In a world where emergencies can happen at any time, it’s important to be prepared. One of the most important things you can have in your prepper kit is desiccants. Desiccants help protect your food and supplies from moisture damage, which can lead to spoilage. We will discuss how to make homemade desiccants using various materials that are available to you. We will also provide tips on how to use and reuse them.
Why You Need to Have Desiccants in Your Prepper Kit
When an emergency strikes, one of the most important things you can do is protect your food and supplies from moisture damage. Moisture can cause spoilage, mold, and mildew. Desiccants are a great way to keep your belongings dry and protected. They absorb moisture from the air, which prevents mold and mildew from growing.
There are many different types of desiccants available on the market, but you can also make your own. We will show you how to make homemade desiccants using various materials that are readily available.
Better to Buy or DIY Desiccant?
When it comes to desiccants, you can either buy them or make them yourself. There are many different types of desiccants available on the market.
Commercial desiccant packs use silica gel to absorb moisture. You typically see these small desiccant packs in snack foods to inhibit mold growth. You can buy silica gel packets online and in craft stores but they can be expensive.
Buying desiccants may be the easier option, but making your own desiccant pack can be more fun and rewarding. Plus, you’ll know exactly what ingredients are being used. If you’re interested in DIYing your own desiccants, read on!
DIY Desiccants
Some of the most common homemade desiccants include salt, diatomaceous earth, calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, bentonite clay, rice, and baking soda. These make great homemade desiccants because they are great at absorbing moisture from the air, which prevents mold and mildew from growing. They are also very inexpensive and easy to find.
Using Salt for Desiccants
You can use the type of salt that you use in your salt shakers, but kosher or pickling salt works best. Using the kind of salt that you use to melt ice will not work as well because it does not have the same absorbent properties.
To use salt as a desiccant, simply place it in an airtight container with your belongings. The salt will absorb moisture from the air, which will keep your belongings dry and protected. To keep the salt from clumping, you can add calcium silicate. You can reuse the salt by simply placing it back in the container once it has dried out.
What is Diatomaceous Earth for Desiccants?
Diatomaceous earth is a type of sedimentary rock that is very absorbent. It can be found in many places, including hardware stores and online. Only use food-grade diatomaceous earth for this purpose as it is non-toxic. The types made for pools are toxic.
Calcium Carbonate for Desiccants
Calcium carbonate is used for many things, including making chalk and limestone. It can be found in many places, including hardware stores and online.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride is used for many different purposes, including dehumidifiers. You can find calcium chloride at your local hardware store or online.
Calcium Sulfate
Calcium sulfate is used for many different purposes, including making plaster of Paris. It can be found in many places, including hardware stores and online.
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is commonly used for detoxing. You can find bentonite clay at your local health food store or online.
Rice
Use white rice because it is more absorbent than brown rice. Some people add rice to herbs and spices in a sealed container to keep them fresh. The negative side to using rice is that it can attract rodents, so be sure to use it in a sealed container.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common household item as it is often used in baking. You can find baking soda at your local grocery store.
Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer
Non-dairy coffee creamer can be found in the coffee or baking aisle of your local grocery store. The downside with using this as a desiccant is that it can attract insects, so be sure to use it in a sealed container.
Other DIY Desiccants
There are many other materials that can be used as desiccants. Some of these include silica gel beads, kitty litter, and activated charcoal. You can purchase these materials online or at your local hardware store.
How To Create Desiccant Packets
Now that you know some of the most common DIY desiccants, it’s time to learn how to create your own desiccant packets. This is a great way to keep your belongings dry and protected.
Supplies Needed:
- Desiccant of your choice
- Cotton fabric
- Thread
- Sewing needle (or sewing machine)
- Scissors
Steps for Sewing Desiccant Packages:
Cut a square of cotton fabric that is big enough to fit the desiccant inside. Fold the fabric in half and sew three sides together, leaving one side open. Turn the fabric right side out and fill it with the desiccant. Sew the open side shut. Trim any excess thread.
Your desiccant packages are now ready to use!
Where You Can Use Desiccants
You can place your desiccant packages in food, toolboxes, electronics, clothing drawers and closets, gun safes, and storage areas. Let’s look at each of them.
Food Storage
You can use desiccant packages to keep your food dry. Place them in airtight containers with your food. This will help prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Toolboxes
You can use desiccant packages to keep your tools dry. Place them in your toolbox to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
Electronics
You can use desiccant packages to keep your electronics dry and prevent corrosion. Place them in airtight containers with your electronics.
Clothing Drawers and Closets
You can use desiccant packages to keep your clothing dry. Place them in your dresser drawers and closet to absorb moisture and prevent mold and mildew.
Gun Safes
You can use desiccant packages to keep your guns and ammunition dry. Place them in your gun safe to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
Storage Areas
You can use desiccant packages to keep your storage areas dry. Place them in airtight containers or bags to absorb moisture and prevent mold and mildew.
How to Reuse Homemade Desiccant
Once your desiccant packages are full of moisture, you can refresh them by placing them in the oven on low heat for a few hours. This will help remove the moisture from the desiccant so it can be used again.
You can also refresh them by placing them in the sun for a few hours. This will help to remove any moisture that has been absorbed.
You can also add new desiccants to the packages if needed. Just use a seam ripper to open the package and add the new desiccants. Then sew it back up and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Now you know how to make your own desiccant packages. This is a great way to keep your belongings dry and protected. Be sure to use them in areas where moisture is a problem. Do you have any tips for using desiccants? Share them with us in the comments below!
Featured image courtesy of https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1132796112494501531/.
