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Rice + tube sock = best and cheapest heating pad ever
by Jenni Prokopy, the Editrix
Heat can be great for what ails you, but sometimes you need something a little more mobile than the traditional plug-in heating pad. Here's a cheap and easy trick to make your own heating pad.
I've always had an aversion to heating pads, the kind that plug in. My anxious side freaks at the thought of laying down on top of something electrified. And sometimes you want a heating pad in a place that's more than 10 feet from an outlet - and you're screwed.
But a few years ago, I found an excellent heating pad (or Heat-Pack according to the manufacturer) that I've used ever since. It's basically a tube sock stuffed with rice, with plastic rope handles at each end. I have used it in the car, at work (when I worked in an office), brought it to friends' houses, basically anywhere. It heats up in the microwave in about 90 seconds and lasts for as long as I need it - if it cools and I want more heat, I just nuke it for another 30 seconds.
Here's the heatpack I've been using for almost 7 years:
So one day I was singing the praises of my heat-pack to my best friend, Natalie. She told me that her family routinely makes their own version out of a sock and some rice. Of course! It's the easiest thing - you've probably got the ingredients in your house right now.
So here's how to make your own:
- find a sock, preferably a tube or knee sock
- get about six to eight cups of rice and fill the sock with it
- using a heavy (darning?) needle and thick thread, sew the sock shut about two inches from the end
- use a piece of ribbon to finish the end with a bow
- optional: use a match to singe the ends of the ribbon so it doesn't fray. be careful!
Check out the nifty bow. My Bed Buddy is
just not this cute!
It's so freakin' easy I just made one in 15 minutes, using a stray Smartwool sock whose mate is long gone. Check it out:
So what's stopping you? Get creative! Use all kinds of socks or ribbons, or try throwing some dried herbs like lavender or mint into the sock too for an aromatherapy boost.
If you're not so crafty but willing to learn, check out craftster.org for great tips on sewing and a bazillion other projects! Here are a couple links to heat-packs at Craftster: rice pillows and an oatmeal alternative.
And if you want to check out the original Bed Buddy and other comparable products, try these sites:
(Please note: ChronicBabe.com doesn't endorse these sites or vouch for their business practies - these are just some places to start your research and get ideas!)
- ESG Massage - offers the Bed Buddy and attractive decorative covers
- Walgreens.com - offers the Bed Buddy (and suggests freezing it as a cool-pack too)
- ReliefMart - offers a variety of comparable herbal products
- Warm Puppy at ePets.com - offering a furry alternative
(if you try this, let me know what you think! i am thinking warm sock monkeys might make great holiday gifts this year!)
P.S. - a disclaimer: We do our best to provide accurate information, but ChronicBabe.com is not meant as a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider before embarking on any new treatment. Read our whole disclaimer here.
Posted: 6/11/2005 in Crafty | Also posted in: Cool Tools
