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The Secret to Rice Perfection: A Tailor’s Twist

Plunge a pair of scissors into a sack of rice, and you'll reap unexpected benefits.

22 December, 2024

Sticking scissors into a rice jar is a simple yet incredibly useful tip that any household should try. Rice’s natural ability to absorb moisture helps prevent rust and keeps the scissors sharp. This is an easy, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective method.

Rusty scissors are a common problem in daily life, and they can be annoying to use. Instead of spending time cleaning or buying new scissors, simply stick them into a jar of rice. The rice will absorb moisture, reduce oxidation, prevent rust, and maintain the scissors’ sharpness. A small trick, but with significant benefits, keeping your scissors in good condition over time.

Sticking scissors into a rice jar is a clever trick that any household can benefit from.

Rescue a Wet Phone

If you accidentally drop your phone in water, try this simple yet highly effective trick. As soon as you retrieve your phone from the water, turn it off, dry the exterior, and remove the SIM card, memory card, and battery. Then, place the phone in a bowl of rice and let it sit for 24 hours. The rice will absorb moisture, helping to dry out the device and potentially restoring its functionality.

Clean Narrow-Necked Glass Bottles and Jars

Cleaning narrow-necked bottles and jars can be challenging, but rice can make it easier. Simply put a handful of dry rice into the container, add soapy water, shake vigorously a few times, and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, shake again to allow the rice to scrub and clean the inside. Finally, rinse the bottle or jar with water and repeat if necessary. This method is simple yet highly effective.

Cleaning narrow-necked bottles and jars is made easier with the help of rice.

Egg Preservation

You don’t need to refrigerate eggs; instead, use rice to keep them fresh for longer. Place the eggs in a rice jar, with the larger end facing upwards and the smaller end downwards.

This positioning optimizes the air pocket inside the egg, allowing it to “breathe” naturally. Additionally, the fine dust in the rice can seal small pores in the eggshell, preventing bacterial invasion. Rice also absorbs moisture, creating a dry environment that aids in egg preservation.

Relieve Muscle Pain

If you experience muscle soreness after a long day of activity, try using rice as a hot compress. Pour rice into a clean sock, leaving enough space for the rice to move freely. Tie the end of the sock, place it in the microwave for about a minute, and then use it as a warm compress to alleviate muscle pain. Rice retains heat well, so if you prefer it hotter, simply increase the microwaving time.

Test Oil Temperature for Frying

To know if the oil in your pan is hot enough for frying, drop a few grains of rice into the oil. If the rice grains float to the surface and show signs of sizzling, the oil has reached the desired temperature.

Ripen Fruit Faster

To speed up the ripening process for fruits like avocados or bananas, place them in a container with rice. The rice will accelerate the fruit’s natural ripening process. Be sure to check frequently to prevent over-ripening.

Clean Coffee and Spice Grinders

Coffee and spice grinders often get greasy and dirty. To clean them, put half a cup of rice into the grinder and grind it into a fine powder. The rice powder will absorb the oil and grime. Then, simply discard the powder and wipe the grinder clean with a damp cloth.