Make your own microwavable heating pad in under 5 minutes with this easy DIY project... This simple no-sew homemade rice heating pad provides quick relief for sore or stiff muscles, or use it to warm up on cold days or a cold night!
Microwavable Heating Pad
Need to make a microwavable heating pad in a hurry? I've got the easiest hack for making a reusable heating pad in UNDER FIVE MINUTES!!
If you have little ones running around, chances are you have at least a few pairs of these adorable little baby leg warmers sitting in a drawer. While weeding out our collection recently, I was brainstorming for ideas on how to repurpose them. Not coming up with anything, I tossed them into the donate box.
Later that day, my daughter was looking for our rice heating pad for a strained muscle, and I remembered that I had to throw it away after it took an unfortunate dip in the bathroom sink (courtesy of one ornery 6-year-old boy)...
Needing to make a new heating pad in a hurry, it dawned on me that those old baby leg warmers might make a pretty fantastic substitute for the fancier diy heating pad pattern I've used in the past. At this point, I didn't really want to drag out the sewing machine, but I thought that maybe with a little bakers twine and a few cups of rice, I could create a no-sew homemade heating pad.
So I dug a few of the leg warmers back out of the donate box and got to work...
DIY Rice Heating Pad Supplies
Chances are you have most of the supplies to make a DIY heating pad on hand already. Kids will love helping make their own homemade heating pads with this easy project, too!
Supplies you'll need:
- baby leg warmers or old sock
- bakers twine
- 2 cups uncooked white rice (this 5-lb. bag of Great Value rice is just $2.92 at Walmart!)
- empty toilet paper roll tube
- 10 drops of essential oil or lavender buds, optional
Note: If you don't have baby leg warmers, a tube sock (or really any old sock depending on the size of microwavable heating pads you want) would be a great substitute. I know we have more than a few unmatched socks sitting in the laundry room at the moment. Either way, they make for a fabulously easy homemade heating pad in a hurry!
How To Make A Rice Heating Pad
I almost feel silly for sharing this hack for how to make a heating pad, but it really was a lifesaver for me.
First you'll need to tie up one open side of the leg warmers with the bakers twine. I simply cut a length of the bakers twine and tied it around the end tightly in a double knot, then wrapped it around a few times and tied a second tight double knot and trimmed the excess. Obviously, you can skip this step if you're using a sock, because you just need the twine to close one end.
I know some of you are probably wondering how well using just twine will hold up. Let me assure you that my girls have used these multiple times, often tossing them around, and we haven't had any accidents whatsoever. Just tie those knots as tightly as possible! Plus this means that you can easily take them back apart to refill the rice, wash the leg warmers/socks, add additional essential oils, etc.
Aromatherapy Microwave Heating Pad
Wondering why you'd want to add essential oils? Adding scent via essential oils can have a therapeutic effect and is a great way to turn a rice sock into aromatherapy rice bags! Not to mention they're a great gift idea...
I mixed several drops of lavender essential oil with my rice in a large bowl before adding it to my microwave heating pad for a relaxing and calming effect. Plus I just love the way it smells! But you can use any number of different essential oils in a microwave heat pack, depending on what scent you like -- or leave it out altogether.
If you do choose to add an essential oil, about 10 drops of the essential oil stirred into 2 cups of white rice is all you'll need. Of course, this is a personal preference. If you'd rather not to add the essential oil directly to the rice, you could simply apply a few drops of essential oils to the outside with each use, as well.
And finally, another alternative is to add around a quarter cup of lavender buds to your rice before filling up the rice sock heating pad. Use a little more or less depending on the size of heat pack.
Easiest Way To Fill A Homemade Heating Pad With Rice
Filling the rice packs with the rice mixture was a little tricky (to be honest I made quite a big mess LOL), but then I had a great idea... I decided to try using an empty toilet paper roll as a funnel. By slipping it inside the small opening, I was able to carefully pour a small measuring cup of rice in without scattering it everywhere.
The amount of rice you'll need will vary depending on what size microwavable heating pads you're making. Typically you'll want to use anywhere from a cup to roughly two cups of uncooked rice.
Basically you want to use just enough to fill the heating bag, but you don't want it to be tightly packed. It should be loose enough to be manipulated to conform to whatever area of the body you're placing it on.
After filling, finishing off this DIY heating pad is as simple as tying it off securely with another length of bakers twine, as in the first step. Voila -- your new microwave heating pad is ready to use!!
No-Sew Microwavable Rice Heating Pad
Equipment
- [scissors]
Materials
- baby leg warmer or old sock
- bakers twine
- 2 cups uncooked white rice
- empty toilet paper roll tube
- 10 drops of essential oil, optional
- or ¼ cup lavender buds, optional
Instructions
- Tie up one end of a leg warmer tightly with bakers twine. You may skip this step if you're using a sock.
- If you're using lavender essential oil in your homemade heating pad, place the rice in a large bowl, add about 10 drops of lavender oil to it, and stir well. Or if you're using lavender buds, add about ¼ cup and mix well. You can pour straight from the bag in the next step, if you're not using them.
