How to Make your own Silica Desiccant Packets for pennies!

[@Carl4193]

I knew you were going to use kitty litter, did you know you can also make sodium glass, the same glass that is used in the landing lights of airplanes ? or molds that are used to produce your car engines ?. You just add three things, silica gel - water and sodium hydroxide ( I.E.- drain cleaner), check it out it's very cool.

[@designsbydawn976]

What are the amounts you use to make a silicone mold?

[@estellaeggleston7915]

I would also like the same info please

[@estellaeggleston7915]

I would also like the same information please

[@benpimpinthefirst]

@@designsbydawn976 Quite a bit of everything depending on desired mould size. The water and silica gel are pretty cheap but the largest container of 100% Lye (Sodium hydroxide) you can buy is only 1 lb and $4 and up depending on county. The stores also will track how much lye your buying because chemists/illegal drug makers used to use it for large scale operations. Ace hardware sells it still for now but your better off learning how to make your own. It can be made from baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and a lamp (for heat). Or if you really want a big batch of lye, just collect up a barrel of the whitest wood ashes you can find (drill small holes in bottom and lay a clean rag or 2 in there for ash filter), collect rainwater, pour rainwater through the ashes and collect the water that comes out of the ashes, don't touch it too much cause ya just made aqueous potassium hydroxide (liquid potash, dry this to get potash powder). Mix that with the right amount of silica in a stainless steel vessel, maybe a little extra heat if it's not bubbling enough on it's own and once it boils a while you'll see it thicken. Depending on if you use sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide you will end up with either sodium silicate or potassium silicate (Both known as water glass, the stuff they used to seal radiators with and still use in some brands of stopleak). Either of those can be mixed with perlite and a hardening agent, white aluminum oxide is recommended, I ground a rusty barrel down and use iron oxide lol, it worked just fine and continues to. You could also use gypsum (calcium sulfate / chalk), maybe even pure clay, anything you can heat the heck out of. Cause now you gotta form your mould and then heat that whole thing until its red hot, using either large propane torches, or other torch, a furnace or kiln is best for accuracy though. Then just use a saw or file or chisel to further add to detail to your mould. Make a rectangle and cut it in half to just make a proper mould like with a lost wax method of jewlery making. Unlike with sand casting though, when done fairly well your mould made from water glass may as well be a family heirloom cause that thing gonna last a long time. Now melt some metal and pour it into your mould (lookup proper procedures and precautions first). You can also use this mixture to build a decent forge for melting metals to pour into your moulds. Also, look into calcium hydroxide ( Slaked lime ) and its uses around the house, it's excellent for insulations of any kind, like preserving eggs. Calcium hydroxide and sand mixed together make wollastonite, an excellent flux for metallurgy. The world needs more homesteading chemists. It certainly passes time while everything's growing before it needs preserving.

[@b11nladen]

Thank you very much. This is very helpful, but that's a table spoon, not a tea spoon.

[@cbass2755]

Very cool!!!! Now this is something I can get behind. Some Prepper channels are just too much! Half the time I need a man to do it, build it, lift it whatever. It’s just too much. Even the recipes I see are too much. Half the time I don’t have one of the spices and I’m not running out to buy it. This is valuable, important to know and I for one thank you for this!!!!! I’m 68 years old trying to the best I can. The men in my life are all broken. This is something I can do! I don’t need a man to help me. Thank you, thank you, Thank You!! Blessings from Michigan….✝️❤️

[@N1c0T1n3__]

Don't forget to buy a mask. Inhaling any of it increases the risk of lung cancer especially if you're using the crystalline silica present in the clay version of it.

[@wendystennant9237]

I have saved these packets for years in a ziplock to use in suitcases, drawers, and items stored in totes. I also keep years of photos in old large popcorn tins and add the packets to keep the photos from sticking together and preserve them. The reason I keep them in tins is because I have had photo albums ruined even peed on by a dog. We had a housefire once my baby books were burned a huge loss to my heart but the photos in the tin, I only had one then, were unharmed. I have learned a lot here today so thank you all, and you Christa for the wonderful tips and how to's plus the Christian fellowship atmosphere!

[@StarlasAiko]

Dude at my apprenticeship workshop used to partake. He taught me how his mates fold squares of paper into envelopes to transport pre-measured portions of "herbs" and "nose powder" without staples and no risk of anything dropping out. Never thought, I would ever find a reason to use such knowledge.

[@reginawhite1235]

Ha I was thinking the same thing.

[@ohwhatelse]

but you don't tell US? how kind. or... not.

[@MaiBGrowNLoco]

🤣🤣🤣

[@moogan2000]

I bought 1kg of silica gel online for $30 then immediately saw this video. I cancelled my order and found 2kg silica gel cat litter for $6 at my local pet store. This video helped a girl out 😭 I love you 😩💞😭

[@SomewhereInIndiana1816]

fantastic information, thank you! 😊😊

[@CadetPrivateRawr]

Hello from Japan! This video was so cute. We are in rainy season here and you can buy silica packets from almost any store right now, but I wanted to learn how to reuse them. Often the silica is in plasticy packets, but I happen to have some of those loose-leaf tea packets you mentioned and I don't think those contain plastic. If I pour my old silica out into those, I should be able to pop them in the oven for a minute without melting them to dry them out again! Thank you so much.

