Tell me more ×
Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

Usually I put canister of silica gel or strips of vapor corrosion inhibitor in my cupboard (that contains many metal repair tools) to absorb moisture so that I keep the rust at bay.

So, How do I know if the canister of silica gel or strips of vapor corrosion inhibitor have lose its effectiveness in absorb moisture? (so that I can replace them with new ones. or do they really last a lifetime?)

share|improve this question

1 Answer

up vote 4 down vote accepted

Silica Gel often has a color indicator, either going from blue(dry) to pink(wet), or from orange(dry) to green(wet). By heating the gel to 250 °F for 2 hours, you can restore the gel to its dry state and reuse it.

share|improve this answer
1  
Make sure it's in an appropriate container before you put it in the oven - ie: not in plastic or paper – Steven Mar 6 '12 at 13:29
Never thought that I can heat the gel at 121 °C (or 250 °F) to restore the gel. Good. – Jack Mar 7 '12 at 1:17
Also, by the way, I have a Gel of white color. Is it dry or wet? Also, I have another Gel of cyan color, can I consider it as blue color? – Jack Mar 7 '12 at 1:19
Also, is it possible to heat the strips of vapor corrosion inhibitor like the way we heat the gel to restore it to its dry state? – Jack Mar 7 '12 at 1:20
@Jack The color is from an added chemical. I think the Gel defaults to white and doesn't change by itself, so the white may be some Gel without a color indicator. I don't think there's any harm in restoring it prematurely if you're not sure. No idea on the vapor strips. – BMitch♦ Mar 7 '12 at 2:57

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.