Instructions for Using a Corn Heating Pad

Corn heating pads can be used instead of electric heating pads.

Corn-filled heating pads (sometimes referred to as corn bags) are a natural alternative to water bottles and electric heating pads. With a corn-filled heating pad, there's no danger of water spilling in the bed or of falling asleep with the heating pad left on. Corn heating pads conform to the body's shape and can be used repeatedly. They can also be used as a cold pack if stored in the freezer.

Things You'll Need

• Corn-filled heating pad
• Microwave oven
• Paper towel
• Hand towel

Instructions

1. Place the corn heating pad in the microwave oven. (Place it atop a paper towel if the bottom plate of the microwave is not perfectly clean.) Wrap the pad in a hand towel the first few times it is microwaved, to absorb excess moisture.

2. Close the microwave door. Select a one-minute HIGH cook setting on the microwave and start the microwave.

3. Open the microwave door after one minute. If the corn bag does not feel hot enough, place it back in the microwave and cook for thirty seconds. Do not overheat. Cut the cooking time in half if using the corn heating pad in a commercial-grade (1200 watts or more) microwave oven.

4. Remove the heating pad from the microwave, and close the microwave door.

5. Place the heating pad atop a sore muscle or wherever the heat is desired. Manipulate the bag occasionally to reposition the corn kernels, redistributing the heat within.

6. Reheat the corn bag in the microwave once cooled, if necessary. Repeat as often as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• To use the corn heating pad as a cooling bag, simply place it in the freezer until cold. Place atop sore muscles as needed or on the forehead to treat a migraine headache.

• Using two corn bags causes the bags to retain heat longer. Simply place one atop the other or next to the other, if used to warm a chilly bed.

• Do not overcook the heating pad. Doing so may scald or burn the corn or even pop it. Do not use corn heating pads on infants or those who are unable to sense heat or burning.

• Do not leave the microwave unattended while heating the corn bag.

References

• Hot n Cold Therapy Corn Bags: FAQs
• Microwave Wattage Chart

Resources

• Heat Bags: Uses and Sales