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They are actually pretty handy around the house!

When you open up a box from an online delivery, you'll likely find silica gel pouches inside. Depending on how may of these pouches you unpack, you'll probably find yourself wondering what you can do with them, or whether to just throw them away...

Silica gel pouches are used to absorb moisture and keep things dry. Brands add them to new products, particularly shoes and handbags, to protect products from dampness.

Although the packets have a huge 'DO NOT EAT' sign, silica gel is actually non-toxic, so on its own it's not actually poisonous. However, you should obviously keep them inaccessible to animals and small children who could eat them, as they can potentially have traces of other bad chemicals, and are a choking hazard.

Cleaning expert, Verity Mann, told us the silica gel actually absorbs moisture, meaning it comes in handy around the house.

For example, you can add them into smelly gym bags, your underwear drawer or even your suitcase when there's a wet swimsuit in there, where it will absorb moisture and keep smells at bay.

Thrown all yours away? Apart from finding them packed in with any new belongings, you can actually buy silica gel packets online, or from supermarkets and retailers such as Amazon.

So, you may find it handy to keep those silica gel packets next time you open a parcel!