So the weather is starting to get cold and it’s time to bring out the hot packs in my house! I have several hot packs in various shapes and sizes for warming me up or soothing sore muscles over the winter. I also love to gift hot/cold packs. It is just something everyone can use!
A few years ago when I made my first hot pack, I filled it with lentils, which smelled terrible when heated. I then switched to barley, which was better but still a bit meh. The last few years I’ve been very enamored with cherry pits as a filling for my large hot packs, but I’ve always wondered about the differences between fillings. I thought it would be a fun experiment to try out all of the possible fillings I could find in my house and also make a dozen handwarmers.
Note of caution: when researching this post, I came across many people complaining their hot packs burned or started to smell really bad after heating. It is absolutely essential to put a mug with some water in it in the microwave at the same time as you heat your hot pack. Without it, your pack could possibly burn or catch fire, and you can damage your microwave. If you give hot packs as a gift, be sure to mention this to your giftee!
When heating a new hot pack, heat it up in 30-second intervals, testing after each interval, until you learn how long it takes to heat up your pack without scorching it. The fillings below all varied wildly with how long they took to heat up, so it’s not only the volume of filling that affects the heating time, but also the type of filling. And some fillings, like corn, get way too hot if you heat them too long.
So, I tested (sources at the end of this post):
- cherry pits
- wheat berries
- whole dried corn (feed corn or bird seed, not popcorn!!)
- pot barley (can substitute pearled barley)
- dried whole peas (can substitute split peas)
- buckwheat groats (can substitute buckwheat hulls)
- whole flaxseed
- jasmine rice (basmati is another very fragrant rice)
- steel cut oats
- clay gardening beads
- coarse crushed walnut shells
- dried pinto beans
For each of the handwarmers I sewed two 5″ squares of heavier-weight cotton/linen fabric right sides together with cotton thread, leaving a 2-inch opening along one side. Then I turned the fabric right side out, poked out the corners, and filled it with about 1 scant cup of filling. I whipstitched the opening shut.
It is important to use 100% cotton or linen for anything that will go in the microwave. If you’d like to use fleece or another synthetic fabric, sew an inner cotton bag for the filling, and sew an outer cover with the fleece to slip on after heating the cotton bag.
I found the bags had a little bit nicer weight by making them from a home dec-weight fabric, but you could also use flannel, or two layers of fabric. I’ve seen many hot packs that have a quilted cover and as long as you use 100% cotton batting that works too!
The results summary, for those who don’t want to read through the data:
- Best overall options: Whole corn, walnut shells, jasmine rice. I still love cherry pits for larger packs, but their heat doesn’t last in a small pack. My daughter suggested adding some cherry pits to another filling; I tried 1/4 cup mixed in with corn and that made it smell lovely without the rapid heat loss. My choice would be either the corn/cherry pit mix or walnut shells.
- Worst options: Buckwheat hulls (too expensive), clay beads or cherry pits (poor heat retention in a small pack), dried pinto beans or whole peas (beany smell), or flaxseed (even after a few heatings the oils were starting to smell a little rancid). However, flaxseed would probably make an amazing cold pack if you kept it in the freezer.
- Best smelling: Cherry pits, jasmine rice, or walnut shells. If you choose a different filling, you can make it smell nicer by mixing in essential oils, dried flowers, dried herbs, or cherry pits.
- Most pleasant feel: Flaxseed, whole corn, jasmine rice.
- Best heat retention: Whole corn, rice, wheat, walnut shells.
- Can be washed and dried and won’t mold or degrade: Cherry pits, clay beads, walnut shells. All other fillings will need a removable cover if you’d like to be able to wash your hot pack. All food-based fillings will degrade over time and need replacing. The sturdier ones like whole corn will last longer than things like rice or grains.
Table of results:
| Filling | Weight / price per cup | Feel | Smell after heating | Heat retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry pits | 100g / $0.34-$1.32 | Large, chunky, awkward. Pleasant sound. | Lovely cherry pie | Poor in such a small hot pack |
| Wheat | 182g / $0.33 | Small & grainy | Grainy, neutral | Average |
| Feed corn | 181g / $0.03 | Large flat, slippery chunks. Pleasant sound. | Faint corn | Good, heats very quickly |
| Barley | 187g / $0.37 | Small & grainy | Grainy, not as strong as wheat | Average |
| Whole dried peas | 173g / $0.44 | Little spheres | Beany, not great | Average |
| Buckwheat hulls/groats | 168g / $1.19-$0.59 | Pointy, not as slippery | Earthy | Average |
| Whole flaxseed | 150g / $0.44 | Slippery, smooth, luxurious | Oily. Oils go rancid and over time the smell might get bad. Would probably be fabulous as a cold pack that is kept in the freezer. | Good, heats very slowly |
| Jasmine rice | 188g / $0.33 | Rice-y, satisfying creaking sound when squeezing, stiff | Lovely and fragrant | Good, heats quickly |
| Steel cut oats | 162g / $0.37 | Smaller & grainy | Grainy. Not as strong as wheat | Average |
| Clay beads | 102g / $0.11 | Large, irregular, not slippery. Very awkward. | None | Terrible |
| Crushed walnut shells | 143g / $0.07 | Small and a little crunchy; use less filling if you want it to conform | Sweet & nutty, a little like marzipan | Good, heats very slowly |
| Dried pinto beans | 182g / $0.33 | Large and somewhat slippery with a flat surface, similar to corn. | Beany, not great | Good |
If you’re looking for a unique hot/cold pack to gift (or keep!) this holiday season, check out my Comfort pack pattern, which is a hot/cold pack in the shape of a hot water bottle.
Notes on suppliers: Most items above are available at a grocery store, and the cheapest prices will be in the bulk section. I actually found 11 out of the 12 items above in my house already! I only had to purchase the white rice.
- The cherry pits I purchased at cherrypitstore.com. The price difference in the table is the small bag vs. the large bag and includes shipping costs.
- The whole peas I bought at an Indian grocery store, You can substitute split peas for the whole peas, they will just have a slightly different feel.
- The corn I also bought at an Indian grocery store, but you can use feed corn from a farm supply or birdseed supplier. Feed corn is only about $7.50 for a 50 pound bag at places like Fleet Farm, so use what you need from the huge bag, and then put the rest outside to feed birds and animals.
- Buckwheat hulls are sold on Amazon and in other online shops.
- Clay beads are hydroponic gardening beads I had leftover from a lettuce growing experiment.
- Crushed walnut shells are available at any pet store as lizard bedding. I used a very coarsely ground one, but I would think the finely ground stuff would also work just fine. Use a very small stitch length to avoid too much leaking!
I like plain cheap rice and buckwheat hulls and can’t wait to try the walnut shells! Thank you for doing all the testing!
WHOLE OATS retain the heat better than all & last. This is from a woman in Quebec who has made them for years.
From the olden days!!
Her daughter gave this information to me.
Can you mix jasmine rice with oats
Teresa, yes, you can mix any of the fillings.
