Homemade Heating Pad

Make your own heating pad at home in two minutes!

I often strain my neck after staring at a computer for many hours.  A couple weeks ago I strained my neck really bad and couldn't go into work for a couple days.  Jason gave me the idea to make an at home heating pad.

Step 1: Materials

1 Pair of Socks (make sure there are no synthetic materials in socks!)
1 1/2 cups of Rice

Step 2: Making the Heating Pad

Pour rice into one of the socks.
Tie a knot at the top of the sock.
Put the sock with the rice in the other sock, knot side first.
Tie end of outside sock.

Step 3: Using the Heating Pad

Put the heating pad in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Makes sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn't smoke.

You will be surprised how long It will retain the heat.

Place under your neck and lay down. Don't watch t.v., use your computer, or do anything that will strain your neck while using the heating pad.

Comments

[MaloneG]

I like to mix a little bit of lavender in my rice for a relaxing smell!

[ericwright4444]

I couldn’t fathom putting a sock in my microwave unless the sock hadn’t previously been worn. I’m rather picky about that sort of thing. Therefore I decided to use a standard size dish drying towel instead and it worked wonders.

[Mommy Cotton39]

I'm so going to make this tonight. Can you use any essential oils with the rice heating pad. And can you make ice pack with them has well?

[FelineHostage]

Great Idea, and your step-by-step is clear and easy to follow. I rescue abandoned and feral kittens & cats in my neighborhood (mostly those who are left behind when families move). This winter, I've used long-acting (18 hr) hand-warmers, tucked under the bedding in each shelter. But your rice heating pad idea will be much easier on my budget. Thanks for posting this! I'll be sure to note the url when I pass the idea along to other rescue-minded friends. (Plus, we can even use it on humans!)

[mysticmandy77]

I used a long knee-high sports sock from when my daughter was in soccer. It was a child's size large sport sock and it was long and thin, so it worked well to wrap around a joint (y)

[Solitaremom]

How many times can you re-use the heating pad?

[lefuulei]

I've used mine hundreds of times. As long as you don't get the rice wet, it should keep for a long time.

[kdjunious]

What happens if you use synthetic material. How do you know it is synthetic material

[lefuulei]

Synthetic material will melt when you heat it up. Most socks are made from cotton and wool but if you're ever in doubt, check the packaging and look up the materials to see if it's synthetic or not.

[marlenechinchilla76]

Do you added some water to the sock before putting it in the microwave

[lefuulei]

Hi there, you don't need to and shouldn't add water. The rice should be dry and will absorb moisture from the microwave but it shouldn't ever cook unless you want moldy rice in your socks.

[BurntToastOriginal]

Works great on animals! This was before I saw this post but One time we found an injured rabbit and we used two of these to keep the rabbit from freezing until it healed.

[diygadgetguy]

Massage works great, too.

[masoud6542]

I'd recommend using salt instead of rice. it keeps the heat, doesn't go bad, and wouldn't introduce bacteria and microbes over time. cheaper as well!

[JuliaR74]

Very easy to make, I am excited to use this after long days at my desk!

[BeckyB53]

I heat the rice in a small measuring bowl I have with a spout. You can use a bowl or cup also. I use a fuzzy long sock and pour it in. That way i don't have to worry about a fire. Works great. If you want you can pour essential oils on the rice after heated. I use lavender for ear infections. Im not sure why it unclogs my ear but it does. I read it online. Tried it and it worked. We did it once to heal a poisonous spider bite also.

[Sunnydog]

Do you have to like replace the rice or can you just keep it

[Yellowgal]

It worked REALLY well!!!!!!!! Thanks a million!!!!!

[AmandaP67]

Great idea it helps me a lot !Before you take any action you should try manipulating the pad. I also follow these heating tips for better results.

[DeeThePro]

My friend showed me this... I guess Ill try it