Rice can be affected by many external factors such as humidity, temperature, air, and insects, which can reduce its quality or cause it to spoil.

Below are some simple yet highly effective tips that help every household maintain safe and high-quality rice for daily use:

1. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves have a mild, pleasant aroma and contain natural compounds that help repel insects, especially rice weevils.

When a few bay leaves are placed in a rice container, the essential oils released from the leaves create an environment in which weevils cannot thrive.

In addition, bay leaves help preserve the rice’s natural flavor and prevent it from absorbing unpleasant odors.

How to use:

• Wash and dry several bay leaves thoroughly.

• Place them in the corners of the rice container or bury them directly in the rice.

• Replace the leaves every 1–2 months to maintain effectiveness.

2. Garlic

Garlic has strong antibacterial properties that help prevent the growth of mold and bacteria in the rice container.

How to use:

• Use several dried garlic cloves without peeling them.

• Place them in the corners of the rice container or lightly bury them in the rice.

• When the garlic becomes soft or starts sprouting, replace it with fresh cloves to ensure continued effectiveness.

3. Salt

Salt is a simple yet very useful ingredient for absorbing moisture and inhibiting bacterial growth in rice storage.

It not only helps rice last longer but also limits the intrusion of small insects.

How to use:

• Put a small amount of salt into a cloth pouch or wrap it in a paper towel.

• Place the salt pouch inside the rice container, making sure it does not come into direct contact with the rice.

• Replace the salt pouch every 1–2 months to maintain its moisture-absorbing effect.

4. Pandan Leaves

Pandan leaves help keep rice pleasantly fragrant and also work effectively as a natural insect repellent.

How to use:

• Wash and dry the pandan leaves thoroughly.

• Cut them into smaller pieces or leave them whole, then place them in the rice container.

• Replace the leaves every 2–3 weeks to keep the rice fresh and aromatic.