Rice water, the starchy water obtained from washing rice, is often discarded by many families during the cooking process. However, this practice is wasteful as rice water has numerous practical applications, such as watering plants, facial cleansing, and even cleaning household items.
Notably, when toothpaste is mixed with rice water, it creates an effective and safe cleaning agent for your hands and other surfaces.
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The mixture of rice water and toothpaste is a powerful cleaning solution for stainless steel items and removing grease and rust stains. Image: sohu
Toilet Bowl Cleaning
Over time, toilet bowls can develop an unpleasant odor and stubborn yellow stains. Instead of reaching for harsh chemical cleaners, try a mixture of toothpaste and rice water. Combine a small amount of toothpaste with rice water, stir, and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the toilet bowl and scrub with a brush. Toothpaste contains mild abrasives that effectively remove stains, while the mint oil found in toothpaste helps eliminate odors. The starch residue in rice water also contributes to stain removal.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Items
For stainless steel faucets and surfaces, spray the toothpaste and rice water mixture and use a sponge to scrub gently. Rinse with water, and you’ll be left with a sparkling clean surface, free of any stubborn water stains and grime.
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Rice water and toothpaste solution is effective at cleaning stainless steel items, leaving them spotless. Image: sohu
Removing Grease Stains
In the kitchen, grease and oil splatters are common on walls and stovetops. Instead of using a damp cloth or plain water, which may not be effective, especially for old grease stains, try the rice water and toothpaste mixture. Spray the solution onto the stained areas, let it sit for a while, and then wipe it off with a cloth. For grease-stained bottles or containers, pour the mixture into the container and let it soak for 5-10 minutes before giving it a good shake. The grease will dissolve in the rice water, leaving your bottles clean and shiny without the need for harsh chemicals.
Removing Rust
Knives and scissors tend to develop rust over time. Soak these items in the rice water and toothpaste solution for 10-15 minutes, and the rust will soften and come off easily. Additionally, to prevent rust, wipe down your knives and scissors with rice water after each use.
Rice water, due to its acidic nature, can react with iron and help remove rust. Meanwhile, the mild abrasives in toothpaste also contribute to cleaning and preventing rust.
Paint Odor Removal
Freshly painted doors, walls, or furniture can emit a strong and unpleasant odor. To get rid of the smell quickly, soak a cloth in the rice water and toothpaste mixture and wipe down the painted surfaces several times.
Trang Vy (According to sohu)