- Stick an empty toilet paper roll tube in the open end of the leg warmer or sock to use as a funnel. Use a spoon or small measuring cup to pour the rice mixture in through the tube.
- Tie the end off tightly with more bakers twine, and your microwave heating pad is ready for use.
Notes
- Place the rice heating pad in the microwave along with one cup of water for 1-3 minutes. This will add moist heat and keep the rice from scorching.
- Remove the rice sock from the microwave and shake to evenly distribute the rice. Check the temperature of the bag to make sure it's not too hot.
- Apply the warmed heating pad to the desired body part.
Making this no-sew microwavable rice heating pad took less than 5 minutes start to finish -- and that was with stopping to photograph the steps!
How To Use A Microwavable Heating Pad
Microwavable heating pads have so many uses! My husband uses these homemade heat packs for his back pain and tense shoulders after a long day at work, and my favorite use for these heating packs is for menstrual cramps. We have all different sizes at this point, and each family member has their own heating pad.
How To Use Heating Pad For Heat Therapy
- Place the rice heating pad in the microwave along with one cup of water for 1-3 minutes. This will add moist heat and keep the rice from scorching.
- Remove the rice sock from the microwave and shake to evenly distribute the rice. Check the temperature of the bag to make sure it's not too hot.
- Apply the warmed heating pad to the desired body part.
This rice heat pack also works great as a cold pack (or as an aromatherapy ice pack if you added essential oils)! Simply place the rice sock in the freezer for about 45 minutes to chill thoroughly.
Did you make this DIY?
I'd love to see how your rice heating pad turns out... Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
Jade case says
So u put the water in the microwave WITH the sock not the sock IN the water?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yes, just place a bowl of water in the microwave next to the rice sock. You don't want to get the rice wet, but this will create just a little bit of steam for moist heat.
Kerrie says
This may be a silly question but can you reuse the same rice heat pack over and over. I'm thinking of using this concept for some handmade Christmas presents but there wouldn't be any point if it was single use. I assume they can be reused but I thought I'd check before I start crafting.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Kerrie -- yes, you can reuse them indefinitely!! They make great gifts.
Jayne says
Can I use a sock that is 80% polyester, 10% nylon, and 10% spandex?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Jayne! If you're using it as a heat pack, I'd recommend sticking with a blend that's primarily cotton.
Vanessa Kahl says
Does it matter how thick the sock is?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Vanessa! No, it shouldn't really matter.
Debbie vinge says
❤️❤️❤️❤️ it! My husband has 2 abscessed teeth, and a warm/hot washcloths didn’t seem to help with the pain. So I figured I’ll look here and I ❤️❤️❤️❤️ this. So does my husbands jaw!
TARA says
My physical therapist told me to use this when I had hand surgery and I love it! it's BETTER than an electric heating pad because you learn what temperature you like it and it's better than clay because it contours to your body so gently and easily! But I've been using a plastic bag all this time! OH NO. So happy I found this post!!!
Ann says
Should socks or leg warmers be at least a 75% cotton blend since synthetic material is made from plastic?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yes, I think that would be a good rule of thumb to follow. Enjoy!
Ivy says
Hello,a beautiful project I will enjoy making! Do I have to put a cup of water in the microwave for every use?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi, Ivy! Yes, I would recommend using the water each time you warm it up to prevent the rice from scorching. Enjoy!
Ivy says
Thank you so much Tara, I will do that!
Karen says
Pure genius! I was about to go out and buy a new rice bag sincerely I misplaced mine. You just saved me $$ and time (no sew). I had all that stuff on hand. Huge thanks!
Tara Kuczykowski says
So happy to hear that it helped you out, Karen!
Katherine Jacobs says
So glad I found this on the internet when I typed in "substitute for an electric heating pad". I'm 85, will be 86 in Jan 2020, and discover I can still learn new things. Love your idea! And all the questions and your answers at the end were super helpful.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Aww thanks, Katherine -- have fun making and enjoying them!
Jeanna says
I used a dollar tree sock, rice and lavendar essential oils. Tied it in a knot at the top. Working great in a pinch and super cute sock lol
Tara Kuczykowski says
Love it!
Carolyn says
I have one of these that I actually paid for...who knew I could make my own with old socks!
Pam Dana says
We love rice heat bags so much! Love the idea of the no-sew version! Thanks!
Jennifer Lehner says
LOVE LOVE LOVE this!! I'm going to make some of these this weekend!
Eva says
This might seem stupid but how would you know what material the sock is? It doesn’t say on any of my old socks.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Eva! Maybe you could just google the brand and style to find this info?
Cheryl Sousan says
I need to make a few of these.......and a great gift idea too!
Kara Cook says
We have several of these because they are the best for aches and pains! I love the idea of adding essential oil to make them even more therapeutic. Great idea!
Sam says
Possibly a dumb question, but is the rice cooked or uncooked?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Not dumb! Definitely use uncooked.