[@junedhanasarsingh9476]

m

[@daphneraven6745]

Hi, Prepsteadors! I’ve been doing the same thing for years now. There are obviously lots of variations on this, but two of my favourites is to start with a spool or bolt of tulle From the dollar store. I just got a little square, and tie a thread around it to make the pouch. I did have one thing in storage for a long time, and my camping gear, that really benefitted from all the silica gel. The only thing is, those beads can really plump up with the moisture absorbed. So it might be important to leave a little space in them. I wondered about using Staples, and you’ve answered that question nicely. Thank you for that. When I was a tiny girl, I had a great great great aunt that was almost 100 years old. When she was younger, she worked in the local store. People in my area were poor, (but didn’t know it), and The commercially accepted way to wrap up a whole lot of goods with paper, was to tear a piece of paper off the roll, and then make a cone from it. The store keeper would twist the point of the cone to secure it, put the goods in the Cone, and twist the top over. Nothing ever spilled out of it. She would give us coins like that in small cones, candies and less small cones, and fruit in bigger ones. So this past week, I was making some packets to go in my dry-packed goods, so I made little cones out of the coffee filters. For the small bottles, I used half a teaspoon in each cone. If you’re using silica gel with cobalt blue indicators in it, may I suggest that for applications such as storing your dehydrated and freeze dried foods, that you consider either picking out the cobalt crystals, or using a solid coffee filter. Because you may not want cobalt touching your food. But of course, that’s up to you. Nice to see somebody else with a slightly different take on the idea. Thank you so much for sharing.:)

[@paulajohnston9490]

Just found you a week ago and love and appreciate the knowledge you share. It just goes to prove we never get too old to learn something new. You are such a joy and are setting the example for the rest of us to try and be a blessing to someone else. Thank you for being a great teacher and an inspiration.

[@albertl7872]

So you'll understand I am one of those people who do not throw away anything that can be used for another purpose. My dad who lived through the depression told me if you can make it don't buy it. And I've done this all my life. God bless you and thank you so much for the information you provide.

[@ohwhatelse]

..there are 3 things that will spoil your freeze dried or dehydrated food: light, moisture, & oxygen. same as any food. & heat doesn't do it any good, either.... things to be greatly concerned about when freeze drying your own food. 1. bags of less than 5mm thickness will let light in. (take one in a very dark room, like at night, & hold a very bright flashlight up tight against 1 thickness of it & see if any light shines through it. if it does, you don't want to use it!) 2. freeze drying will take care of the moisture if you have checked the thickest, most dense mass of your food for any amount of moisture. 3. the iron oxide "oxygen" pkts take care of the oxygen. 4. food particles or food dust can get in the seams of the bags & they will let some amount of air in (also other particles or dust when or before they seal them) . you may want to check a bag now & then by putting your very clean hands down inside & trying to force it apart. So- be very careful when you fill your bags that no particles or food dust gets left around the inside of the tops! sooo, i really do hate to burst anyone's bubbles here buuut, SILICA, as these she is making are for absorbing MOISTURE. the oxygen packets that you MUST BUY contain IRON OXIDE & are only for absorbing OXYGEN! 2 very different- DIFFERENT products for VERY different uses! they are NOT interchangeable!!!! AND, after all the expense as well as your labor, if you use them together they will cancel each other out & you will have some very spoiled food when you need it the very most!!!! sorry if you have already used silica, thinking that would do the same as AIR absorbers but, better check your food! they won't keep long term. happy, safe prepping. stay safe. stay well. God bless

[@paulmcwilliams8974]

This is great for keeping my hearings aid dry at night. I use a small jar of it with a foam pad on top. Put aids on pad & close jar.

[@icemike4590]

why would it get wet at night?

[@ComeOutOfHerMyPeople]

@@icemike4590 perhaps they live in a high humidity area, or have poor insulation and everything gets condensation? Just some random thoughts that come to mind x

[@elberthardy961]

Thank you for being such a great example. Please keep on making these beautiful videos. I'm proud of you!

[@RattledEditor]

thanks to YOU, AGAIN, I got that kitty litter the same day the brake bleeder was ordered, the sun shields were bought and the matte black solar oven buckets were in my cart. you have no idea how helpful you have been but I'm trying to tell you: you've been INSTRUMENTAL in my prep learning curve, sweet girl. I sooo appreciate you and send people your way often.🙏

[@ohwhatelse]

there are 3 things that will spoil your freeze dried or dehydrated food: light, moisture, & oxygen. same as any food. & heat doesn't do it any good, either.... things to be greatly concerned about when freeze drying your own food. 1. bags of less than 5mm thickness will let light in. (take one in a very dark room, like at night, & hold a very bright flashlight up tight against 1 thickness of it & see if any light shines through it. if it does, you don't want to use it!) 2. freeze drying will take care of the moisture if you have checked the thickest, most dense mass of your food for any amount of moisture. 3. the iron oxide "oxygen" pkts take care of the oxygen. 4. food particles or food dust can get in the seams of the bags & they will let some amount of air in (also other particles or dust when or before they seal them) . you may want to check a bag now & then by putting your very clean hands down inside & trying to force it apart. So- be very careful when you fill your bags that no particles or food dust gets left around the inside of the tops! sooo, i really do hate to burst anyone's bubbles here buuut, SILICA, as these she is making are for absorbing MOISTURE. the oxygen packets that you MUST BUY contain IRON OXIDE & are only for absorbing OXYGEN! 2 very different- DIFFERENT products for VERY different uses! they are NOT interchangeable!!!! AND, after all the expense as well as your labor, if you use them together they will cancel each other out & you will have some very spoiled food when you need it the very most!!!! sorry if you have already used silica, thinking that would do the same as AIR absorbers but, better check your food! they won't keep long term. happy, safe prepping.

[@donnashomeplacetn4089]

I make them for our ammo boxes and gun cases like this...only I use small envelopes like we use for thank you cards. I put about 1/8 to 1/4 cup of the litter in them and make sure they're glued all the way shut. We have so much humidity that it really does take a larger size. I have used the coffee filters too. This is a great idea and I seldom see anyone showing people how to do this. Thanks for putting it out there. As for my food...I make the packs with rice inside. That way it's another source of food that I can use. I've watched so many of your videos. I've made ghee and apple cider vinegar by watching you. Thanks for all you do! Blessings!

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Donna, that is wonderful! Thank you for sharing your comments. I am glad you are also in Tennessee!

