If you leave a few of these packets on your dashboard under the windshield, they will help dry the air out and clear the windshield off quickly.

If you keep a package or two in your gym bag or inside your shoes, they will help prevent mildew and will reduce unpleasant smells.

Silia gel is often sold in flower shops because it is a great way to dry flowers. Fill a bowl with it, place your flower in the middle and wait a week or two for it to dry out.

Although the packages say, “Do not eat,” they aren’t actually toxic. They are filled with little silicon dioxide beads, and the only real danger associated with them is that they could pose a choking hazard for young children.

When you buy a new pair of shoes or the latest electronic device, your purchase might come with a little tiny package labeled “Silica Gel. Desiccant. Do not eat.” If you’re like most people, you probably throw these away. However, there are many uses for them, so don’t be so quick to toss them in...

Since your razor blades are constantly in a damp environment, they are likely to quickly get rusty. Store them in a container with some silica gel packets and they will stay nice and dry.

Forget rice. Next time your phone gets wet, leave it in a container of these packages overnight, and they should completely dry it out.