Dehumidifier crystals

[FullCircle]

We bought a small dehumidifier which is crystal based. They are now saturated and have become ineffective, but worked brilliantly, letting through water into the collection tray under it.
Any thoughts as to where we can get more of these without breaking the bank?

Thanks

Jim

 

[LeytonC]

Try a caravan shop - thats were i get mine, I get a 1 kilo bag for about 5 quid (at least thats what i think i paid, but it cannot be much more than that)

 

[bruce]

try heating them in an oven to dry them out and reuse again. i have several i use in camera bags, and instructions say to dry in oven to reactivate...

 

[bob_tyler]

You can also put them in a microwave for about 1 minute or so. Usually when saturated they will have turned pink and, once dry, become blue if they are silica gel.

Any chemists know differently please?

 

[bruce]

don't microwave if in aluminum container.....i know, everybody knows that, but....

 

[charles_reed]

If silica gel, dry in a warm oven for 40-60' or spread thinly on plate on low power in microwave for 20'.