[@IMOO1896]

Donna's Home Place TN would the envelope paper allow enough moisture to seep thru?

[@la8656]

Now, that really sparked an idea to take this even further...spritz or stir into some of the gel, your favorite scent and then make cachets for the areas of the home, drawers, auto, etc. WOW! Thanks for getting my brain thinking.

[@daleval2182]

Paper may not be porous enough ?

[@cfitz4397]

Thank you - you blessed me this morning! I've got several old cotton handkerchiefs which I can use to make my own silica 'pillows'. 😊

[@thebiggestcheese54]

I am glad I watched all the way to the end. Thanks for the scripture.

[@mitchg.5125]

Brilliant, wonderfully simple idea. Just got two pounds of blue-indicating silica gel from Amazon, and found a package of coffee filters in the back of the cabinet whose size doesn't fit my current coffee maker. The blue shows through the porousness of the filter better than commercial packs with their narrow viewing strip. Love this idea! THANKS

[@Alphastarcar]

I had no idea that the gel packets are so simple and simple to make. Thank you! God bless you!!! 🙏❤️

[@terranceriggs578]

Found you on google by accident and now I can’t believe I haven’t seen you all this time . Thank you 🙏 god bless

[@carolynjustis9423]

Thank u soooo much toxic yeah me too. I did learn better last year but had no clue how to make them. I do now!! May God bless you abundantly!

[@notthereyethomestead8413]

Thank you so much for this practical and creative item. This would make a wonderful gift at any time of the year. Love the scripture and I notice that a lot of the homesteaders and preppers are followers of Yeshua, so HE is guiding us to this lifestyle for HIS purpose, Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11..... Blessings in abundance to you and yours, Shalom!!!

[@deviroy9527]

This is great!! I'm going to sew bigger bags and use it in my travel trailer. Condensation is an issue when cold weather camping.

[@dustyrhodes6798]

The most frugal video I watched today. I need to start making my own. I spent a fortune on them already.

[@sosuskeaiezen9637]

Ahh that smile is verry lovely, I love the rustic feel of her videos.

[@fciapanna]

Wow! Thank you. And especially for the surprise message at the end. God Bless You.

[@readingsbycara]

*Christa!* You are simply wonderful. Oh so grateful for your cute charm, grace, and practical advice. ♥️

[@ohwhatelse]

there are 3 things that will spoil your freeze dried or dehydrated food: light, moisture, & oxygen. same as any food. & heat doesn't do it any good, either.... things to be greatly concerned about when freeze drying your own food. 1. bags of less than 5mm thickness will let light in. (take one in a very dark room, like at night, & hold a very bright flashlight up tight against 1 thickness of it & see if any light shines through it. if it does, you don't want to use it!) 2. freeze drying will take care of the moisture if you have checked the thickest, most dense mass of your food for any amount of moisture. 3. the iron oxide "oxygen" pkts take care of the oxygen. 4. food particles or food dust can get in the seams of the bags & they will let some amount of air in (also other particles or dust when or before they seal them) . you may want to check a bag now & then by putting your very clean hands down inside & trying to force it apart. So- be very careful when you fill your bags that no particles or food dust gets left around the inside of the tops! sooo, i really do hate to burst anyone's bubbles here buuut, SILICA, as these she is making are for absorbing MOISTURE. the oxygen packets that you MUST BUY contain IRON OXIDE & are only for absorbing OXYGEN! 2 very different- DIFFERENT products for VERY different uses! they are NOT interchangeable!!!! AND, after all the expense as well as your labor, if you use them together they will cancel each other out & you will have some very spoiled food when you need it the very most!!!! sorry if you have already used silica, thinking that would do the same as AIR absorbers but, better check your food! they won't keep long term. happy, safe prepping.

[@gretchenarrant8334]

Love your videos and scriptures. Love all of you who show your faith. So much hope for our future! God bless!💜💜

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Thank you so much, Gretchen! God bless you too!

[@gretchenarrant8334]

@@PREPSTEADERS Yw. I got the cast iron Dutch over and got the Stanley water purifier, only had 2,cups, but got, guess no more 4 cup ones. Also made the candied ginger. You are such a blessing. A wealth of information!! Many thanks. God continue to bless you 💕💕

[@janetlovell3429]

Love the way you end your video. That’s what our country needs, the word of God

[@davidstillwell7633]

Never too old to learn something new. Excellent video. Thank you very much.

[@sarahpride5556]

For larger containers I use nylon stockings. Add into the stocking until silica gel is about the size of a golf ball, tie it off against the silica gel, then turn the stocking inside-out over the ball, and tie it off again. Now the package is double thick. Cut the remainder of the stocking free.

[@jsplasha]

Nylon works but any thin piece of cloth will work fine. Old bed sheets, pillowcases, t-shirts, anything works. Even balled up kleenex

[@SomewhereInIndiana1816]

great idea, thank you! I was wondering how much to use for, say, a gallon size container. thanks!

[@landonhall1451]

I'm convinced. Heading to Petsmart tomorrow, then going across the street to the dollar store for some coffee filters. what a great cost effective solution. thanks Christa.

[@deannastevens1217]

Run them up on a sewing machine with cotton thread. Who cares about the shape... So long as they work and don't cost much.

