Beyond the plate: surprising uses for rice at home

When we think of rice, the first thing that comes to mind are delicious recipes: a carefully made paella, a side dish of rice, or perhaps a creamy risotto. But... did you know that this cereal so present in our kitchen can also be a great ally in other corners of the home? In today's post we explain practical and surprising uses of rice that go far beyond the stove and that, perhaps, you did not know and can be very useful to you on a daily basis.

Rice is excellent for capturing moisture from the environment. You can use it in a small jar (like spices) or a fine cloth bag to put in cabinets, drawers or shoe cabinets. It also helps eliminate odors, especially if you add a few drops of essential oil (such as lavender or eucalyptus). But remember to change it from time to time! Its absorption has a limit and if you don't renew it, it can rot!
Homemade trick: If your cell phone has fallen into the water, placing it in a container with raw rice for about 24 hours can help dry it.

Rice can act as a “natural scrubber” for narrow or complicatedly shaped containers, such as bottles, glasses or vases. Just fill them with a little raw rice, water and soap, and shake vigorously for several seconds. The rubbing of the grains helps to loosen dirt.

A small pad or even a sock filled with rice can become a perfect thermal bag. Heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes and place it on the sore area to relieve muscle pain, cramps or simply warm yourself in winter. You can also put it in the freezer to use as a cold compress.

If you have knives or small metal tools, you can store them in a jar filled with rice to keep them dry and protect them from rusting. The same system can work for keys or small garden tools.

Rice can also be part of sensory games, decoration or children's crafts. You can dye it with food coloring and make mandalas, decorative pots or even create bouquets of flowers with rice ears.

Raw rice is a natural moisture absorber. When salt is stored in the kitchen (especially in places with high humidity or near the stove), it is common for the salt to clump or harden over time. This happens because salt attracts water from the air.
If you add a few grains of raw rice to the salt jar, they will act as "little dehumidifiers". They absorb moisture before it reaches the salt, keeping it dry, lump-free and fluid for longer.

Rice is much more than a basic food: it is a versatile tool that can help us take care of the home, relax or even have fun. At Arròs Montsià we are proud to offer a natural product, close to home and with a thousand and one possibilities. And you, how do you use rice beyond cooking?