When most people get a packet of silica gel in a shoe box or beef jerky packet, their instinct is to toss it. But savvy DIYers have long known that the omnipresent desiccants are good for a lot more than keeping jerky dry. Here are a few uses, including some great tips sent in by readers.
-Use in underwater camera casings
-Toss them in your toolbox to keep your tools free of oxidation
-Dry out a wet cell phone
-Keep engines dry while in storage
-Extend the life of razor blades
-Fight camera condensation
-Dry out wet fishing flies
-Create a dry travel bag
-Use them to keep seeds
-Keep dried herbs fresh
-Keep salt and baking soda from clumping
-Dry out computers
-Dry out soaked (or stinky) shoes
-Prevent mold and mildew in storage
-Keep clothes from smelling “stale” in the off season
-Protect jewelry and silver, prevent tarnish
What do you use them for?
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon_dioxide)
Toms Blog on Life and Livingness