[@ohwhatelse]

there are 3 things that will spoil your freeze dried or dehydrated food: light, moisture, & oxygen. same as any food. & heat doesn't do it any good, either.... things to be greatly concerned about when freeze drying your own food. 1. bags of less than 5mm thickness will let light in. (take one in a very dark room, like at night, & hold a very bright flashlight up tight against 1 thickness of it & see if any light shines through it. if it does, you don't want to use it!) i'd order the 7 mm 2. freeze drying will take care of the moisture if you have checked the thickest, most dense mass of your food for any amount of moisture. 3. the iron oxide "oxygen" pkts take care of the oxygen. 4. food particles or food dust can get in the seams of the bags & they will let some amount of air in (also other particles or dust when or before they seal them) . you may want to check a bag now & then by putting your very clean hands down inside & trying to force it apart. So- be very careful when you fill your bags that no particles or food dust gets left around the inside of the tops! sooo, i really do hate to burst anyone's bubbles here buuut, SILICA, as these she is making are for absorbing MOISTURE. the oxygen packets that you MUST BUY contain IRON OXIDE & are only for absorbing OXYGEN! 2 very different- DIFFERENT products for VERY different uses! they are NOT interchangeable!!!! AND, after all the expense as well as your labor, if you use them together they will cancel each other out & you will have some very spoiled food when you need it the very most!!!! sorry if you have already used silica, thinking that would do the same as AIR absorbers but, better check your food! they won't keep long term. happy, safe prepping.

[@ohwhatelse]

@@deannastevens1217 hate to tell you--- dessicant pkts do NOT work for food storage!!! 1. do you think you'd be comfortable with NON-FOOD grade pkts in your food??? 2. or # 1- sillica is for absorbing MOISTURE. Oxygen absorbers absorb OXYGEN! very different. Also, they CANNOT be used together. they cancel ea other out. 3. there are 3 things that will spoil your freeze dried or dehydrated food: light, moisture, & oxygen. same as any food. & heat doesn't do it any good, either.... things to be greatly concerned about when freeze drying your own food. 1. bags of less than 5mm thickness will let light in. (take one in a very dark room, like at night, & hold a very bright flashlight up tight against 1 thickness of it & see if any light shines through it. if it does, you don't want to use it!) i'd use 7 mm bags. 2. freeze drying will take care of the moisture if you have checked the thickest, most dense mass of your food for any amount of moisture. 3. the iron oxide "oxygen" pkts take care of the oxygen. 4. food particles or food dust can get in the seams of the bags & they will let some amount of air in (also other particles or dust when or before they seal them) . you may want to check a bag now & then by putting your very clean hands down inside & trying to force it apart. So- be very careful when you fill your bags that no particles or food dust gets left around the inside of the tops! sooo, i really do hate to burst anyone's bubbles here buuut, SILICA, as these she is making are for absorbing MOISTURE. the oxygen packets that you MUST BUY contain IRON OXIDE & are only for absorbing OXYGEN! 2 very different- DIFFERENT products for VERY different uses! they are NOT interchangeable!!!! AND, after all the expense as well as your labor, if you use them together they will cancel each other out & you will have some very spoiled food when you need it the very most!!!! sorry if you have already used silica, thinking that would do the same as AIR absorbers but, better check your food! they won't keep long term. happy, safe prepping. God bless.

[@thedrunkengardenernb]

@@ohwhatelse depends on what you're usingit for lol

[@SMA1mommy]

Just found you. You are a jem thank you. Your content is priceless. How anyone could give you a thumbs down for the help and knowledge you give is just beyond me. I hope all learn how useful what you are teaching is. Blessings to you and all. From Ontario Canada

[@carolinerose5743]

I made silica packets out of coffee filters once, but I didn't cut, fold, and staple them. I just put silica in the middle of a coffee filter then gathered the edges, gave it a twist at the top and secured it with a twist tie.

[@ohwhatelse]

honey, #1. kitty litter is NOT food grade! PLUS, #2.. they absorb MOISTURE! Oxygen absorbers absorb- what? OXYGEN! 2 different things. Oxy absorbers contain IRON OXIDE (no. you cannot buy it) not sillica. there are 3 things that will spoil your freeze dried or dehydrated food: light, moisture, & oxygen. same as any food. & heat doesn't do it any good, either.... things to be greatly concerned about when freeze drying your own food (Please spread the word!). 1. bags of less than 5mm thickness will let light in. (take one in a very dark room, like at night, & hold a very bright flashlight up tight against 1 thickness of it & see if any light shines through it. if it does, you don't want to use it!) 2. freeze drying will take care of the moisture if you have checked the thickest, most dense mass of your food for any amount of moisture. 3. the iron oxide "oxygen" pkts take care of the oxygen. 4. food particles or food dust can get in the seams of the bags & they will let some amount of air in (also other particles or dust when or before they seal them) . you may want to check a bag now & then by putting your very clean hands down inside & trying to force it apart. So- be very careful when you fill your bags that no particles or food dust gets left around the inside of the tops! sooo, i really do hate to burst anyone's bubbles here buuut, SILICA, as these she is making are for absorbing MOISTURE. the oxygen packets that you MUST BUY contain IRON OXIDE & are only for absorbing OXYGEN! 2 very different- DIFFERENT products for VERY different uses! they are NOT interchangeable!!!! AND, after all the expense as well as your labor, if you use them together they will cancel each other out & you will have some very spoiled food when you need it the very most!!!! sorry if you have already used silica, thinking that would do the same as AIR absorbers but, better check your food! they won't keep long term. happy, safe prepping. God bless.

[@nickolaswarren]

You are amazing. I knew you were a believer before the end. Thanks for this. So my BMW has a fogging up issue. I’m gonna make a larger size one of these to fix the issue. Be blessed. I know this blessed me.

[@conniebrannen5504]

Thank You for this tip! I am using it for all my food bucket storage and dehydrated stuff in glass jars. I love this.

[@honestyfaithful]

THANK YOU THANK YOU you are such a kind sweet person!!! I watch you often. Have a BEAUTIFUL BLESSED DAY 🌻

[@peggyhiggins6923]

I use them in my prep jars. Saltines, beans etc. I didn't know I can restore them in the oven. Thank you, God Bless

[@PREPSTEADERS]

That is great, Peggy. I use them in so many things like that. God bless you too!