Hi I’m looking into making some of these and I was leaning towards the jasmine rice with some lavender oils but I’ve never done it before and had some questions.
I was curious if anyone’s had an problems with mildew or mold with their packs after adding essential oils and heating them over time? It’s not something I’ve seen discussed but I do want to check.
I realize it’s probably not a gift that would last years but at least a few weeks would be nice.
I don’t think essential oils would cause mold.
Can I use quick oats?
Could you use crushed Cherry pits?
Wondering if that would reduce their density making the texture more like walnut shells.
Wondering if it would keep heat longer that way.
Thinking it might make it more fragrant.
Has anyone tried wood pellets? Like the kind for a meat smoker?
Hi I make heat packs with whole wheat works well.
Won’t the rice burn after lots of heat
I don’t find that the rice burns if you always put the mug of water in with it and don’t overheat.
I have used rice and it does scorch and break up into tiny bits after awhile, but it is good for quite some time. I am just replacing my bags now. I did not put a mug of water in with my bags in the microwave though so maybe it would make the difference. Our current bags are 2 or 3 years old though so they had a good long life as we use them often.
We have never had an issue with rice burning. We have used ours for years. Ours is large like the water bottle shapes above. I am needing to replace and like the idea of a removable cover, as ours using a folded hand towel is a little worse for the wear over time.
I’ve made these for years & people have loved them! I’ve never used any water in microwave & they always have a moist heat feel after heated. I’ve used essential oils as well. I live on a farm so I have bulk wheat & corn. I like the corn the best. It seems to hold the heat & moisture better. I worry about grains (or any food products) getting bugs in them. Just like your flour in the pantry they can get weavels & such. I’ve found especially over the summer when you don’t use it as much either microwave it about once a month or just pop it in the freezer for a cool pack!
Would something like this work as a hot pack for a lunchbox? My son used to have access to a microwave at school, but they took them out. Since he can’t hear anything up, packing lunch has been a struggle (understatement of the year!). I’m looking for ways to keep something like grilled cheese warm, so a thermos is out. Any tips are appreciated!
Yes, I have had mine for 20 years (made it for when I was going to deliver my son) and it just started smelling burned, never heard about putting a cup of water in the microwave, will do that with my new one as I am finally throwing this one away.
You have to test it for time length. In my 1000 watt microwave, I put it on for 1 min 12-14 secs and it’s perfect. I use it on my neck to relieve sore/stiff muscles and on my stomach if I’ve got indigestion.
Mine is 3 bags in a 2-layer cotton . Use it probably 3 out of 5 days a week and it has lasted about 2 years. Now it’s time to make a new cover.
You can find tutorials on YouTube for that. Probably on Pinterest, too.
Angie, I would not use these to keep food warm as they will not keep their temperature hot enough for long enough. Other than saying that I don’t know what you could use instead
Can you use pecan shells?
Do the walnut shells stain the fabric brown when washing?
I would not suggest Crushed cherry pits… Please do your research as the inside of some cherry pits are deadly to humans and animals.
No it doesn’t. I used jasmine rice in the last bags I made and that was over two years ago. Still going strong.
I’ve made many Rice bags and my husband and I use them daily. Usually heating them for 1-1/2 – 2 minutes in a 1500 watt microwave.
Will have to try using a cup of water with the bag. Adding Lavender is good.
I have made them for years, using rice. I have worn out the covers before the rice ! The biggest thing is NOT to over heat it. It actually gets hotter about 2 minutes after being taken out of the microwave. So under heatng is essential. Also, you need a turntable in the microwave.
I wonder If anyone has experienced the rice breaking down over time and leaching from the bag as a fine powder ( little by little)? We have been finding a very fine film of white “powder” collecting on our air purifiers and various surfaces in our house.
We just ordered cherry pots to see the difference. Also, grains can contain high amounts of molds that may trigger an inflammatory response.
David, do you have a humidifier? What you describe sounds more like minerals from hard water that are coming from a humidifier and landing all over your house.
My rice bag is 3 years old. Use it every night. Add lemmon oil after heating. No prop. Sock filled with rice & tied.
David, I made eye heating pads with rice and yes, over time, the rice breaks down and the fine powder comes through the bag. I put a lining in the bags, that makes it last a little longer. I made cherry pit heating pads and they don’t seem to break down. They emit a nice pie smell. Next I am going to try corn mixed with cherry pits.
Wanting to make Xmas gifts
Just started the process with cotton satchels and crushed walnut shells and would like to know a little more about the essential oils. How much? How is it applied? Any concerns about oils being flammable? Thank you in advance.
I use sorghum berries for mine.
I am a very sensitive celiac and sensitive dermatology as well. I never thought of what is on the inside of these and no way would I want to be bringing any of those gluten ingredients in my house. It effects neurologically and occasionally a ER visit its not pretty. We had one that my daughter now has that literally smelled like chicken soup since day one. I was wondering about the sorghum as I have some in my pantry. I don’t remember how much it was, but probably wasn’t cheap like anything gluten free is. Did it smell when you heated it?
if you mix them they will explode into a ball of fire
Can epson soul be mixed in with any of the ingredients listed?
Viki,
I want to try using whole oats, but do I use what is called groats? This is what I would say is WHOLE oats. Or is it rolled oats? I’ve googled this but can’t find an answer— you would know though. Thank you!
Definitely not rolled oats! Whole oats are the same as oat groats, and can be found as animal feed if you can’t find them in the grocery store bulk bins.
Make sure that the person using this is not allergic to the filling. A severe reaction could be fatal. I’d also think twice about the essential oils if the person has asthma or any other breathing problem.
Thank you for this great info. Do you find that the essential oils go rancid with all the heating up?
I loved your Website, and found all the comments very useful and interesting. I live in South Africa, and am not finding info easy to come by. Your site has been fabulous, thank you.
Doesnt the corn pop???
Feed corn is different from popcorn–feed corn doesn’t pop.
Get Chicken‘s “Feed Corn” smells AwEsOmE!! & I have had mine for 10+ years I store it in a ziplock baggie, when not in season/needed & probably has 3 cups in a 6×6-8×8 stitched up flannel material. Heat for 4-5 mins 🙂
I have had a corn filled bag for almost 20 years. It no longer holds the heat as long as it use to and it is also has a burnt smell. I want to make a new bag and bought shelled corn . It has a moisture content of max 10%. I was afraid this may cause the corn to pop so I microwaved a small amount. After 1 minute there were a few kernels that did “pop”. Should I oven dry the corn? I am concerned of “popped” corn spoiling the whole bag.
What are the instructions for washing heat packs?
I’ve had one for years that came with a cover, but it was too thick – couldn’t feel the heat. So I’ve used it without & its very dirty.
No, it is different than popping corn. I use cracked corn to make mine. Been making them for over 10 years. Get it from feeding store. About $25 for 50 pounds. I put it in a large plastic container for storage. Very comfortable for back, over eyes & can be frozen.
Ive had some made with feed corn that we used for several Christmas seasons (inserts for Christmas bears) and just last year one kernal popped.
Awesome! Thank You for sharing!
