Silica Gel Blue Packets are used in Clothing-Leather Goods

Just imagine winter has arrived, and it's finally time to take out your favorite leather jacket that was resting in your closet for too long. You are all excited and happy to wear it again, to go out and have some fun. Still, to your surprise, you find the jacket in horrible condition. Your favorite leather jacket now has a musty odor, with small white or green mold spots. In the worst-case scenario, you may find that the zipper has become severely rusted and damaged. What a huge disappointment! Right?

In recent times, such issues have not only been addressed but have also become more effective and cost-efficient. We are talking about blue silica gel; it is indispensable when it comes to combating moisture, whether in clothing, leather goods, or other items.

The blue indicates silica gel, also known as a narrow-pore silica gel, and is used widely in many industries. Let's have a detailed overview of how it prevents mold in leather goods and clothes.

Why Moisture Control Matters for Clothing and Leather Goods?

It's essential to control Moisture and provide a dry environment for clothing and leather goods; if not done so, they have a 100% chance of going bad. Excessive Moisture not only damages the food we eat but also ruins our precious clothes. Moisture in the closet is a big issue in almost every household, and an immediate solution is needed, especially when the rainy season is right around the corner.

A closet should be constructed in such a way that it has proper ventilation because a lack of air circulation could lead to moisture build-up in the packed space, which then later leads to mould growth and green and yellow colour patches on your clothes (development of fungi in high humidity) that give off a fusty smell.

Apart from foul smell and damage to clothes, Moisture can also lead to skin and health issues, like ringworm, jock itch, fungal infections, etc.

What is Blue Silica Gel, and How Does it Protect Clothes from Moisture?

Silica gel blue is a synthetic, amorphous form of silicon dioxide. The most special feature of this silica gel blue is that it has cobalt chloride, which works as an indicator. The silica gel blue changes its colour from dark blue to pink when it becomes fully saturated. This self-indicating desiccant works so well due to its unique properties, and it can absorb up to 40% of its weight.  The high absorbing capacity of blue silica gel makes it a top choice for absorbing Moisture in a closet.

Apparently, the blue-indicating silica gel is cheaper than the orange silica gel, and it has the same performance. Though the use of blue indicates silica gel is versatile, you should refrain from using it with food or pharmaceuticals.

To protect clothes from Moisture, blue silica gel packets are placed in storage areas such as drawers, sealed containers, and closets. The packets absorb the humidity from the atmosphere and keep it dry, which eventually keeps Moisture and moisture-related problems at bay.

The best part about blue silica gel is that after absorbing a high amount of Moisture, it turns pink, indicating that it's either time to replace or recharge it. The blue indicates silica gel is reusable; you can dry it or heat it in an oven to regenerate it. For more effective results or to save your extra precious clothes, you can keep the blue silica gel packet in its pocket or anywhere near it.

Additional tips to keep your clothes free from Moisture -

1. People living in high-humidity regions might find it difficult to keep their wardrobes safe for longer periods; in such a case, you can also use blue silica gel. Install a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier also removes Moisture from the air by drawing air in and then filtering and cooling it to condense Moisture. The use of a dehumidifier not only saves your clothes from moisture damage but also keeps your space clean, fresh, and odorless.
2. While the use of water repellent is very common among campers, hikers, and in fabric factories, it can also be used for your wardrobe. All you have to do is spray a good amount of water repellent all over your clothes before setting them up nicely in your wardrobe, and then see the wonders.
3. An easy and cost-effective tip is to keep the doors of your wardrobe open for a certain period, just so that it stays ventilated. You can also keep a table fan in front of your open wardrobe and allow the air to do its work.

How Does Silica Gel Blue Help in Keeping Leather Goods Safe?

Leather, being a material that is very prone to moisture-related damage, makes it difficult to preserve its quality. That's why it's advisable to use an amosite-absorbing desiccant. Did you know that most leather goods catch mould after storing them, whether in a cupboard or a container? Yes, we are talking about the whitish and greyish patch you must have seen on your leather bag after storing it away, thinking that it would remain safe.

However, one should always store their leather products in a dry and well-ventilated area. Using silica gel blue inside your leather bag or any other goods will absorb Moisture and keep all moisture-related issues at bay. Suppose you want to store leather goods or bags in large quantities.

In that case, you can use Cargo Dry Pak in your cargo and shipping containers, which can help by controlling moisture levels within the packaging since leather is a natural material highly susceptible to moisture damage.

Don'ts : While Storing Leather Goods!

If you accidentally drop any liquid on your leather bags or goods, you should not wait until it dries on its own; you need to clean the stain asap.

Avoid using too much of the cleaning solution, as it can lead to the destruction of the leather by making it soggy. Always use a damp, soft cloth to wipe the surface of your leather products.

Avoid keeping your leather goods or bags under direct sunlight, as it can cause more harm than good.

Don't use a hairdryer to dry your leather goods if they get wet accidentally, because you can dry out the leather material, leading to a faded colour.

However, wrapping your leather goods in a protective case or covering, storing them away from harsh light, and in a dry environment is the proper way of storing leather goods or bags.

Step-By-Step Guide to Using Silica Gel in Wardrobes and Storage Areas

Silica gel is widely used as a desiccant in many industries, from large to small-scale elements. However, here is a step-by-step guide on how to use blue silica gel properly -

1. Choose the Right Silica Gel

Select wisely from silica gel packets or canisters based on household use, depending on the humidity level, and estimate the appropriate quantity.

2. Prep Your Storage

Before storing your valuable clothes or leather goods, make sure to clean the wardrobe space, remove dust, dirt, or existing mould, and check for any damp spots or leaks. In short, the space should be dry and clean.

3. Place Blue Silica Gel

Packets or canisters are placed on shelves, in corners, or hung in mesh bags inside wardrobes. For storage boxes, place small packets inside each box.

4. Check Regularly

You should inspect your wardrobe every 5-6 weeks and keep an eye on the colour of the silica gel; if it turns pink to light pink, the silica gel is fully saturated.

5. Additional Note

If silica gel is unavailable, you can use activated charcoal, calcium chloride, or an electric dehumidifier for a larger space.

By following these steps, you can effectively use silica gel blue to keep your wardrobe and storage area dry and odour-free.

 FAQs  

Q1. Are Silica Gel Packets Safe to Use With All Types of Clothing?

The short answer is yes, silica gel packets are safe to use with all types of clothes.

Q2. How Many Silica Gel Packets Should I Use for a Standard Wardrobe?

For a standard wardrobe, at least 2 to 4 large silica gel packets (120 to 240 grams) are needed. However, the number of silica gel packets required also depends on the quantity of clothes and the size of your cupboard.

Q3. Where Can I Purchase Silica Gel Packets Suitable for Clothing and Leather Goods?

You can purchase silica gel packets at https://www.desiccantpak.com/products. 

Q4. How do Silica Gel Packets Prevent Mould in Leather Goods?

Silica gel packets absorb moisture and keep the environment dry, preventing the growth of mold, which prevents leather goods from moisture-related damage.

Q5. What sizes are available?

Sorbchem India offer a wide range of Silica gel packet sizes, from 0.5 gm,1gm, 2gm,5gm,10gm,250gm, 500 grams, and 1kg depending on your packaging needs. Custom sizes are also available on request.