Rice Water Is Like "Liquid Gold" in Your Home — If You Know How to Use It Properly


 


  • Strengthens hair follicles

  • Adds shine and smoothness

  • Improves elasticity (less breakage)

  • May promote hair growth

  • Detangles naturally

How to use it for hair:

  1. Rinse method: After shampooing, pour rice water through your hair, massage into scalp, and let sit for 5-20 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

  2. Spray treatment: Pour rice water into a spray bottle, spritz onto damp hair, and leave in.

  3. Scalp massage: Gently massage rice water into scalp to stimulate circulation.

For best results: Use 1-2 times per week. Fermented rice water (left at room temperature for 12-24 hours) is even more potent.

For Skin: Gentle, Nourishing, Brightening

Rice water has been used as a gentle skin toner and cleanser for generations.

What it does:

  • Soothes irritated skin

  • Tightens pores

  • Brightens complexion

  • Provides gentle exfoliation

  • Reduces redness and inflammation

How to use it for skin:

  • Facial toner: Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing.

  • Soothing bath soak: Add a cup of rice water to your bath.

  • Face mask: Mix rice water with honey or yogurt, apply to face, rinse after 15 minutes.

  • Sunburn relief: Apply cool rice water to sunburned skin with a soft cloth.

Household Cleaning: Natural and Effective

Rice water's mild starch content makes it surprisingly useful around the house.

1. Gentle Cleaner for Delicate Surfaces

The starch in rice water makes it a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner for:

  • Polished wood

  • Glass

  • Stainless steel

  • Delicate surfaces

How to use: Dip a soft cloth in rice water, wring out, and wipe surfaces. Buff dry with a clean cloth.

2. Plant Food

The nutrients in rice water act as a mild fertilizer for houseplants and garden plants.

What it does: Provides trace minerals and starch that feed beneficial soil bacteria.

How to use: Let rice water cool completely, then water your plants as usual. Use once a week.

Note: For potted plants, alternate with plain water to prevent soil buildup.

3. Polishing Agent

Rice water can add shine to:

  • Silverware (dip and buff dry)

  • Glassware (soak, rinse, and polish)

  • Porcelain and ceramic (wipe with rice water, then buff)

4. Stain Remover for Fabric

The mild bleaching effect of rice water can help lift stains from white fabrics.

How to use: Soak stained fabric in rice water for 30 minutes before washing.

Cooking Uses: Waste Not, Want Not

Rice water isn't just for beauty and cleaning—it has culinary uses too.

1. Thickener for Soups and Stews

The starch in rice water acts as a natural thickener. Use it in place of water or broth to add body to soups, stews, and gravies.

2. Cooking Liquid for Vegetables

Cook vegetables in rice water to add a subtle sweetness and help them retain nutrients.

3. Bread Making

Use cooled rice water in place of plain water in bread recipes. It adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.

4. Fermentation Starter

Rice water can be used to start ferments like koji (for miso and soy sauce) or as a base for fermented beverages.

How to Make Rice Water

There are two main methods:

Method 1: Rinse Method (Milder)

  1. Rinse ½ cup rice thoroughly to remove surface impurities.

  2. Place rice in a bowl with 2 cups water.

  3. Gently swish with your hands for 1-2 minutes.

  4. Strain, reserving the cloudy water.

  5. Use immediately or store in refrigerator.

Method 2: Boiling Method (Stronger)

  1. Cook rice with extra water (1 cup rice to 4 cups water).

  2. When rice is cooked, strain out the remaining water.

  3. Cool before using.

Fermented Rice Water (Most Potent)

  1. Prepare rice water using either method.

  2. Let sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours until it develops a slightly sour smell (that's good—it's fermented).

  3. Refrigerate before using.

  4. Use within a week.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate rice water in a sealed container for up to 1 week.

  • Fermented rice water lasts longer (up to 1 month refrigerated).

  • Freeze rice water in ice cube trays for single-use portions.

Important Precautions

⚠️ Patch test first – Before using rice water on skin or scalp, test a small area to ensure no reaction.

⚠️ Don't use on broken skin – The starch can feed bacteria in open wounds.

⚠️ Rinse thoroughly – When using on hair, rinse well to prevent starch buildup, which can make hair stiff.

⚠️ Not for daily use – 1-2 times per week is plenty for most applications.

⚠️ Discard if moldy – If you see mold, throw it out and start fresh.

The Bottom Line

Rice water truly is "liquid gold"—a free, natural, multi-purpose resource that most of us have been throwing away without a second thought.

Whether you're:

  • Nourishing your hair to new lengths

  • Soothing your skin with a gentle toner

  • Feeding your houseplants

  • Polishing your silver

  • Thickening your soup

...that cloudy water from your rice is worth its weight in, well, gold.

Next time you rinse your rice, save the water. Your hair, skin, plants, and wallet will thank you.