How to Make a Hot Pad

Hot pads are good to have on hand for minor aches and pains, as well as those deep muscle aches. Purchasing them can get expensive. If you make your own hot pad out of a sock and some rice, you can tailor the size to your needs and control the temperature.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Athletic sock
• Rice
• Funnel
• Microwave

1. Put the funnel in the opening of a sock.
2. Pour the rice slowly into the funnel and allow it to fill the sock. Using the funnel helps avoid spills while working with the rice. You can also use pinto beans instead of rice.
3. Fill the sock, but leave enough room at the end to tie the sock shut. Leaving a little bit of room also allows you to shape the hot pad around your body.
4. Heat the hot pad in the microwave. Start at 30 seconds on high and remember to move the rice around inside to avoid a dangerous hot spot. Put the sock back into the microwave to heat it more if needed. Heat the hot pad less if it's for children or people with sensitive skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a larger version of this hot pad by filling a baby pillow case with rice or pinto beans. This is good for larger areas like your back or your stomach. Make sure the pillow case is cotton, not silk.