I wanted some thing the heat would last!
Does the heat from the Cherry pits last better in larger heat warmers?
I have made these using feed corn. Love the feel, smell and heat retention.
I just made one using a wash cloth and dried navy beans, because I’m having severe back to back headaches and can’t take NSAIDs, no health care either. I heated it for 2-3 mins. in the microwave, it came out very moist and has been holding the heat for 5mins. now and is still warm. I’m getting some relief and am about to re heat it. Only thing is the smell, I can’t figure out what it is. But I’m going to spray it with lysol to try to get rid of it. Thanks for all your insight and tips.
I have acquired a big bag of mixed bird seed feed. Couldn’t tell what seeds they but visible ones are sunflower seed. Is it ok to use them for heat pad. Thanks L.
A seed mix might be difficult to heat evenly since each seed type will heat differently. Also bird seed has a higher fat content (especially the sunflower seed) so the oils might go rancid, but give it a try and let us know.
This is just like oatmeal?
I’ve been using wheat berries. I love the feel of them and they do warm nicely, but, it would be nice if they stayed warmer longer. Do you have any experiences or comments about red wheat berries? They have the same shape as the whole oats. Your comments are appreciated!
Cherry Pit Bags – Something to be aware of…..
I was given a cherry pit bag after I was involved in a car accident.
I was excited to use it and very quickly found out that because of the sheer weight of it, it actually caused MORE pain, instead of alleviating it!
How often would you have to change it cuz of mold and would you be able to use as a cold pack also?
What are you calling (whole oats) old fashion?
Have you tried heating rock salt in a bag in the microwave. I was thinking about using salt instead of a grain or maybe half and half
Did you end up using salt on its own or in a mixture? How does it hold the heat?
We always used course salt when I was growing up in a sock with the end tied it worked great.
Oat groats
I loved how scientific your testing was!
Very impressive.
I had a neck warmer that had millet , so I bought millet a few weeks ago.
Has anyone used millet, and if so, what was your result?
I found millet to retain the heat a long time, lasts a long time and conforms really well!!
Where would I get millet for making a bag?
Sue, if you read this, did your millet have a smell? I just made a couple with millet and dried lavender and they have an eggy smell, not pleasant. Leaning toward trying rice next.
Hi can you please send me your recipe for heat pac fillings as I’m making some for a nursing home and would like to get it right as I’ve never made before
Thanks I’m advance
What about the smell. Is it unscented when heated? Thanks.
Would the whole oats from Quaker ‘s breakfast work?
no, do not used the “whole” oats from breakfast cereal, they are rolled. Whole oats (groats) are whole grains like brown rice or wheat kernels, and they are hard and have hulls, and will hold the heat. Oats for breakfast cereal are rolled and are flat- they will deteriorate too fast and won’t hold the heat.
Do the oats smell though?
Where do you purchase whole oats,? Thanks!
I bought “crushed” corn instead of whole. Will that work?
I would think that would work just fine–it probably just won’t hold the heat quite as long is my guess!
I have made these and love the popcorn smell. I have used the same bags over 10 years. I made outer covers so I could wash them
I hope this isn’t too dumb of a question but could you use roasted pumpkin seeds as filler? I’ve been making rice bags for years and love what they do but not how they smell!!! My kids think they smell like “Pee! Ewww!”? while I think they smelled more like weird apple juice. The kids have a point though – there’s a definite urine smell that comes with microwaving white rice! But, that being said, I didn’t see any other comments about these kinds of non-relaxing smells with white rice so maybe I’m doing something wrong! Still curious if the roasted pumpkin seeds might be an option though. Might as well put the whole pumpkin to good use when making Jack o’ lanterns.
I love using cracked corn, cheap, molds nice in corn bags & neck bags.
My brother gifted me years ago, a microwaveable herbal healing pad. It seems to have disappeared during my divorce. It was to be heated and the herbs inside weren0very aromatic but they were supposed to promote anti-inflammation in my knee. Any idea what herbs could be included with the rice ?
I am also curious about what herbs to use in a heat pad that are aromatic.
For a spicy scent I found ground cinnamom and cloves and nutmeg etc are too fine and go through the fabric
You can use tea bags or sachets with no metal staples. There is a wide variety of teas that smell wonderful when heated in the microwave. Chamomile, lavender, cinnamon spice, and Earl Grey.
Please do keep in mind that using the corn can attract mice… I know this from personal experience. A very bad mouse experience… Only to find that they’d been feasting on some bags in a box that was stored away.
Maybe you could keep them in a large Milo tin or other lidded container while not in use, to keep the little blighters out. (remembering that mice will chew through plastic too)
You can keep your bags in the freezer. I keep all my flours, Corn, oats in the freezer away from bugs and mice. take them out when i need them.
I have also used buckwheat hulls, lefts stored in the plastic they came in, inside the box and it attracted some sort of tic or fly. It was really gross.
Susie, someone mentioned storing the bags in a Zip lock bag? Perhaps that would deter the mice?
Yes I’ve used that it’s just as good as whole just over time (1 yr of daily use) will get a burnt popcorn smell. I used mine daily with a heat up about 5 times (it got lots and lots of use), but long answer short, yes it is useable and def put a small glass water in microwave with it.
My daughter and I made heat bags with wheat berries. I have washed and changed the bags out many times in 20 years but I am still using the same wheat berries The wheat berries have not deteriorated
Where did you find wheat berries?
Where do you find/buy what berries?
you can go to this website and find a food storage center. It is a center run by “the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints” but anybody can go there and buy their products. They have whole wheat in bags or in cans. It is very cheap.
https://providentliving.churchofjesuschrist.org/food-storage/home-storage-center-locations-map?lang=eng#hours%20and%20locations
Wheat berries. Do you mean whole grains of wheat?
We make 50 12″ square bags at a time for our church’s craft sale. We find the crushed kernels are messy as they give off a powdery dust after a short time. Whole kernel field corn works much better and is fairly inexpensive when purchased at a farm supply type store (Fleet Farm in WI).
Sandra,May I ask what they sell for at your church craft sale? I’m making some now to put in my booth. I wasn’t sure about pricing.
Can you microwave the anti pill fleece?
NO!! You must use 100% cotton fabric. If you want soft/fuzzy , make an outer cover that doesn’t get microwaved
Fleece has polyester which will melt or catch fire.
I bought and used cracked corn with cotton material. I found that there was a lot of corn “dust” that came from this. I made several, but think perhaps that the dust could be a breathing issue, not to mention I had a dark top on and noticed the dust on my shirt! (Live and learn, although it retained heat for quite some time after 1m 40 sec in the microwave. 3″x 15″ tube.)
I’ve used sliced corn which is around the same size/consistency as cracked corn but doesn’t have as much dust and very fine pieces.
What about using sand???
Brenda, I would definitely not use sand, or any other type of rock or mineral because it might have metallic content, which would wreck your microwave.
WoW! Good to know.
I have some w pebbles and washed concrete mix heavy grain sand…i heat them in my oven….or my dryer with a big towel.