Alisha says
Thank you for such a great idea - I have been procrastinating making a neck pillow with flaxseed for such a long time and this sounds so much easier!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hope it worked out well for you, Alisha! Flaxseed is also a great filler for these.
Ruth A says
Could you use a washcloth? Or tea towel? Could I use yarn instead of twine?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Ruth! You could use a wash cloth or tea towel, but you would not be able to manipulate it in the same way as you would a sock or baby legging. Yarn would work, but I would only recommend using it if you're sure it's 100% cotton.
Karen says
I swear my iPad hears what I'm saying. I literally just said to my husband last night that I need to make a rice sock heating pad. My other one busted. Today, I get on Pinterest and what's the first thing that I see? THIS!!! Perfect
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
What a fun coincidence -- enjoy!
Chelsea says
Hi, great idea! I just made a small one out of a couple of ankle socks that lost their match. I'm wondering if anyone has tried using fuzzy socks yet? I have a few that are missing their pair and I thought they would make a great stocking stuffer, but I'm not sure whether or not it is safe to microwave the material. Does anyone else know?
Cindy says
Same here! I have the same question.
Susan Gershman says
I use buckwheat groats and I don't put water in the microwave. It is still slightly moist and smells like old fashioned cereal. I use it for sinus headaches and only put in the microwave for 45 seconds or I'll burn my forehead. I love it! I've been making them for a long time since my " Bed Buddy" got lost.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Love it -- great idea, Diane. Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Nicole Angell says
I have made small hand warmers in wool felt and cotton flannel with white carolina rice. And each time after microwaved they are wet. You don't want to put a wet hand warmer in your pocket before going out into the cold. Has anyone else had the problem with the rice being wet?
Thanks!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Thanks for sharing, Nicole! I'm really not sure what could be causing this problem. Do you store them in a damp place? Also, be sure that you're using plain dry rice -- not the parboiled or instant kind. If you're still having issues, other options are whole grain corn (not popcorn but feed corn) or flaxseed.
Debbie says
Hi. I've been making the micro heating pads for years. Started out with lentil beans and they work great and haven't gotten damp like rice sometimes does. Started using rice more often because it is so cheap. I always have one or two light weight flour sack towels wrapped around the pad and it won't be too hot at first use also holds the heat longer. Debbie
Tara says
Thanks for the tips, Debbie! I have one that a friend sent me recently that's filled with cherry pits. They work very well for holding the heat, but the downside is that the packs are a good deal more lumpy than when they're filled with rice.
Jamie says
Is this a reusable project?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Yes, as long as you don't get it wet, you can reuse the heating pad over and over again.
Robyn Barberi says
Thank you! I've been coughing and my chest/back is so sore, this did the trick, I have it on now! (I didnt have any tall socks so I cut the sleeve off a shirt no one wears).
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Great idea, Robyn! Glad you were able to get some relief.
Nicole L. says
The leg warmers I have are not 100% cotton there is 18% nylon and 2% spandex - will these sill be ok in microwave?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Nicole! The ones I used have nylon and spandex in them, too -- haven't had any issues with them.
Tracy Sanders says
The rice is uncooked, right? I wanna make this today, just wanna be sure I make it right. When you heat it, is the water in a cup or do you apply it to the heating pad? Sorry if these are dumb questions I just never seen a rice heating pad before.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
No problem, Tracy! Yes, fill the heating pad with uncooked rice. When you want to heat it, just place a cup of water in the microwave beside it to create a little steam. You definitely don't want to get the heating pad itself wet.
Tracy Sanders says
Thank you :)
Christina says
I just made some! I got super warm socks from Costco and some rice.
Instead of using the bakers' twin, I just knotted the end of the knee sock. Should work well!
Thanks!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Great idea, Christina! They should last a long time. Ours are still going strong over a year later! Although one is currently MIA -- need to track it down...
Hailey says
lol sounds like our house ..., I have all these crazy looking knee socks my parents get us kids every Christmas.... me and my sister don't wear knee socks I wanted to throw out the socks but remembered I could just make a rice heating pad out of the ones without holes
Dudey says
Good idea
pat says
Sounds like it may be worth trying.
Tanya says
Hi! Any substitutes for bakers twine??
Thank you!!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Tanya! I think embroidery floss should work, as well.
Betti Jo says
I have used dental floss for many projects. It's strong , cheap and always on hand.
Sadie says
I made one and it turned out fabulously! Feels so nice on an aching neck!!
Samina says
Great idea! I used my husband's old socks with some rice in them for heating pads (along with real, plug-in heating pads) when we took in our 3 day old (abandoned) kittens. The socks held heat well & the kitties loved to snuggle up to them to stay warm. Mike's socks weren't as pretty as the leg warmers, though! The babies are now 6 months old & have turned into adorable heating pads themselves!
Angela says
This is exactly why I want to make some--for a new puppy that is coming home with us next month. These are great to soothe them at night when they first leave their litter.
Tara says
Such a fantastic idea! Wish I had remembered it on those first few sleepless nights when we got our Weimaraner puppy last February... Congrats on your new puppy!