[@km6408]

PREPSTEADERS Are these packets then food safe? As in to put directly in contact with food? :)

[@NolaGB]

I didn't know that either, Peggy. About what oven setting ... 250F? That's very helpful!! Thank you!

[@lindabrown7374]

@@NolaGB 120F for 30 minutes.

[@1943sumrallgirl]

@@NolaGB What was that about the oven? I missed that.

[@justlooking2183]

Because of how informative and professional this video was conducted I subscribed to your channel thanks 🙏

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Awesome, thank you!

[@GrannyCrow]

Thank you for sharing that verse, it was actually exactly what I needed to hear today.

[@sharonsplace5146]

That is a great video. You taught this grandma something new!

[@ohwhatelse]

careful, careful... there are 3 things that will spoil your freeze dried or dehydrated food: light, moisture, & oxygen. same as any food. & heat doesn't do it any good, either.... things to be greatly concerned about when freeze drying your own food (Please spread the word!) 1. bags of less than 5mm thickness will let light in. (take one in a very dark room, like at night, & hold a very bright flashlight up tight against 1 thickness of it & see if any light shines through it. if it does, you don't want to use it!) 2. freeze drying will take care of the moisture if you have checked the thickest, most dense mass of your food for any amount of moisture. 3. the iron oxide "oxygen" pkts take care of the oxygen. 4. food particles or food dust can get in the seams of the bags & they will let some amount of air in (also other particles or dust when or before they seal them) . you may want to check a bag now & then by putting your very clean hands down inside & trying to force it apart. So- be very careful when you fill your bags that no particles or food dust gets left around the inside of the tops! sooo, i really do hate to burst anyone's bubbles here buuut, SILICA, as these she is making are for absorbing MOISTURE. the oxygen packets that you MUST BUY contain IRON OXIDE & are only for absorbing OXYGEN! 2 very different- DIFFERENT products for VERY different uses! they are NOT interchangeable!!!! AND, after all the expense as well as your labor, if you use them together they will cancel each other out & you will have some very spoiled food when you need it the very most!!!! sorry if you have already used silica, thinking that would do the same as AIR absorbers but, better check your food! they won't keep long term. happy, safe prepping. God bless.

[@mendagy]

Thank you so much for this!! I am a huge fan of dried seaweed & it comes in little trays with a silica packet. I have kept these - much to the chagrin of my longsuffering family - for a long, long time. Glad to know some good uses for them! But I wanted to tell you how very much your knowledge & insight is appreciated!! And the scripture verse was wonderful! Keep up the good work & God bless!!! ♥️

[@cbass2755]

Oh thank you for that scripture! I loved it….

[@xkellyjeanx]

I've wondered for many years now about these packets, VERY neat info! Thank you for taking the time to put this together. May The Lord Bless all that you put your hand to and may the Peace of Christ Jesus reign over you and your home! Shalom

[@ohwhatelse]

there are 3 things that will spoil your freeze dried or dehydrated food: light, moisture, & oxygen. same as any food. & heat doesn't do it any good, either.... things to be greatly concerned about when freeze drying your own food. 1. bags of less than 5mm thickness will let light in. (take one in a very dark room, like at night, & hold a very bright flashlight up tight against 1 thickness of it & see if any light shines through it. if it does, you don't want to use it!) 2. freeze drying will take care of the moisture if you have checked the thickest, most dense mass of your food for any amount of moisture. 3. the iron oxide "oxygen" pkts take care of the oxygen. 4. food particles or food dust can get in the seams of the bags & they will let some amount of air in (also other particles or dust when or before they seal them) . you may want to check a bag now & then by putting your very clean hands down inside & trying to force it apart. So- be very careful when you fill your bags that no particles or food dust gets left around the inside of the tops! sooo, i really do hate to burst anyone's bubbles here buuut, SILICA, as these she is making are for absorbing MOISTURE. the oxygen packets that you MUST BUY contain IRON OXIDE & are only for absorbing OXYGEN! 2 very different- DIFFERENT products for VERY different uses! they are NOT interchangeable!!!! AND, after all the expense as well as your labor, if you use them together they will cancel each other out & you will have some very spoiled food when you need it the very most!!!! sorry if you have already used silica, thinking that would do the same as AIR absorbers but, better check your food! they won't keep long term. happy, safe prepping.

[@lisabooker6405]

That you so much for this information. You are such a beautiful soul. God Bless you and be you and yours always ~Lisa

[@salettamyers8845]

You are a beautiful blessing! I never thought about what you go through while teaching us till your flyover- Thank you😇🥰

[@ohwhatelse]

there are 3 things that will spoil your freeze dried or dehydrated food: light, moisture, & oxygen. same as any food. & heat doesn't do it any good, either.... things to be greatly concerned about when freeze drying your own food. 1. bags of less than 5mm thickness will let light in. (take one in a very dark room, like at night, & hold a very bright flashlight up tight against 1 thickness of it & see if any light shines through it. if it does, you don't want to use it!) 2. freeze drying will take care of the moisture if you have checked the thickest, most dense mass of your food for any amount of moisture. 3. the iron oxide "oxygen" pkts take care of the oxygen. 4. food particles or food dust can get in the seams of the bags & they will let some amount of air in (also other particles or dust when or before they seal them) . you may want to check a bag now & then by putting your very clean hands down inside & trying to force it apart. So- be very careful when you fill your bags that no particles or food dust gets left around the inside of the tops! sooo, i really do hate to burst anyone's bubbles here buuut, SILICA, as these she is making are for absorbing MOISTURE. the oxygen packets that you MUST BUY contain IRON OXIDE & are only for absorbing OXYGEN! 2 very different- DIFFERENT products for VERY different uses! they are NOT interchangeable!!!! AND, after all the expense as well as your labor, if you use them together they will cancel each other out & you will have some very spoiled food when you need it the very most!!!! sorry if you have already used silica, thinking that would do the same as AIR absorbers but, better check your food! they won't keep long term. happy, safe prepping.