Sand is what i have been researching currently since it is one of the best holders of heat. Sedimentary sand to be exact (what you find on a beach). From a theory point of view it is assumed sand would not heat at all in a microwave since sand is mainly the same as glass and a microwave don’t heat glass. But real sand from a beach (sedimentary sand) has rock particles also. From what i have read those that tried to heat sand where successful but no one seems to mention what kind of sand. You should always put a glass/mug of water in the microwave with the bag. The water will absorb all the microwaves that the bag and filling wont so u don’t burn the bag or ruin the microwave.
As far as the comment about metal particles possibly in the sand. That is easy to handle by simply running some magnets through the sand. If you get anything sticking to your magnet i would not use that sand.
I would again strongly caution you against putting sand in the microwave. Many metals are not actually magnetic. If you want to use a sand hotpack I would heat it in a warm oven or on a radiator.
Sand, whether from the desert or the beach, is mainly made up of weathered quartz, the same as glass. It will not heat well (if at all) in a microwave oven. It would likely work better to lay the heating bag on a furnace vent to heat it up. I would stress NOT laying it on a space heater or any other form of direct heat.
Sand would be heavy too.
Oooh! That gives me an idea. Heavy warm sand would feel so dang good. It would be like those heavy weight moist hot packs they put on your back while lying face down in PT (not sure what they are called). So you’ve given me an idea of designing one with sand for myself. It would need to be a size that would fit into microwave, so maybe using 2 or 3 at a time if you want to cover a large area of your back. And all the feedback about the right kind of sand is valuable. I’ll have to check into that further. Thanks, all!
Thank you for all the great info. I am going to start making neck therapy bags for family and friends. I didn’t have a clue about fillers, smells,:-) and problems. I will try jasmine rice. I like the idea of cherry pits and the ant hill!
You know that cherry pits contain cyanide compounds? I would really caution people not to use cherry pits since heating them repeatedly could release some of the cyanide
They have to be ingested for it to do anything, and you would have to eat such an absurd amount of pits, not likely to happen.
Misinformation. Spreading misinformation
I agree, whole wheat or rice. I also enjoy my corn bag. The “burning” is from the fabric, not the insides. Use flannel only.
I used flannel and it heat as well. It also came apart at the seams
Did you use polyester thread? You need to use 100% cotton thread so the thread doesn’t break down while heating.
Another possibility is that the stuffing was too full and it expanded during the heating process and split open the seams.
Did you use cotton thread? Nylon or polyester can melt.
I have used rice but what I dried the rice out by putting it in the microwave several times, after I added cinnamon, pumpkin spice and nutmeg in to it and it smelled wonderful. I did mine with jean material.
That’s so clever!! I was racking my brain trying to think of an essential oil substitute that I might have on hand!
Can one use any kind of rice?
Yes, any kind of rice will work. Jasmine or basmati will have the nicest scent.
I have 2 made from groats. I have had them for years. They give a great moist heat. I have hand wash them and let them dry naturally. They are awesome hot but work well cold. Great for neck or back pain.
I’m attempting to make some of these for Christmas presents, however I have thought about trying to make them last longer. In the article it suggests putting the filling in a pouch of its own, so it can be replaced. What would be the best fabric to use for this?
Any type of 100% cotton, like cotton muslin, will work for the inner pouch.
If using a filling that degrades over time it might be nice to having access to the filling through a zip or something (I’m using a different colour thread to close the bag so I can pick it and the seal it up again when I need to change it)
How great to read this information from Canberra Australia, we need heat bags over our very cold winters! I made some with brown rice several years ago and they were good but eventually the bedroom began to smell a bit rancid, I finally worked out it was the brown rice bags and so I ditched them, I had tried a cup of water in the microwave also, the smell even got worse. Eager to try the Basmati or Jasmine rice. Thank you for all the hints and tips, so good to see.
I had to learn the hard way but the FIRST thing you should do with whatever you choose to use for filling your hot/cold packs is to put that filling in the freezer for a few days and it will not get “buggy”! (Unless they enter from the outside of the hot/cold pack). I made some tiny angels from macaroni one year and when I got them out to put on my little tree the next year, they had “self destructed”. LOL! Lesson learned for this “crafter”! I freeze all natural or food products before I use them now!
I must add : This is absolutely the best and most helpful material I have ever read!
I made a rice pack as a teen for back pain. Not knowing any better, I never even took it out the plastic bag. Hand sewed a muslin bag for the bag of rice and a second bag for the muslin bag so it was pretty. Luck was with me because I used it for years without any melting plastic smell, in fact it always smelled like rice pudding. I keep meaning to make a new one because it was the best heating pad I ever used.
I would like to know whether anybody has tried roasted flax seeds for heating bags? My hubby brought a huge bag home ….but I’m reluctant to use it. Does the roasting process result in the oil leaking out of the seeds, maybe make clumps that can combust and catch on fire? We’ve had a flax seed heating bag burning after it was heated too hot.
Elise Beckwith, I have the same question. I’m concerned about the oils.
Anything will burn when heated too long.
Flaxseed oil does not have a high smoke point and can emit harmful compounds when heated, so I would stick to less oily fillers if I were you. I got my info from this article:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/flaxseed-oil-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4
I wonder if you could use brown rice has anybody tried that
I have but in process of dumping as smells a little bit after 12-15 uses.
Switching to white again. Bags plenty big so just cutting open, dumping contents, washing bags, refilling and double sewing on open end as they were made on the fold of fabric
Yes. I’m using that at the moment. Not an issue
Thank you fir thus article. I had been tossing up whether to use wheat or jasmine rice. I thought the rice on its in would have a light fragrance, whereas i could add lavender or rosemary to the wheat. Now will try both. Yay
I’ve always used plain white rice, & it last for a year or more before you get any odor. I also just fill a new white sock with the rice. If you use a tube sock, you can tie the end in a knot & it works fine. I’ve also used the short no-show socks & sew the end shut. We call them ‘rice-socks’. I’ve never used water in the microwave, but will try that. I have used them as long as 2 years before replacing. They also retain cold fairly well, but before putting them in the freezer, I suggest placing them in a gallon zip lock bag. If you store them in a zip lock, it keeps them from getting so dirty. I’m going to try the thin white socks, filled & sewn shut, & place them in a cute fuzzy sock as a cover. Then I can remove the inner one & wash the outer one. Thanks for all the info, we’ve used rice-socks for years, but now I have some new ideas! ❤️
Oh my gosh, I can just see how cute that sock in a sock one would be. If you can find cotton ones with lace and put them in those fuzzy no show socks, what a cute hand warmer.
Has anyone ever used sesame seeds either by themselves or mixed with rice or anything? I’m curious if that would be a good idea or not.
Sesame seeds will go rancid in about a year, maybe less in a sealed jar. I wouldn’t want to heat them as the rancidity is beginning.
Hi there!!! Really impressed by your article and the researched you’ve put into it, I would just like to know if you’re selling and shipping any of them? Esp the hot/cold comfort pack?
Thank you for you response!
