Astonishing uses for that rice in your cupboard

By Colleen B

Rice, one of the most widely consumed staple foods of the world can often be found lurking in the back of your cupboard. But did you know you can do more with it than just eat it?

1. DIY handwarmer

When it’s cold outside you’ll need one of these little beauties from RaeAnnKelly.com. They are the pefect pocket treat for that walk to school and you don’t need much to make them – scissors, fabric, needle, rice, pins and thread. 

2. Sharpen dull blender blades

Worried your blades aren’t as sharp as they used to be? Pour around half a cup of rice into your blender and pulse for up to 2 minutes. You’ll soon notice a difference and there will be no need to buy a new blender!

3. Make coloured rice

Enjoy sensory play with this exciting colour rice. It’s easy to do, check out the instructions at HappyHooligans.ca. You can keep it for years in an airtight container and use it to make cards, shapes, scenes with toys and more!

4. Pack an I-spy bottle for kids

If you’re heading out on a long car journey then make sure you’ve packed your I-spy bottle! Fill up a clear bottle with little objects from around the home and some rice, leaving a gap at the top so that when you shake the bottle, items will be able to move around. The little objects could include dice, charms, paper clips, buttons – whatever you find lying around. You can also use coloured rice to make ‘I Spy’ bottles, so if you like the sound of that, check out the instructions at Pbs.org.

5. Save a wet phone

If you’ve dropped your phone in the sink or down the toilet, chances are you’re panicking. Have no fear, rice is here! Fill up a bowl with rice and place your phone in it, leave it for a couple of days and then fish it out. The rice should have absorbed all the water and your phone will be back in business.

6. Clean vases or bottles

Sometimes vases and bottles have annoying shapes that you can’t reach to clean. Take 2 spoons of rice and pour in some warm water to soak for 15 minutes. Shake it well, pour it out, then rinse with water. The rice helps scrub any stains away – how marvellous!

7. Keep your tools rust-free

Add a few scoops of your trusty uncooked rice to a toolbox to absorb the moisture in the air. This should help to keep your precious tools dry and free of rust.

8. Rice water face cleanser

Women in Asia have been using rice water to cleanse their skins for many years and you can do by following the easy instructions at Blog.freepeople.com. This looks very easy to do and I can’t wait to try it out.

9. Clean coffee grinder

If your coffee grinder or spice grinder has got very dusty or greasy then run some rice through it. This makes it easier than taking apart to clean. It will help to get rid of trapped grounded spices or coffee stale odours – just remember to wipe it afterwards.