2006-10-18 07:30:05 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
ITS TO TAKE OUT ANY MOISTURE TO KEEP THE SHOES IN PERFECT CONDITION
2006-10-18 07:31:06 · answer #1 · answered by The brainteaser 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good question! Silica sucks the moisture from the air around it. Many things are packed with silica (shoes, cameras, even some vitamins!) in order to keep humidity to a minimum. If shoes get too humid, mold and mildew can set in. Same with electronic gear. So the manufacturer puts that gel inside to keep the product safe from the damage of humidity.
Silica gel (in a powdery form) is what people use to dry flowers. Bury a real rose in silica sand for a week, and voila! A perfectly dried rose! You can buy silica sand in craft stores.
Here's a cool thing you can do with silica if you have sweaty, stinky feet! Buy the "crystals" cat litter, the kind that looks like rock salt and comes in a clear jug. Fill a pair of cotton socks with clean silica gel cat litter, and stuff them in your shoes every night. The silica gel will dry out the shoes, and the deoderant will give them a good smell! It works! If you live in a humid climate you'll need to replace the gel every month or so. If you live in a dry climate, you can use these handy silica stink-sucking shoe-dryers for years!
Hope that helps!
2006-10-18 07:46:00 · answer #2 · answered by wise-woman 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Silica gel absorbs moisture that would otherwise contaminate and ruin leather or dry goods. It reduces the affect of mildew and or mold. It is a toxic substance and should be diposed properly and like the warning says, "do not eat".
2006-10-18 07:46:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Silica gel is to keep the contents within the box dry, it is
an absorbent of any dampness.
2006-10-18 07:39:16 · answer #4 · answered by Ricky 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It absorbs moisture, and serves to prevent things from growing mold. That's probably less needed in arid climates, like Los Angeles.
2006-10-18 08:49:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It absorbs moisture in order to keep fabrics looking like new, to stop mold, to stop dried food from going soft (hydrating), and to prevent odors from forming.
It's poisonous, though!
2006-10-18 08:30:27 · answer #6 · answered by Ivy G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a drying agent.It protects products that will be sitting in a damp warehouse from moisture.
2006-10-18 07:33:24 · answer #7 · answered by oneidmnstr 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is there to absorb any damp or moisture that could cause mold on the leather.
2006-10-18 07:43:41 · answer #8 · answered by David P 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Simply to absorb moisture.
2006-10-18 07:31:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It keeps the contents of the box dry and in good condition. You wouldn't want your new Prada's all mouldy now would you?
2006-10-18 07:39:21 · answer #10 · answered by Clare 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you look, you will also find it in things like bags of beef jerky and dried fruit. It is to trap the moisture so that these things don't dry out.
2006-10-18 07:32:01 · answer #11 · answered by landime9 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