Sincerely
Could you mix essential oil with plain white rice before filling?
Yes, you can.
I may as I get some extra made…just. Let me know, I’m also making hand warmers…
Do you think you can combine fillings likea jasmine rice and crushed ground walnut?
My sister made us a bag using a new white crew sock. Filled it with
White rice and dried lilac.
What if you used pebbles of hot stones that are used for massage? Would that keep the heat for longer?
Don’t use stones in your microwave! They can explode.
could you do a mix of beans and cherry pits?
How can I check the temperature of the rice neck warmer? Need to be able to test for sensitive individuals.
I’m can you heat clay bead bags in an oven?
I use grape seeds. They keep the heat well and smell like freshly baked bread.
Where do you get grape seeds for this
Please let me know how to find grape seeds. Thanks
I haven’t bought these yet but found this site
Site didn’t post
https://www.herbco.com/p-572-grape-seed-whole.aspx?gclid=CjwKCAiAqOriBRAfEiwAEb9oXYM85GS7fEKYF8w9LcDDZkzhHOSyHvTaPuRfSdNN9y6ppynQc8XJ0RoCqDwQAvD_BwE
Please let me know how to find grape seeds. Thanks
https://www.herbco.com
Easier to read
I finf the feed corn last a long time as far as the heat. Which for me is great. Not liking rice smell.
The most important aspect of sewing items to put in the microwave:
Materials need to be 100% cotton; both the fabric and the thread. Anything other than cotton can catch fire in a microwave.
I have been making these for years ! I never thought about the thread. Thank you. I just made a new batch this year. I hope my thread was 100% cotton. I make enough to use up the 50lb bag of feed
Corn. I was going to try rice but looks like the whole corn is the best option. My husband doesn’t like the corn smell. But he will deal with it when he has a migraine.
They work great for headaches
I get migraines. If he hates the smell normally, it will be much worse with a migraine. Be kind and make him a rice one!
Thanks for the research and all of the effort you put into it. So I know this may will be a crazy question, Can you use couscous in them?
I’ve never cooked it, never tasted it, but some how have ended up with several bags of it from my daughter. It appears like it would do well in them, but will it actually “cook” when heated? Like I say I’ve never cooked it so,
Does it put off an odor at all?
Just wondering, I hate to see all of it go to waste, so fingers crossed.
Maybe I stumbled into something great, or maybe I tripped and landed in a big ol pile of
uncooked couscous,
I would think that couscous would go moldy. If it got even slightly damp it wouldn’t be usable afterwards.
I bought a 40 lb. bag of dried cherry pits for $4.69…..great deal! But they smell sour or remind me of a feed store smell! Any solutions? Are they not dry enough?
Carole, I’m not sure. I’ve never heard of that happening! Could you perhaps bake them on very low heat to get them to dry out more?
Where did you find the cheap cherry pits?
http://www.cherrypitstore.com/index_files/Page890.htm
Just cook it and eat it, and then it won’t go to waste, lol.
Problem solved
Has anyone used birdseed? I bought a homemade heat pack 20+ years ago at a craft fair. They said it was filled with bird seed-the real small round kind. It heated up very nice and stayed warm longer then anything I’ve ever had since. It never burned or smelled. It got food on it and the material finally broke down earlier this year and I could not repair it. I can’t find one like it and miss it. It worked great.
its $34+ on the site for 40#
Couscous is not a grain but is actually pasta. It is great to eat but not good for a heat pack.
I have never tested it but couscous cooks in 5 minutes in boiling water so I would imagine it would cook or go soggy if there’s the recommenced mug of water in the microwave with the pack.
Also, couscous is delicious, quick and lasts forever so I’d go for the yummies!
I’m with you Pascal!
I use it along with quinoa, I place of rice, in many dishes. Great protein addition!!!
Eat it, and it won’t go to waste. 😉
I want to make some warmers for my grandson.
His parents do not use a microwave in their home.
Can anyone think of a way to safely warm the bags?
If they have a fire place or wood stove, they could be placed near ( not on) to soak up heat. Or perhaps on the heating vent
You can heat them for maybe 10 minutes in a very low heat oven, or on a radiator. Make sure to shake the filling around after heating and test to make sure it didn’t get too hot.
Which fill would be lightweight???
Cherry pits are probably the most lightweight of the fillings.
I just bought a 25 k bag of raw barley (at a feed store)
It seems fine for making microwavable heating bags…
Will this work?
Where can I find the wheat fillings? Also, the dried cherry pits?
Maybe try heating it with a hair dryer.
Can heat up on hot water radiators if they have that type of home heating. Also, can store on top of a hot water tank.
Can I mix ground flax meal with dried corn for the heating pad?
When my microwave stopped working I wrapped my bag in cooking foil and paced it on a baking tray in the oven to heat up. Temperature and time are trial and error dependant on the bag size and contents.
Last year i used the feed corn. Where im at i had to buy in a large 50lb bag and no where to take the left overs, little did i know i soon had an infestation of grain weevals. Just a warning to those going this route that if you have to buy in bulk have a back up plan for the left overs and/ keep it out doors. Today i opened one of the bags and weevals were in it and about 50% of the feed was rotten. Id definitely suggest changing it out. I am now looking for a non grain substitution. Thank you for posting your findings. I am going to try the clay beads now.
As soon as you buy the dry corn, break down into gallon size bags and put into your freezer for 1 week before use. It also needs to be sifted as it is full of cob particles and dust that affects people with allergies. Can also be done in the microwave in small 13×9 pans for 10-14 minutes . Or in oven at lowest temp. For 10 minutes. These three preparations are to kill the measly moth that is in the kernels when you buy it. Never bring into your house and leave it….put in freezer immediately. If you leave it and do not do one of these preps, the moth will eat it’s way out and your house will never be the same!!!
What about storing the corn outside in the Canadian winter for a week before instead of the freezer?
That would work, I would think!
What about mixing in crushed potpourri with say the rice
I would imagine that’s pretty much the same thing in Canada, sadly not here in Texas.
Thanks for the reminder! I have had 2 grain fly infestations in my life, and it was miserable. I use feed corn in a large heating pad. ( approx 8×4) I heat it for 2 min 15 seconds, and that is perfect. It stays warm for a long time.I don’t add a glass of water to the microwave, because then the grain bag doesn’t heat up at all.
Wow that’s crazy! I had to do the same, and we just put our extra in a sealed & cleaned cat litter tubs. Then my mom took it out to her camp and fed the deer. No weird things happened to it in the plastic tubs. Thank goodness, too, because I wouldn’t have known what to do with a surprise like yours. 🙁
Wondering if anyone has tried thistle seed?
I have some old worn cashmere sweaters that I was hoping to turn into a heating pad- has anyone tried microwaving cashmere?
Cashmere is a natural fiber so would be totally fine in the microwave as long as it isn’t blended with anything else. Check the label on the sweater to make sure there’s no nylon, acrylic, spandex, rayon etc
To be extra cautious, make a separate bag for the filling and make a slip cover of the cashmere. Makes for easy cleaning as well
what exact brand of coarse ground walnut shells did you use? is the lizzard bedding stuff too finely ground?
