--- title: About Silica Gel description: Learn how to effectively use silica gel to remove moisture from the air and maintain constant humidity. 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Search # About Silica Gel ![About Silica Gel](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/Blog_AK/SilicaGel.png) Silica gel serves a dual purpose: it can either remove moisture from the air or act as a humidity-buffering agent to maintain a constant relative humidity (RH). Regardless of its use, it might require conditioning before the initial use or reuse. There are two types of silica gel: indicating and non-indicating. Both can be dried in a regular oven, not a microwave, at 250°F (120°C). To ensure thorough drying, spreading the gel in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour is generally sufficient. If the silica gel is in containers that aren't oven-safe, remove it for drying unless the packaging specifies otherwise. Remember to replace it in the container after drying. To condition silica gel to a higher RH, place it in a sealed container or zip-lock bag with a water source, such as a dish of water or a soaked sponge (ensuring no direct contact with the water). Allow it to equilibrate for a day. To test the RH of conditioned silica gel, enclose a sample in a sealed container or plastic bag with a hygrometer for one day and then take a reading. - # [![Orange Indicating Silica Gel](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/57099-1.jpeg?width=538&height=538&name=57099-1.jpeg) Orange Indicating Silica Gel](https://www.gaylord.com/Exhibit-%26-Display/Installation-Supplies/Orange-Indicating-Silica-Gel/p/HYB00009) - # [![White Non-Indicating Silica Gel](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/g5698a-1.jpeg?width=538&height=538&name=g5698a-1.jpeg) White Non-Indicating Silica Gel](https://www.gaylord.com/Exhibit-%26-Display/Installation-Supplies/White-Non-Indicating-Silica-Gel/p/S698A) - # [![Gaylord Archival® Preconditioned Humidity Control Cartridge](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/61-GBCART.jpeg?width=538&height=538&name=61-GBCART.jpeg) Gaylord Archival® Preconditioned Humidity Control Cartridge](https://www.gaylord.com/Environmental-Control/Humidity-Control/Gaylord-Archival%26%23174%3B-Preconditioned-Humidity-Control-Cartridge/p/HYB02634) - # [![Gaylord Archival® Silica Gel Reconditioning System](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/61-GBCOND-1.jpeg?width=538&height=538&name=61-GBCOND-1.jpeg) Gaylord Archival® Silica Gel Reconditioning System](https://www.gaylord.com/Exhibit-%26-Display/Installation-Supplies/Gaylord-Archival%26%23174%3B-Silica-Gel-Reconditioning-System/p/61-GBCONDSM) ##### For Further Reading: [Simplified Procedures for Reconditioning Silica Gel](http://resources.conservation-us.org/osg-postprints/postprints/v01/weintraub/). © Steven Weintraub. 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