Sugar and cane sugar are items of daily use in the kitchen, but they can become damp or sticky with the slightest exposure to moisture. Furthermore, due to the sweetness of these products, ants and small insects often invade containers. If you encounter this problem of ants and dampness, you do not need to spend money on expensive chemical agents or medicines.
With some simple and natural ingredients available in the kitchen, it is possible to keep sugar and cane sugar in perfect and fresh condition. Below are presented effective and simple methods.
You can place 4-5 cloves in the jar with sugar. The strong aroma of cloves repels ants and insects, and also prevents moisture from getting into the sugar.
If too many ants appear in the sugar, you can place several dried neem leaves, wrapped in clean cloth, inside the glass jar. This ensures that ants will not come close.
Placing 2-3 anise leaves in the container with sugar helps absorb moisture and protects against insect infestation.
If the sugar starts to become damp during the rainy season or high humidity, you should make a small pouch from cotton fabric, fill it with uncooked rice, and place it in the jar with sugar. Rice absorbs excess moisture, keeping the sugar granular.
Cane sugar should not be stored open or directly in plastic film. Before placing it in an airtight container, it should be wrapped in clean cotton fabric so that it does not sweat and become sticky.
Adding one teaspoon of fennel or cumin to the jar of cane sugar extends its shelf life and prevents ants from appearing.
In case of very high humidity, it is recommended to store cane sugar in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will prevent it from melting or attracting ants.
You can also place a small packet with a small amount of salt in the corner of the jar of cane sugar; this helps control moisture.