[@ScintillantB408]

I love your vibe... knowledgeable, calming and you seem like you'd be the nicest person. 😄 Thank you for the lesson!!

[@FidoHouse]

You learn about, and share, the neatest things. Thank you!

[@sonofeloah]

I've always known that the packets could be dried out and so I collect them from anything we get that has some in them and one neighbor also gives me his. I have a bag full of them of all sorts of sizes that sit in my fire room where the woodstove is. And when I store food items in 5 gal buckets, a packet goes in before putting the lid on. Thank you for this video and now knowing where I can get large quantities of this silicon dioxide, I will surely make the larger ones needed for my 50 gal storage.

[@coreyanderson1457]

Where does a person get the buckets that preserve/store food?

[@lindabrown7374]

@@coreyanderson1457 Prepper supply or food storage companies online. Lehmann's for example. I got mine at Rural King.

[@ohwhatelse]

the pkts you get in products may very well likely NOT be FOOD grade! ALSO, there are 3 things that will spoil your freeze dried or dehydrated food: light, moisture, & oxygen. same as any food. & heat doesn't do it any good, either.... things to be greatly concerned about when freeze drying your own food. 1. bags of less than 5mm thickness will let light in. (take one in a very dark room, like at night, & hold a very bright flashlight up tight against 1 thickness of it & see if any light shines through it. if it does, you don't want to use it!) 2. freeze drying will take care of the moisture if you have checked the thickest, most dense mass of your food for any amount of moisture. 3. the iron oxide "oxygen" pkts take care of the oxygen. 4. food particles or food dust can get in the seams of the bags & they will let some amount of air in (also other particles or dust when or before they seal them) . you may want to check a bag now & then by putting your very clean hands down inside & trying to force it apart. So- be very careful when you fill your bags that no particles or food dust gets left around the inside of the tops! sooo, i really do hate to burst anyone's bubbles here buuut, SILICA, as these she is making are for absorbing MOISTURE. the oxygen packets that you MUST BUY contain IRON OXIDE & are only for absorbing OXYGEN! 2 very different- DIFFERENT products for VERY different uses! they are NOT interchangeable!!!! AND, after all the expense as well as your labor, if you use them together they will cancel each other out & you will have some very spoiled food when you need it the very most!!!! sorry if you have already used silica, thinking that would do the same as AIR absorbers but, better check your food! they won't keep long term. happy, safe prepping.

[@terrymannbluemoonsoapco.1377]

@@ohwhatelse Who was mistaking these for oxygen absorbers? It was presented for moisture. Also, there is no food grade that I can find any info on. Silica gel will not change or permeate the food it's packed with. It is unregulated in most countries as silica gel is inert and not toxic. In the US, the FDA recognizes that it is safe to use and does not require approval for use with food in amounts of less than 2% when added directly to food.

[@julierobinson2429]

WOW I had no idea how easy it was to make these silica gel packs. Thanks!

[@letinhsong8024]

thank you for explaining about the silica, because, yes-I, too, thought it was toxic! Appreciate the information.

[@carmabee4600]

Same, my mother always told us it was, I have told mine too 😄

[@IMOO1896]

Just made several of these using a gauzy fabric that is not as thin as cheese cloth. I’m using mine to put in dehydrated fruits that I’m starting to dry.. Love the Word!

[@sandyclaus2729]

You always teach me such wonderful things. Thanks so much for all you do!!! I sure do appreciate you.

[@PREPSTEADERS]

I'm so glad! Thank you for your kind words, SandyClaus!

[@lakestatebullies7391]

I have these packets in every drawer of my tool box.

[@spongehead1354]

That's a beautiful thought { Go out and be a blessing for someone today } if we all did that just think how much better the world would be! Thank you and God Bless you PREPSTEADERS!

[@dee6615]

Thank you and many blessings to you and yours..........

[@linaurbina2074]

Thank you for being such a great blessing to all. God Bless

[@andrewscott153]

GREAT subject Christa! I really like your packaging ideas. Much easier than what I have done to use in my safe to help protect metal. I cut sleeves off of old cotton shirts- sew one end, tie the other. Didn't know the have litter with cobalt crystals- that's a gem to learn. As always, I love the scripture. You have such grace. Blessings:)

[@carolc6477]

Fabulous! And how to restore the ones I'm already saving was a bonus. One day we won't have such available resources so this is an excellent video. I especially like the repuposing cotton pillowcases. I use these in my microphone cases to keep moisture out of my music equipment. ☺

[@blessednatsarim4181]

Thank you! Blessings! Praise the Lord God Almighty, Yahuah!

[@Belle19700]

I swear to gawd, this woman is one of the smartest people, I've ever encountered. She's saving lives.

[@gregbridges8261]

Awesome thank you. These are the hardest thing to buy! You can only buy them on line and I need one today! Because of your video I can make up one today. Thanks heaps

[@osieg]

Wow! I don’t know how you come up with these ideas! Love it!!! 😇❤️😇

[@MikiDoodleMom]

Thanks. I now make my own. I use the silica gel that I've had in my craft box for a couple decades. I used to use it to dry flowers.

[@Edge1775]

Your so beautiful Christa inside and out. what a blessing you must be to your family. God Bless and as always thanks for sharing

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Thank you for your kind words. And may God bless you right back! :)

[@reneefowler5080]

It is soooo humid here in Indiana! I went to KZbin seeking a solution to keep my rabbit feed from turning moldy again and found you! I was already a subscriber and took comfort that your information is always useful and natural. Thanks so much!

[@carolc6477]

Also so glad to know they're not toxic! Will be putting them into my home dehydrated fruit jars too from now on 😁

[@carolsyman5868]

I've been saving the silica gel packs that come in purchases. Silica gel is also the ingredient in "Flower Dri" , a product for drying flowers. I expect cat litter is cheaper than Flower Dri. Thanks for this info and demonstrating the process for making our own packets.

