In our daily lives, we are accustomed to discarding the water used to rinse rice, thinking it has no practical value. In fact, rice washing water has many uses. Here are several specific ways to use it:
(1) Gargling with rice washing water can help treat bad breath or mouth ulcers.
(2) After the rice water has settled, add more hot water to it to use as starch for clothes.
(3) Washing your hands with rice water can moisturize your skin.
(4) Using rice water to wash light-colored clothes can easily remove stains and leave the colors bright.
(5) For fishy-smelling vegetables, rub them in salted rice water, then rinse with clean water to remove the fishy odor.
(6) Soaking salted meat in rice water for half a day can reduce its saltiness.
(7) Washing cured pork with rice water gets it cleaner than washing with plain water.
(8) Washing pork stomach with rice water is easier, more convenient, and cleaner than scrubbing with salt or alum, and it also saves resources.
(9) Knives frequently washed and soaked in rice water are less prone to rust. A rusty knife, when soaked in rice water for several hours, can be easily cleaned.
(10) Watering flowers, trees, or vegetables with rice water can help them grow stronger and healthier.
(11) Painted furniture, after being wiped with rice water, will appear brighter.
(12) Wiping new lacquerware with rice water 4 to 5 times can remove its odor.