How to Make a No-Sew Hot/Cold Pack

A hot/cold pack is a necessary household first aid item to have on hand. But why buy a hot cold pack when you can make one in minutes without even sewing a single stitch? You will likely have all the items you need to make this handy hot/cold pack around the house. So let's get started!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 clean, long, men's sock
• 2-3 cups of rice
• 1 plastic freezer bag

1. Start off by giving new life to a long mens sock whose match has long since disappeared in the dryer. Purge it of any offending odors or substances (clean it!).

2. Fill the sock half way full with rice. You may find it handy to use a funnel. Depending on the size of the sock, you may use more or less rice. You can use white or brown rice, but why not save the brown rice for eating?

3. Tie a knot at the opening of the sock to seal the rice in. You're done with the hardest part!

4. Use as a cold pack: to prevent your cold pack from absorbing strange freezer odors, seal it in a freezer bag and store in the freezer until ready to use. When ready to use, remove from the bag and place on bug bit, or other wound to reduce swelling.

5. Use as a hot pack: Place cold pack in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until warm. Place on sore muscles or wounds to help speed healing.

Tips & Warnings

• This cold pack will feel much better against skin than that bag of frozen peas!
• When you want to put new rice in, simple untie the knot, empty out the old rice and fill with new rice.
• Use caution when microwaving hot pack. Check the pack at 30 second intervals until desired temperature is reached.
• When in doubt, always consult a health professional to know when to use hot/cold therapy.