[@ohwhatelse]

I DON"T think yr pkts are FOOD GRADE! OR the kitty litter! I wouldn't want them in direct contact with my food! i'd research my info in more than ONE place.......

[@divyabooshanam7351]

Thanks for that verse. Your such a blessing. 😊

[@freeamerican2313]

Just lucky I came across your channel, I'm getting more info to already add to what I have learned thank you and I love the fact of Bible verses and the end. Keep them coming.

[@ohwhatelse]

there are 3 things that will spoil your freeze dried or dehydrated food: light, moisture, & oxygen. same as any food. & heat doesn't do it any good, either.... things to be greatly concerned about when freeze drying your own food. 1. bags of less than 5mm thickness will let light in. (take one in a very dark room, like at night, & hold a very bright flashlight up tight against 1 thickness of it & see if any light shines through it. if it does, you don't want to use it!) 2. freeze drying will take care of the moisture if you have checked the thickest, most dense mass of your food for any amount of moisture. 3. the iron oxide "oxygen" pkts take care of the oxygen. 4. food particles or food dust can get in the seams of the bags & they will let some amount of air in (also other particles or dust when or before they seal them) . you may want to check a bag now & then by putting your very clean hands down inside & trying to force it apart. So- be very careful when you fill your bags that no particles or food dust gets left around the inside of the tops! sooo, i really do hate to burst anyone's bubbles here buuut, SILICA, as these she is making are for absorbing MOISTURE. the oxygen packets that you MUST BUY contain IRON OXIDE & are only for absorbing OXYGEN! 2 very different- DIFFERENT products for VERY different uses! they are NOT interchangeable!!!! AND, after all the expense as well as your labor, if you use them together they will cancel each other out & you will have some very spoiled food when you need it the very most!!!! sorry if you have already used silica, thinking that would do the same as AIR absorbers but, better check your food! they won't keep long term. happy, safe prepping. stay safe. stay well. God bless

[@conniehedges8903]

What a relief! Have a kitten who bit a pack open and some of it came out. Not sure if she ate any but nice to know it won't kill her if she did.

[@cali005]

Your video vlogs are great! I've learned a lot from it. May Our Good Lord richly bless & keep you.

[@lindahughes8611]

Thank you for the information AND specially ending with that powerful SCRIPTURE! You sure blessed me:)

[@jf1a8x1]

Happy to see this video. I had saved up about 30-40 silica gel pacs thinking I might use them for seed saving. The other day my phone fell in a water trough. I ended up using about 20 of my silica pacs to try to save my phone. Still haven’t checked to see if it has worked or not, but I appreciate your comment on drying and reusing the silica pacs. I’ve seen mixed info on whether they are reusable or not. Now know I can easily replace the handful of silica pacs I had saved. 😊

[@sirdukeusa3289]

I always save my gel packs. I use them in everything that can rust or mildew. In my fishing tackle box, my tool box, my crafts, anything I can think of.

[@hihihihihello]

Good thinkin!!

[@colleensmith7745]

I use them to keep my hearing aids dry. I heat up the packet for 10 seconds & then put it in the case. Works great!

[@cannonmusic1]

Thank you. I have gleaned so much useful information about prepping from you. My preps are flourishing. Not only does my cup runneth over..... So does my tiny apartment.

[@itsallright2bme]

Thank you very much for your video. Had not thought of the cat litter. AWESOME

[@johncombs4858]

Thanks for your help and kind words of scripture at the end!

[@dennism837]

What a sweet video! Bless you my sister in Christ😄👍I’m gonna try the tea bags with the kitty litter for my ammo cans! Thanks for sharing.

[@chrisdarry-roseelrod4481]

Krista, Thanks for this. I've been saving the ones I get in purchases and put them in a ziplock bag. Now I can make my own. Yay!!

[@STR8808]

🤣 Me too.

[@suzan1mal]

Chris Darry-Rose Elrod I had no idea one could reactivate them. I’ve thrown SOOOO many out over the years. UGH!!

[@nwideyedwonder683]

I've done the same...mine are saved in a jar

[@VestaLouise]

This was engaging, educational & throughly enjoyable very 👍🏽 well done

[@eduardosalcedosr1727]

I use them in my food storage, thank you for teaching me how to make them myself. God bless you

[@lindagingerich5954]

You are a totally blessing to me today! Rest assured I will past it on, Amen!!

[@greatdanerescuemom1]

thank you sister in Christ... you are truly a blessing ... gonna have to do this soon.. thank you again for ALL you share.

[@Tsch6373]

Sachet bags work well too. They can be stapled closed as well. I bought 50 of them last spring to put UnStoppable beads in as air fresheners. I saved all of my sgp but really appreciate your vid for when I need more!

[@joetrzcinski943]

Thank you for your wisdom. God Bless everyone.

[@wabisabi48]

Bless you!!! I was looking for something to fill long narrow sacks to put in my windows sills for winter condensation. Previously I used Damp rid but it is more pricey and you cannot reuse it. It really does prevent the mold. So I will put them on a water proof tray and dry them in the oven. Oh this is going to solve my problem. Thanks again.

[@feltingme]

Did you try, and how did it work? How often do you have to bake silica gel to renew it?

[@SkywatcherSandra]

Very helpful. Ty and GOD bless you ALL

[@jizburg]

Hi. I had problems with moisture in my bathroom. I got some kitty litter silica gel and put it in a glass bowl like an art instataltion. Worked great

[@maggiejoseph3041]

Thank you.... I always wanted to save money on the Silica Gel...and didn't know how.... this video was very informative...again thank you for this very helpful information.

[@PREPSTEADERS]

I am so glad, Maggie! Thank you for your comment!

[@mssavedin92]

me too!

