Many people probably dump the water used to rinse rice. However, it is now known that the water from rinsing rice actually contains many nutrients that can be effectively utilized not only for cleaning and household chores, but also for cooking and beauty.
We will introduce how to use the water that was used to rinse rice in a variety of situations, including some important factors to keep in mind when reusing it afterwards.
The water used to rinse rice is full of nutrients
In addition to vitamins and minerals contained in rice bran, the water that comes out when rice is rinsed contains many nutrients such as fat and starch. If it is washed away as it is, it becomes just waste water, but if you make use of the nutrients and use it for cleaning and beauty, there is no waste. Let's take a look at how you can actually use the water for housework, cooking, beauty, and other purposes.
For cleaning and washing greasy dishes
Rice rinsing water contains fat and starch, as well as protein that acts as a surfactant contained in dish soap, making it easier to remove stains left on dishes. After washing dishes with the water from rinsing rice, it is recommended to rinse them with tap water, and if you are worried about remaining stains, rinse them with a small amount of detergent.
It is also recommended to soak dishes in the rice rinsing water. This saves water and is eco-friendly because it eliminates the need to use large amounts of detergent and water. Soaking containers such as Tupperware that have been stained with odor overnight will help to eliminate stubborn odors.
Rice rinsing water is also recommended for cleaning floors. The lipids in the water will not only make it easier to remove dirt, but it also has a waxing effect. However, if the water is too thick or if it is left behind after wiping, it can damage the floor, so dilute the water before soaking the rag and wring it out tightly.
It is also a good idea to prepare a separate bucket for cleaning the dirty rag, since the rag will be soiled if you wash it in the water when you clean it. It is also recommended to use the rice rinsing water as a misting spray. The rice rinsing water can also be used for gardening, such as watering houseplants and other plants.
For food preparation and hand washing
Daikon radishes, takenoko bamboo shoots, gobo burdock roots, carrots, satoimo taro, and other vegetables have strong acridity, such as a distinctive bitter taste, which can be removed by pre-boiling them in the water from the rice rinsing water. The calcium and other ingredients contained in the water from rinsing rice combine with the acridity of the vegetables and neutralize the acridity, making them tastier than if they were boiled in hot water. Large dried fish such as herring and cod also have a unique flavor, so boiling them with rice rinsing water helps them get tender and tastier.
Furthermore, when your hands get dirty from touching fish or meat while cooking, washing your hands with rice rinsing water is said to clean, deodorize, and moisturize your hands, and is recommended because it is less rough than washing with hand soap or water. However, it does not have a sterilizing effect, so after touching raw meat or fish, use soap or other products with a sterilizing effect.
For washing hair and face
Rice rinsing water contains many ingredients useful for beauty, such as vitamins, minerals, ceramide, lactic acid bacteria, and natural moisturizing ingredients. For this reason, there is a history of its use as a face wash and toner since the Edo period (1603-1868).
It is recommended to first remove makeup, sunscreen, etc. by cleansing, and then use the rice rinsing water diluted with hot water for face washing or hair washing. However, since it sometimes irritates skin, be sure to conduct a patch test to confirm that there are no problems before using it.
What precautions should be taken when reusing the rice rinsing water?
When reusing the rice rinsing water, keep the following tips in mind:
The water from the first round of rinsing rice should be discarded because it contains dust and other contaminants attached to the rice, the water from the second and subsequent uses should be used.
Do not leave the water for a long time, but use it as soon as possible.
When using it for watering plants be careful of root rot caused by excessive nutrients and lack of air.
Don't forget the precautions and reuse the water from rinsing rice well without wasting it.
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