Anhydrous sodium sulfate is a drying agent*, which absorbs water to form hydrates.

How much drying agent should you add?

Well, usually one or two scoopfuls is enough, if the solution was pre-dried.

Make sure that there are freely moving particles of drying agent upon swirling (i.e., the drying agent is not all clumped).

Wait for 10-20 minutes before you remove the drying agent.

Patience!

Organic Web Chem University of Alberta