5 Effective Ways to Store Rice to Keep It Free from Weevils

Have you ever noticed something unusual in your rice? Like tiny black dots that seem motionless? But if you look closely, those black dots are actually insects known as rice weevils.

Although they are small in size, rice weevils can spoil the food they infest, making it unfit for consumption. To keep your rice safe and free from weevils, here are several rice storage tips you need to pay attention to. Let’s check them out!

1. Store rice in a dry place

Damp areas are rice weevils' favorite habitat. Therefore, you should make sure to store your rice in a dry place. If possible, you can also use a dehumidifier to help reduce the moisture level in the room where you store the rice. This way, the rice stays dry and weevil-free.

2. Store rice in an airtight container

Avoid keeping rice in its original cardboard or plastic packaging, as these materials can become breeding grounds for rice weevils. These tiny insects are strong enough to penetrate cardboard and some types of plastic, making them unsuitable for long-term storage. It's better to transfer the rice to a sealed, airtight container. Choose containers made of glass or thick plastic to prevent weevils from getting in.

3. Wash and dry the container before refilling it with new rice

If you refill a container with new rice without cleaning it first, the risk of weevil infestation increases due to leftover dirt or even weevil eggs stuck on the container’s surface. Therefore, it's important to wash the container before refilling it with fresh rice. After washing, make sure the container is completely dry to avoid moisture, which helps preserve the rice quality and keep it free from weevils.

4. Use spices to repel weevils

In addition to the methods above, you can also repel weevils using spices commonly found in your kitchen. For example, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, or lemongrass are known to repel rice weevils due to their strong aromas, which these insects dislike. You can place these spices inside your rice storage container to prevent weevil infestation. This method is not only effective but also safe since it doesn’t involve chemicals, keeping your rice safe to eat.

5. Keep the kitchen clean at all times

The kitchen is one of the easiest places to get messy, as it’s where food is prepared, spices are chopped, and vegetables and meat are washed. There are always crumbs and spills on the counters, and cooking tools often get left dirty in the sink. Such messy and unclean conditions are breeding grounds for pests, including rice weevils.

So, be sure to clean up any crumbs or spills on the kitchen floor, shelves, and counters immediately. For a more practical solution, you can use the Klaz Vacuum Cleaner Dry Cordless Flexible with Mop, which functions as both a vacuum and a floor mop.

It comes with multiple nozzles that can also clean mites with UV, reach between sofa cushions, room corners, and more. This vacuum can even bend 90 degrees, making it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas.

Recommended Weevil-Free Rice Storage Containers

KRIS FIFO Rice Dispenser

This rice container uses a FIFO (First In First Out) system, meaning the rice that goes in first is also the first to come out. This ensures rice doesn't sit too long in storage, helping maintain its freshness. The KRIS FIFO Rice Dispenser is airtight to prevent rice weevils from entering and breeding inside.

It has a 12 kg capacity and features a single-press dispenser that releases 150 grams of rice. The top lid opens fully, making it easy to fill and scoop rice.

KRIS Double Grid Rice Container

If you want to store more than one type of rice, the KRIS Double Grid Rice Container could be your solution. It features a divider in the middle to separate two types of rice, each with a 5 kg capacity. If you prefer to store a single type of rice, you can remove the divider to hold up to 10 kg.

It also comes with a multifunctional measuring cup that includes a strainer at the tip, making rinsing rice easier. The lid is airtight and includes a space to place anti-pest materials.

KRIS Rice Container with Measuring Cup and Strainer

This rice container not only preserves rice well with its airtight lid but also makes washing and draining rice much easier. The included measuring cup doubles as a strainer — simply fill it with water, flip it, and it turns into a strainer automatically. Super practical!

Getting the rice is also easy—just press the measuring cup area, and rice will automatically be dispensed. It holds up to 12 kg and includes an anti-parasite container in the lid.

KRIS Rice Container with Wheels

If you store a large amount of rice and often struggle to move it around, the KRIS Rice Container with Wheels is the perfect solution. Equipped with wheels, you can move it easily without having to lift it.

It has a 10-liter capacity and comes with a tightly sealed locking lid to maintain rice quality and keep it safe from weevils and unpleasant odors. A measuring cup is also included for convenient rice dispensing.

KRIS Double Seal Rice Container

With a double-layer lid and five-side locking mechanism, the KRIS Double Seal Rice Container is extra airtight, preserving the quality of the rice and keeping it free from weevils and bad odors. It holds up to 10 kg and has a transparent window on the lid so you can see the contents without opening it.

Those are the most effective ways to store rice to keep it weevil-free. All the recommended rice storage containers above are available at your nearest AZKO store or can be ordered online via ruparupa. Let’s check them out now!

Vamela - 21 Mei 2025