It is just any Lizard bedding from the pet store.
I just purchased a ag of finely ground walnut shells from the pet store . I Brought it home and made a 4” hand pillow with it. I sewed mislin in between my layers of flannel to keep in the grains. However after I heatEd t(e pillow, it held it’s heat for less than 5 minutes. It’s really a watste of a pillow with that filler. It also smells like pet bedding (which it is) and not something sweet and nutty! So my question is if I use a courser Ground of walnut shells , would it keep heat longer and hopefully smell better?
Lori, any pack that small will not hold heat for long, no matter what the filling. The coarser walnut shells will probably give you the same results. I would switch to corn for the tiny packs as corn held heat longer than any other filling.
I am so great full for your research. I have been using flaxseed for years as I love the feel. Well I have been noticing a rancid smell so I check just now and found your study….oh joy, I am purchasing the jasmine rice and anxious to make a new bag.
I have been sick with influenza and sinus infection for weeks.
My trusty warmer kept me cozy and helped my sinus but I wore it out. God bless u for sharing.
Hi! I just made corn bags using whole kernel feed corn. I read somewhere to put them in the microwave for three minutes prior to giving them away so kill any bugs. My bags are a little smaller and after a minute or so I got a lot of “popping.” Is this just what happens when cooked too long in a microwave, or is something wrong with my corn? I opened the bag and indeed there are a few pieces of popcorn now and most of the corn is a dark color now
That is really strange. I have been using my corn packs for years and not have that happened. Feed corn is different from popcorn and shouldn’t pop. I would try a different kind of corn! Did you have a mug of water in with your corn while heating?
For years issues with Osteoarthritis in my neck. I started using my mother’s neck microwave curved pad and neck lived it! Two days in a row I over heated it. I could smell overheating smell. Stitches spit. Bed full of sesame seeds. I would have tried to refill with out this very detail site. THANK YOU! TRYING basmati rice!
I want to add essential oils, which one would hold the scent better?
I’m honestly not sure which would hold their scent best. I would think you could always add a drop or two to the outside of the pack at any time to refresh the scent, though!
How much essential oils should you use? I have been thinking about adding some but wasn’t sure how much to add.
I would just add a few drops.
Esential oils can be put on fabric and hold well. The ones that dissipate the fastest are the citrus scents: Lemon, Sweet Orange, Lime. Lemongrass lasts a god amount of time, Lavender is always excellent to use as it is good for trauma and is extremely calming. The mint family are anti inflammatory so help with sinus infections,, headaches etc.
I’ve always used rice and dried lavender, smells amazing and the smell has kept up over the years.
I would use lavender oil and just apply a few drops to the outside of the nag itself as it’s a relaxing smell!
I love the smell of vanilla, lavender, citrus and bergamot (it has a candy smell) all have worked great in my packs 🙂
How much of the essence oil did you use per 1 cup of rice? Thanks
Do you mean you add vanilla, lavender, citrus and bergamot all together as a blend to get a candy smell please? as isn’t bergamot a citrus scent in itself. Also is it essential oils everyone is adding or just an actual oil please? as i have heard that heating essential oils lessens its goodness. Just curious as I have not ventured here at all with any of this and I am thinking about making a couple of heat bags myself as gifts with rice.
Could I use cherry pits from cherries I purchased or do they have to be dried out or treated for a certain amount of time before being used?
I tried that, and it is actually very difficult to get all the fruit off of the pits, and you’d have to eat a LOT of cherries to get enough pits for a larger pack. So much easier to leave the gathering and cleaning to someone else! 🙂
If you have an ant hill nearby, you could just eat the cherries, put the pits near the ant hill, on a saucer, and the ants will clean them for you.
They do this with coconut shells in the tropics; eat the flesh, leave the shells out for a few weeks, and the ants give you completely clean coconut shells. As cherries are nice and sweet, the ants will love them. Once clean, dry them in the oven or dehumidifier, and you’ve got your cherry pits!
I do agree you’d have to eat loads of them, though. Cherry pie, anyone?
When washing with one of the approved list above, is it best to hand wash/gentle cycle, and should it air dry or can you throw it in the dryer?
If you’re washing cherry pits, I would think to do a gentle wash and then dry in the dryer so it is for sure dry and doesn’t get moldy. I wouldn’t wash any of the other fillings.
Glad I read this as further up I read different information about washing the heat bags. Can you please update this as most people don’t read comments and will wash their heat bags.
I read the walnut shells were washable so I used that. They turned out great and smell nice. Gave them as gifts and told people they were washable. Then, I washed one to try it out. It turned into one big hard clump. Embarrassing. I had to try to tell everyone I had given one to, not to wash it after all. washable or not??
Cherry pits, clay beads and walnut shell pieces are washable, you say in the main post?
Could you mix in dried lavender and chamomile? Has anyone tried this? X
I just happened to dig out a store bought bag filled with flax seed and dried lavender seed with lavender essential oils. It seems to work great.
Jan
Which filling does not attract mice. I was gone for a week and mice had chewed my rice filled hot sock that I had left on a chair. Thanks
I would suggest finding a plastic container, like tupperware, to keep your hot pack in. I would think of all these fillings that walnut shells would be the least attractive to mice, but I’m not sure!
I think the real issue here is getting rid of the mice so you can use the filling you prefer.
I have made several bags using plain white rice, and added dried lavender and some lavender essential oil. Works very well, the rice has natural moisture that provides a “deeper” heat that soothes arthritis pain. I haven’t tried chamomile but imagine it would smell lovely.
I had seen something about adding loose leaf tea to the rice for added scent. Something like sleepy time or citrus would be nice.
This post answers so many questions I’ve had for so long! Thank you for all your work. I’m looking into making a weighted blanket for my husband where you can remove sections to heat them up and then put back into the blanket. I’ve seen some sites recommend heavy-duty polypropylene plastic pellets for the blankets. Some of the comments say they are a high enough grade plastic that they can be microwaved, but I am nervous to try. Do you have any experience/insight into using these pellets? Example here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HLA2HA2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=givohgiv-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01HLA2HA2&linkId=57ef9807eaab07ff20ed6bb59b23f03b
Just to follow up… I contacted the seller of the polypropylene pellets to ask him about microwaving. He told me they can be microwaved without any problem, but that their heat retention isn’t as good as other materials. Hope this helps anyone else with the same question.
I’ve also tried many fillings but now only make them with jasmine rice,.This gives a wonderful scent! heats up quickly and has enough moisture in the rice ( naturally) to provide a moist heat
Rice and dried mint leaves are great. I have then making these for years and have never had a problem
Hi Julie
Please advise what is the best material to use for the bags and do you have to put the rice in a calico bag first.
My first time.
Thanx
Saroj
Thank you for doing this experiment! I’ve been wondering what I should fill my hand warmer presents with and this is a very extensive table. I appreciate your hard work and organization in this post!
Have you ever mixed walnut shells with rice? I was trying to think that would be cost effective but i didn’t know your experience in mixing the fillers.
