By Sama Marwan,
Rice isn’t just a staple in our daily meals — it’s a versatile treasure with a host of unexpected uses you may never have imagined. Beyond its nutritional value, rice can come to the rescue in solving household problems, DIY projects, and even caring for electronic devices. Thanks to its light weight and excellent moisture-absorbing properties, rice becomes a practical, easy tool for many everyday tasks. Here are ten creative uses for rice that will make you look at it in a whole new light, as featured on the Lancaster Farming website:
Easy Hot or Cold Packs
If you need to soothe neck or back pain or reduce swelling from an injury, you can easily make a homemade compress using rice. Simply pour some uncooked rice into a clean sock and tie it securely. Heat it in the microwave for about a minute and a half for a warm pack. If you prefer a cold compress, place it in the freezer for a few hours. It works wonders for reducing inflammation or calming a headache.
Saving Electronics from Water Damage
If water spills on your phone or electronic device, don’t lose hope. Place the device in a bag or container filled with uncooked rice and leave it overnight. Rice will absorb moisture from inside the device. While this trick isn’t always effective with sticky liquids like juice, it’s often very helpful for pure water spills.
Decorating and Stabilizing Artificial Flowers
Looking for a simple way to keep artificial flowers upright in a vase? Rice is the answer. Fill the base of the vase with rice to anchor the stems. You can even color the rice with food dye for extra decorative flair. The same method works beautifully to decorate glass candle holders.
Preventing Salt Clumping in Shakers
Humidity can cause salt to clump inside a shaker, making it hard to pour. To prevent this, drop a few grains of rice into the salt shaker before filling it with salt. The rice absorbs excess moisture and keeps the salt flowing freely.
Speeding Up Fruit Ripening
If you’re waiting for an avocado or mango to ripen, try placing it in a paper bag with a small handful of rice. The rice absorbs excess moisture and helps accelerate the ripening process, so your fruit is ready to eat sooner.
Cleaning Your Coffee Grinder
Over time, oils and coffee residue can build up inside a coffee grinder, affecting flavor. To clean it, grind a quarter cup of rice for about a minute. The rice absorbs the oils, and then you can discard the rice and wipe the grinder with a paper towel.
Cleaning Vases and Glass Coffee Pots
Glass containers can be tough to clean inside, especially when stains build up. Add some rice to hot water with a little dish soap, then shake the container well. The rice acts as a gentle abrasive to help scrub away stubborn deposits.
Sharpening Blender Blades
If your blender blades feel dull, pour half a cup of dry rice into the blender and run it for a few minutes. The rice gently polishes the blades and helps restore some sharpness, all without needing sharp tools.
Making Homemade Natural Glue
You can make natural, homemade glue from rice for paper crafts or DIY projects. Simply cook one cup of rice with 3 to 4 cups of water until it thickens. Once cool, strain and store the mixture in a jar in the fridge. This glue is clear, strong, and safe for kids to use.
Noise-Making Toys for Kids
Want to make a simple noise-making toy for your child? Put a small amount of rice into a plastic container or a plastic egg and seal it tightly. You can also use a cup with a lid or even an empty bottle. These rattles delight children and help them develop a sense of rhythm.
