How to Heat Towels

Warm towels create a relaxing spa experience at home.

Warm towels can be used to relieve aching muscles or to create a spa-like experience from the comfort of your own home. It is possible to enjoy the benefits of warm towels at home without any unnecessary expenses by using common household appliances to heat the towels, such as a dryer or a microwave. It is also possible to purchase and install a dedicated towel-heating appliance.

Instructions

Heat towels in the dryer

1. Place the towels you want to heat into the dryer. You can use either clean towels or wait until the end of a washing cycle and heat the recently washed and still wet towels. This method works best for large towels.

2. Set the dryer's heat setting on high for a full cycle to heat and dry freshly washed towels. If the towels are already dry, set the dryer only for a few minutes. The length of time chosen will depend on how hot you like the towels and your dryer specifications.

3. Start the dryer to dry the towels. The towels will be available for use as soon as the dryer has finished, but you can keep them warmer for a bit longer by folding them together.

Heat towels in the microwave

1. Wet a small towel or washcloth. Wring out the towel to remove excess water, so the towel is moist but not dripping water.

2. Fold the towel and place it inside a plastic bag, such as a frozen food storage bag. Leave the bag open.

3. Place the bag flat inside the microwave. Heat it on maximum power for two to four minutes, depending on the potency of the appliance. Carefully check the temperature of the towel every minute and stop once the towel feels hot enough to the touch.

4. Wrap the warm towel with a dry towel or cloth bag and use it to relieve a backache, the pain of stiff muscles or injuries.

Heat towels using a clothes iron

1. Heat the iron to 400 degrees if you are heating cotton towels, or the highest temperature suggested for the fabric of the towel you want to warm.

2. Place the towel on a flat surface that is heat resistant. It is recommended to use an ironing board. If the towel is too big, fold it so it fits on the ironing board.

3. Set the iron to steam and iron the towel, and be careful to move the iron over the entire surface of the towel and distribute the heat evenly.

References

• Arthritis Foundation : Arthritis Pain Management Tips
• Bdger and Blade: How to Make and Use a Hot Towel