[@ohwhatelse]

..there are 3 things that will spoil your freeze dried or dehydrated food: light, moisture, & oxygen. same as any food. & heat doesn't do it any good, either.... things to be greatly concerned about when freeze drying your own food. 1. bags of less than 5mm thickness will let light in. (take one in a very dark room, like at night, & hold a very bright flashlight up tight against 1 thickness of it & see if any light shines through it. if it does, you don't want to use it!) 2. freeze drying will take care of the moisture if you have checked the thickest, most dense mass of your food for any amount of moisture. 3. the iron oxide "oxygen" pkts take care of the oxygen. 4. food particles or food dust can get in the seams of the bags & they will let some amount of air in (also other particles or dust when or before they seal them). you may want to check a bag now & then by putting your very clean hands down inside & trying to force it apart. So- be very careful when you fill your bags that no particles or food dust gets left around the inside of the tops! sooo, i really do hate to burst anyone's bubbles here buuut, SILICA, as these she is making are for absorbing MOISTURE. the oxygen packets that you MUST BUY contain IRON OXIDE & are only for absorbing OXYGEN! 2 very different- DIFFERENT products for VERY different uses! they are NOT interchangeable!!!! AND, after all the expense as well as your labor, if you use them together they will cancel each other out & you will have some very spoiled food when you need it the very most!!!! sorry if you have already used silica, thinking that would do the same as AIR absorbers but, better check your food! they won't keep long term. happy, safe prepping. stay safe. stay well. God bless

[@marloef11]

I love your channel! I am learning so much to be more self sufficient and have the know how....Thank You so much. It is a joy and a pleasure to be learning from you...

[@michaelsinaloense6449]

What a great money saving idea. Thanks a bunch.

[@whomagoose6897]

I bought a bag of silicone pellets in bulk at a gun store. These pellets also turn blue when saturated. Just dry them out on a cookie sheet in the oven at 160°F for 3 hours or until they turn blue again. Pink when wet, blue when dry. These pellets are made to be put in a gun safe. Instead of paper coffee filters or tea bags. I got a pile of small infant socks from a thrift store. Infant babies grow up fast and quickly outgrow those tiny socks. They are in every thrift store. Get the smallest socks you can that are made of thin material. Not the thick socks. Put a teaspoon into every sock. Use a wire tie, like those wire ties on sacks bread, to close the sock. You can also get rolls of wire ties to cut to length desired. When saturated just remove the pellets from the socks, dry the pellets in the oven. And replace pellets in the socks. Reuse socks and pellets forever. Don't need to mark the socks with a "Do not eat" warning. Who's going to eat a sock?

[@southernyankee05]

LOL... your right about that. REALLY GOOD IDEA'S !!!

[@claudettedean3893]

pots. This site is so awesome. Love the end with scripture. Thank you. Thank you.

[@sadiea4381]

Thank you so much for the incredible information. I’m a beginner in prepping but as the Covid19 virus spreads worldwide, the CDC has encouraged everyone to store at least 30 days worth of food and water. Because of these videos, I am greatly encouraged as the process is really not as hard as some make it seem. God bless and stay safe!

[@johnfillingim3987]

You are amazing!!! What a woman!!!

[@eileenfb1948]

So much cheaper and very easy to make. Thank you very much - I’m off to the pet shop.

[@PREPSTEADERS]

Wonderful, Eileen!

[@mikeandrone1026]

I ordered 10lb and reusable tea bags. This will make great pouches for my gun cases and boxes of ammo. Thanks for all your videos.💋💋

[@kjvonly2451]

Time to go shopping again. 🤣 Thank you and may God Bless you and your family!

[@royhensley578]

Thank you! I was considering some options last week but held off to think about them some more. This is perfect. And thanks for the scripture at the end as always.

[@PREPSTEADERS]

I am glad you found it helpful, Roy! I love that you can make these whatever size you need. Be blessed today!

[@ohwhatelse]

..there are 3 things that will spoil your freeze dried or dehydrated food: light, moisture, & oxygen. same as any food. & heat doesn't do it any good, either.... things to be greatly concerned about when freeze drying your own food. 1. bags of less than 5mm thickness will let light in. (take one in a very dark room, like at night, & hold a very bright flashlight up tight against 1 thickness of it & see if any light shines through it. if it does, you don't want to use it!) 2. freeze drying will take care of the moisture if you have checked the thickest, most dense mass of your food for any amount of moisture. 3. the iron oxide "oxygen" pkts take care of the oxygen. 4. food particles or food dust can get in the seams of the bags & they will let some amount of air in (also other particles or dust when or before they seal them) . you may want to check a bag now & then by putting your very clean hands down inside & trying to force it apart. So- be very careful when you fill your bags that no particles or food dust gets left around the inside of the tops! sooo, i really do hate to burst anyone's bubbles here buuut, SILICA, as these she is making are for absorbing MOISTURE. the oxygen packets that you MUST BUY contain IRON OXIDE & are only for absorbing OXYGEN! 2 very different- DIFFERENT products for VERY different uses! they are NOT interchangeable!!!! AND, after all the expense as well as your labor, if you use them together they will cancel each other out & you will have some very spoiled food when you need it the very most!!!! sorry if you have already used silica, thinking that would do the same as AIR absorbers but, better check your food! they won't keep long term. happy, safe prepping. stay safe. stay well. God bless

[@johnlord8337]

Good use (again) for that little pressure cooker. Dry heat the gel packs or bags within a veggie steam basket in the cooker. More pressure, less time. Weighted pressure valve left off valve stem - steam and hot air escapes through the vent. Always good to have these silica packets in your ammo cans or weapons mylar bags. Periodically dry them back out (irrespective of color change or not), and place back into such containers. Good to have them warm (NOT HOT !) when placing back into these containers and bags, so that they don't start sucking up any room moisture when cooling down, then placed into the containers. Good time is quarterly or semi-annually (change clock times), when you do the rest of your scheduled rechargable batteries.