Things You'll Need
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Airtight container
Microwave safe container
Spoon
Those nifty packets you find tucked inside your new pair of shoes are filled with silica gel, a granular desiccant that removes moisture, protecting the item from damage. This high-capacity adsorbent is available in loose or packet form and can absorb up to 40 percent of its weight in moisture. Overtime, however, the silica gel can lose its moisture-removing power and become ineffective. When this occurs, don't throw the silica gel out: recharge or dry it with heat so you can continue to use it.
Oven Method
Step 1
Preheat an oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
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Step 2
Lay the silica gel packets flat on the foil-lined baking sheet. For loose silica gel, spread the granules in a layer no more than 2 inches thick on the foil-lined baking sheet.
Step 3
Place the baking sheet inside the preheated oven and bake for several hours. The amount of time varies between 1 to 12 hours depending on the thickness of the silica gel. A good general rule of thumb is baking for 1 ½ hours for every 30 ounces of silica gel.
Step 4
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the silica gel cool to room temperature on the baking sheet.
Step 5
Store the cooled silica gel packet in an airtight container until you're ready to use it.
Microwave Method
Step 1
Place the silica gel in a microwave safe container. Set the container inside the microwave.
Step 2
Heat the silica gel for three to five minutes on medium to medium high.
Step 3
Examine the silica gel for color change, which will occur when it is recharged or dry. If it is not dry, stir with a spoon and place back into the microwave for an additional three to five minutes.
Step 4
Continue checking it for color change and microwaving for three to five minutes until the gel is dry. Let the silica gel cool to room temperature in the microwave-safe container.
Tip
Wear an oven mitt when removing the baking sheet from the oven.
Warning
Never handle silica gel immediately after drying; it can get very hot in the oven or microwave.