Thank you for all the research. I have always just used plain rice but started using flaxseed after reading they hold their heat better because if the oil content. I didn’t feel that was true so my daughter and I tested that idea for a grade school science fair. We compared golden flaxseed vs black flaxseed vs plain rice. The black flaxseed heated to the highest temp out of the microwave but also cooled off faster. The rice won by having a higher heat at the 15,30, and 60 minute times. I will spend the extra money for the jasmine rice after reading all the comments. Thanks again!
Thank for sharing this wonderful informacion!
Forgot to mention, flaxseed does make an amazing cold pack. 8 oz in an eye pillow will be 29-31 degrees after 1 hour in the freezer. Perfect for boo boos, itchies, or a cold headache compress. Can also be kept in the fridge.
Thank you for your research. I will use walnut shells – had a rice one and a mouse got into it. Bet he had a feast!!
Mice will go after the walnut shell also rotten ol mice
Wouldn’t whole corn pop? Or is that a different kind?
Popcorn is a different thing than feed corn. Feed corn doesn’t pop.
Thanks for the great information. Definite going to make the Jasmine bag…..can’t wait!
Would adding mint leaves prevent some of these pest problems? I have heard it acts like a repellent when growing.
it seems likely the mint leaves would deter mice – I know when I used cotton balls scented with peppermint essential oil it kept mice away from an empty rental property
I made some of these using flax seed in the past. I added a mixture of orange peel, cinnamon, cloves and eucalyptus to some, and lavender and rose petals to others. They were a big hit! I was thinking of doing these again with rice now that I have read your research. I would add a few drops of essential oil to my mixtures this time.
Flannel is fine, but it is a looser weave. I would probably prewash it. It shrinks a lot. Fleece also works fine I have HEATED it hundreds of times. Rice is the best and easy! I buy the cheapest I can find. I do home health care and have made and HEATED so many
Ok- just curious question I have been using hot packs I’ve made using just plain old rice for years and years but I was originally told to heat in microwave but not with cup of water- wouldn’t the moisture cause the rice to start to cook or go bad?
This is first I’ve heard to out water in when heating
I bought feed corn at the local feed shop, but it’s very “dusty”. Is it safe to rinse them and let them dry back out before using them in a pack? Is it even necessary?
Yup, rinse it in a colander, and then spread it on a (parchment lined) baking pan and place it in the oven at 175 for an hour or so until it’s completely dry. Toss with a few drops of your favorite essential oils to additionally help ensure that the mice won’t come snacking. Fun times
I just got fabric to make these. I bought flannel not Cotton. Is there a specific reason why cotton is used over flannel? I got the flannel because it is so much softer. Is it essential to make it with cotton and then make a cover for it? Thanks!
Flannel is typically made of cotton. Cotton is the fiber and doesn’t describe the type of fabric. For example, denim is typical woven from cotton as is flannel which t-shirts are often knit from cotton as are some socks and underwear. Hope this helps!
Thank You for your quick response!! I feel confident now that flannel will work fine. I’m so excited to make these as Christmas gifts.
If you use the feed corn, you can store it in the freezer and you will not have to use it all right away.
I have a question. I used whole corn. Said it was for cattle sheep and goats.
And I made my cover with fleese. When I microwave it, it comes out wet.
Do you have any idea if it’s the wrong corn? Or the fleece? Or a combination of the two? Unfortunately I made a bunch of them for Christmas presents. I could use help so that I can finish them. Thank you so much for all your work on researching!
I’m not sure why it would be wet, but fleece is not usually 100% cotton so I wouldn’t use that as a cover. I wonder if the corn can’t breathe or the fleece is melting in the microwave?
The dry corn becomes moist when heated. I make my bags from 100% cotton muslin. Then I make a small removable cover from cotton flannel or quilters cotton. Fleece is polyester and is very flammable and is not to be used in a microwave. I’m sure the wetness is caused from the corn’s moistness not being able to be released as it is heating. Another thought also, that mold will bloom because the moisture is trapped inside. You could always make a separate removable cover out of fleece and just warm the bag of corn. The corn should always be sifted before use as it is very dusty, plus it has foreign particles that are sometimes sharp left in it from it’s removal from the cob. I make these on a regular bases for a massage therapist and have made hundreds of them. Hope this helps.
I have been using my corn pillow for about 6 years received as a gift. I keep it in the freezer. I have used it both, hot or cold.
Now I want to make gifts thinking of the Jasmine rice, cause I don’t know if I can find the feed corn.
I bought one of those neck warmers from Walgreens..it has a lavendar and chamomile smell. Eventually the smells start to stink, BUT, mine too feels a little damp at times.
Thanks for all the great information, I love the comfort of a warm pack on a cold night but hated the smell of the old bed buddies. I will be making my own with flannel and jasmine rice today.
It is interesting to see the different filling options. I use whole oats that I get at the feed store. I find that though dusty they do work well. I don’t bother to rinse them first. It smells kind of like bread when heated. I haven’t had much trouble with bugs using this and it is really cheap. The bags are damp for the first several heatings until the excess moisture in the oats is gone. I have never used a cup of water in the microwave with mine and haven’t had any issues to date.
Wow. So much great info from all of u. Thanks so much. I have not made mine yet. Still researching. Now that I found this site I think I can begin. Will keep u up to date on my progress. Thanks SOOO much.
Mars in Pa.
I also use oats from the feed store. I ask for triple washed oats that they feed the horses so there is no dust. Nice heat and retains heat for awhile.
I use flannel and have had no problems heating in the microwave without water.
Have you ever tried hemp seeds? I have come into a large amount of hemp seeds and am.wondering if I could make hot packs with them?
Thanks.
Where did you find Hemp seeds in bulk. What is the price per pound.
Thank you
Deb
Flax seeds do make wonderful cold packs! 🙂 I made them years ago because my daughter is allergic to rice. I happened to have whole flax seed on hand and so used it. It was a happy surprise. She has autism and so is sensory sensitive. These feel great too.
What about sand or small rocks as alternative to rice etc.
SAND! What a great idea!!!
I read that sand is risky because it heats fast and gets very hot. Also it would be really difficult to keep inside of most stitched materials even with really small seams. I’ve never tried it though.
Not for the microwave! If there’s even a little bit of a metallic mineral in the sand, you may destroy the microwave. Says the one who left a spoon in mug of tea while heating it up… Also the glassy particles may shatter further. Think about non-pyrex glass.
would glass beads work
Glass beads? Dont know that they’d hold the heat.
glass marbles crack with heat in an oven- thus the crackle glass effect of some jewelers
Thank you so much for all the time you put into researching the fillings. This is so helpful.
Do you know where I can get herbs such as white willow, lemongrass, valerian etc….wholesale?
