Washing rice before cooking is recommended primarily to remove excess surface starch, dirt, dust, and any impurities that may be present from processing or packaging. This rinsing helps prevent the rice grains from sticking together, leading to a fluffier, lighter texture with individually separate grains, which is desirable in many dishes such as pilafs or Asian cuisine. Additionally, rinsing can remove a superfine powder of starchy residue created by friction during processing, especially in white rice where the softer endosperm is exposed. However, for dishes that require creamier or stickier rice textures like risotto or paella, rinsing may be skipped. Washing rice until the water runs clear is advised to avoid losing too many nutrients or affecting flavor and texture negatively.