Quick Answer
Yes, you can store rice water in the fridge for up to 5 days. Rice water contains nutrients that can spoil over time, so it’s best to store it in the fridge and use within 3-5 days.
What is Rice Water?
Rice water is the starchy water that results from rinsing or cooking rice. It contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from the rice. Rice water has been used for centuries in various Asian beauty regimes to strengthen hair and skin.
Some key nutrients in rice water include:
- Inositol – helps strengthen hair
- Vitamin B – supports healthy hair growth
- Vitamin E – powerful antioxidant for hair and skin
- Minerals like iron, magnesium, and selenium
Rice water can be obtained a couple different ways:
Rinsing Rice
Simply rinsing uncooked rice until the water runs clear yields a milky white liquid. This rice water contains many of the vitamins and minerals that are washed away.
Boiling Rice
The starchy water leftover after boiling rice is rich in nutrients too. Allowing the rice to soak for 30 minutes before boiling maximizes nutrient extraction.
Benefits of Rice Water
Applying rice water topically or ingesting it can provide many benefits including:
Hair Growth
Rice water may help boost hair growth thanks to the inositol, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It may stimulate faster and healthier hair growth.
Smooth and Strong Hair
The amino acids and vitamins in rice water help reduce frizz, add shine, and strengthen hair to prevent damage and breakage.
Skin Moisturizer
Using rice water as a facial toner or cleanser helps hydrate, tighten, and brighten skin. It is soothing and contains antioxidants that repair skin cells.
Aids Digestion
Drinking rice water provides nutrients, enzymes, and electrolytes that support digestive health and regularity. It’s a traditional remedy for diarrhea.
Source of Antioxidants
Rice water contains antioxidant compounds like vitamin E, phenols, and flavonoids that can boost immunity and overall health.
How to Store Rice Water
Fresh rice water only lasts for up to a day at room temperature before bacteria starts to grow. Here are some tips for proper storage:
Refrigeration
Storing rice water in an airtight container in the refrigerator preserves the nutrients and prevents spoilage for 3-5 days.
Freezing
For long term storage, rice water can be frozen for several months. freezer and defrost as needed before use.
Fermentation
Some sources recommend fermenting rice water for added benefits. Store at room temp for 1-3 days until frothy and sour.
Storage Container
Glass or food-grade plastic bottles with tight sealing lids work best. Transfer rice water into storage containers right after straining for optimal freshness.
Use Clean Tools
Sanitize all cooking tools and storage containers properly to avoid contamination and mold growth.
How Long Does Rice Water Last in the Fridge?
Rice water can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. After this time, it starts to lose nutrients and the quality declines. The starch may separate and settle on the bottom of the container.
Here are some signs that refrigerated rice water has gone bad:
- Cloudy appearance
- Sour smell
- Bubbles or froth on top
- Slimy texture
- Changes color
If you notice any of these changes, it’s best to discard the rice water and make a fresh batch. Leaving rice water too long can allow mold and bacteria to grow.
Does Rice Water Need to be Refrigerated?
It is highly recommended to refrigerate rice water, especially if planning to store for longer than a day. Room temperature allows microbial growth. Refrigeration is important for:
- Slowing bacteria growth – Rice water is starchy and nutrient rich, perfect for microbes
- Preserve nutrients – Vitamins and minerals degrade faster at room temperature
- Avoid souring – Fermentation causes rice water to spoil faster
- Prevent spoilage – Refrigeration keeps rice water fresher longer
So for optimal quality and safety, rice water is best kept chilled in the refrigerator. Proper refrigeration keeps nutrients intact and slows the growth of harmful bacteria.
Can Rice Water be Frozen?
Yes, rice water can be frozen for long-term storage. Freezing stops bacteria growth and preserves the nutrients for several months. To freeze:
- Allow rice water to cool completely after making
- Pour into freezer-safe containers leaving headspace
- Seal tightly and label with date
- Lay containers flat in freezer to freeze quickly
- Thaw in refrigerator before using again
TIP: Ice cube trays are great for freezing smaller portions of rice water. Pop out cubes and store in bags for easy use.
Freezing is ideal if making large batches of rice water. It can be defrosted as needed for a beauty boost. Frozen rice water retains its nutrients but may have a different texture.
How to Use Refrigerated Rice Water
Stored properly in the fridge, rice water stays fresh 3-5 days. During that time, it can be used:
- As a hair rinse in the shower
- Mixed into hair masks and conditioners
- Added to bath water for softer skin
- Applied directly to skin or hair as a wash
- Poured over plants as fertilizer
- Mixed into smoothies or drinks
For best results, shake or stir refrigerated rice water before each use to evenly distribute the nutrients. Use clean hands when applying topically or tools like a squeezy bottle.
Use refrigerated rice water within 5 days for safety and maximum benefits. Discard if you notice any changes in appearance, texture or smell.
Conclusion
Storing rice water in the refrigerator is the best way to preserve the nutrients and prevent spoilage. It will keep for 3-5 days in an airtight container before losing quality. Refrigeration slows the growth of bacteria and mold. For longer term storage, rice water can also be frozen for several months. Remember to use clean tools and containers and look for signs of spoilage before using. With proper storage, rice water can be a beneficial addition to beauty and health regimes.
