has a built-in indicator which turns from blue to pink to signal when the product is saturated with moisture and needs reactivation in a conventional oven for lifetime protection.
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
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- 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
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