How to Make a Microwaveable Heat Pack With Rice
Microwave heat packs are comforting ways to soothe head and body aches. They can use as gentle warming relief on a cold day or to comfort a fussy baby. Heat packs can be quickly and easily made with materials you have around your house, including rice and socks. These make unique homemade gifts for new mothers, elderly people and those prone to headaches and/or achy joints. The packs can be individualized by using the recipient's favorite colors and patterns. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Uncooked white long-grain rice
- Oven-safe container large enough to hold rice
- Oven
- Clean, dry sock
- Yarn, ribbon or string
- Glass or cup of water (for use when heating the finished pack)
- Optional items:
- Needle
- Thread
- Pillowcase, folded towel or washcloth or a pillow (instead of sock)
Instructions
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1
Gather all materials.
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2
Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
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3
Place rice in oven-safe container.
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4
Place container in oven.
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5
Bake rice for 1 to 2 hours.
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6
Let rice cool to touch.
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7
Carefully pour rice into sock.
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8
Close sock opening with yarn, ribbon, string or sew shut with needle and thread.
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To heat: Place sock in microwave for 1 to 2 minutes on high along with the glass or cup of water.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Baking the rice before use kills off any infestation by mealworms or other pests. As an alternative, the rice may instead be frozen for three to four days at 0 degrees F.
Fill the sock with enough rice to provide comfortable padding throughout, but not so much rice that the grains cannot move around to conform to the person's body.
Chill the pack in the freezer for about one hour to apply cold relief as needed.
Add dried herbs, such as lavender or chamomile, or essential oils to add the benefits of aromatherapy.
Use the other sock (if possible) as a cover for the heat pack that can be removed for cleaning, or cover it with some other fabric. Otherwise, the finished heat pack is not machine-washable.
Test the heated pack before use to ensure it will not burn the skin, especially when used by a baby or small child. Gently shake the pack to distribute the heat and wrap it in a towel or cloth if it is too hot.
When used by a baby or small child, make sure the pack is securely closed and that there is no risk of choking.
Do not use socks, yarn, ribbon, string or thread that contain metal, as these can damage the microwave.
Do not use quick-cooking or instant rice as these can cause microwave fires.