You can get all of those items at http://www.mountainroseherbs.com. I’ve ordered lots of herbs from them for making ointments etc. That have very high quality products! Good luck
Another grateful commenter here! I simply searched for a comparison of rice vs buckwheat for hot pack filling; I didn’t imagine finding such a well-written comparison! Your effort is very much appreciated as, given the miserable weather we’re having lately, I’m ready to make about a billion of these to stuff into mittens, slippers, pillows, etc…. 😀
I’v made several heat packs using whole Flaxseed and found them to keep the heat sufficiently, I much prefer the smell of heated flax compared to wheat and if there is wheat shellings it pokes through the fabric. The flax has never gone rancid even after years of use. Jasmine rice seems like a good option once I use up all my flaxseed. Thanks for the review. Very helpful!
Has anyone tried pea gravel as a filler? I saw it suggested on a different site, and wondered about it. Don’t know if it might be harmful to the microwave or not?
Thank you so much for all your time and effort for the research and good information!
I spritz the pack in the micro before heating. Any other comments on that?
And I’ve used the demim from the both of cut-off jeans – after they split off at the knees. Re-purposing?
Thanks so much! Ruth
Yes, thank you for all your research. The current bags I got as a gift years ago are lavendar seeds. At least that was what I was told. I havent opened up the bag to confirm. Do you know anything about using lavendar seeds? It smelled wonderful until I over microwaved it, and it started to burn.
Thank you
I take that last comment backabout it smelling burnt. I forgot that I washed it several times – it smells like lavendar again. Its probably 25 years old, so it would be safe to assume that it is lavendar seeds.
Thanks again.
Hello,
I take that last comment backabout it smelling burnt. I forgot that I washed it several times – it smells like lavendar again. Its probably 25 years old, so it would be safe to assume that it is lavendar seeds.
Thanks again.
I’m glad that you figured out that jasmine rice, walnut shells, and whole corn are the best options to fill a comfort pack. Recently, I’ve been wanting to get one because my jaw has been hurting, and I think it would be very nice to put heat on it. I’ll have to find a comfort pack that has one of those options in it to buy.
Hi. I just made my first shoulder wrap for my husband as he burned up his corn/filled one in microwave he’s been using for years. Neither of us knew you should microwave with a cup of water when heating it or spritzing with water; that sure makes sense now. For my wrap I used Long grain rice. I may have overfilled the wrap because it is quite heavy. I’m wondering now about a mixture of feed corn and rice; 50:50? Has Anyone tried that? I also added drops of essential oil in rice, stirred/mixed well before filling. Smells great upon heating.Thank you for sharing your research.
I never knew about the water in the microwave, been using my corn filled for so many years, but I do store it in the freezer in case I want to use it as a cold pack.
Hi,
Your question on the 50:50 ratio on making cold/heat packs, did anyone answer you?
I was wanting to make a pack with several items in them.
Do you know if that is possible? And which ingredients work best together?
Thanks for your time
How about pecan shells? It’s pecan season here and I can come up with an abundance of pecan shells. Thank you
Thank you very much for all the great info! I really appreciate that you took the time to post.
How did each grain do? Specifically, how did pot barely do? I bought something made from pot barley but scent didn’t last long. Thanks for heads up on the need to refragrance it after time. I don’t want the food smell to over power the fragrance so I’m looking for something to replace the barley. I also forgot about the cup of water during heating so that could also have ruined the scent. Is dried lavender safw to microwave?
I throw a handful or two of dried lavender in with the rice in mine and it’s great. In older heat pads, it’s deteriorated to dust after a year or longer.
Thanks so much for the research…exactly the info I needed to make my heating pads, You provided the answers to all the questions I had before I started this project.
Thanks for the info! I have a question though. Of all of the fillers, which seemed to feel heavier than the others?
My daughter whipped one up for me about 10 years ago. Used plain white rice… not jasmine or other fancy stuff. Still going strong. No smells. Heats up in 30 seconds or less. Retains heat for quite some time. Rarely have I ever had to reheat it to sock away the pains, generally in my shoulder.
Thanks!
such a thoughtful resource – thank you for taking the time! You saved me time and money! And, provided some enjoyment along the way….I’ve taken the Jasmine rice and added some lavender….Yum and AHHHHHHH…
I have always used whole oats can I use combination of Jasmine rice with oats .
Yes, you can combine any of the fillings in any proportions you’d like!
Excellent post!
Thank you
Anyone try bird seed??
I do not have a microwave and spent years missing my heating pack. I found the solution salt. I heat it up in a pot outside of the pack then pour it back into the fabric bag/pack. Works awesome. stays hot along time. Can get too hot and burn you or the fabric. So I often use it inside a pillow case.
I just purchased a commercial one with organic Himalayan sea salt. It has twice the amount of salt in it that I usually purchase at a time for half the cost–meaning, I usually pay 4 times more for my salt.
I will, of course, cut open the bag, use the salt for its intended purpose and then refill the bag with an alternative filler.
Makes sense to me and my pocketbook! (and yes, I did read the package carefully for any indication the salt could not be used for consumption. No warnings and it’s 100% salt.)
It may be good to use a cheaper, course salt to replace it.
Thanks so much for your research and results. Thank you, too, for all the comments and ideas. I’m ready to make my own ….
Has anyone tried ground corn cob? It seems like it would be good at conforming around a joint, but I’m not sure if it’s very good at retaining heat.
Hi. Has anyone tried course salt or sunflower seeds? Did bird seed work? I don’t have any rice so looking to use what I do have. I do have split peas. Wondering which of those would work best.Thanks you!
I don’t think I would try sunflower seeds as they would go rancid. Split peas or coarse salt would work!
I am making bean bag ipad/iPhone stands and was recommended the use of bird seed – I paid $4.69 for 2kg (AUD) ad was told to line trays with baking paper, spread out the birds seed (I patted it into a thin layer) and bake it in a really slow oven for about an hour. This stops it from sprouting and its apparently malleable enough but also heavy enough for the stability. I chose the wild bird seed mix which has sunflower seeds, corn wheat and barley mostly but there are different mixes which you could choose depending on what you want it for. 😀
Thank you for posting this information. It really helps when learning to make these. Your instructions are great. Thank you gor taking the time to making this great info sheet.
Curious what brand of the clay pellets were used? Any hints? Thanks!
I make a mix of feed corn lentils rice fresh lavender and peppermint oil mix it in a big tote smells great and the peppermint oil is so therapeutic
I just bought a 5lb bag of lentils in the grocery store thinking that the size would be great. But, am I seeing that you cannot use Lentils? I was thinking that lentils was a bean?? Am I incorrect about that? Not sure here. Please help!
I use Garbanzo beans. They hold heat a lot longer than rice and have a similar smell to corn.
Good to know. I bought bulk several years ago and forgot about them in my sealed, 5-gallon bucket so they are now too old to cook but they are not moldy or rancid so could be used for this.
Because they are so large, they should hold the heat well and they are round so no sharp points will poke through.
Thanks for the suggestion!
In New Zealand most people put wheat in their “wheat sacks”. Some add a bit of lavender for a scent. They last for years made from wheat.
I use an old pair of jeans for my material. It is durable and free!
I just made some with flaxseed – cotton outer but used muslin as a second layer as the cotton was quite thin. You could also use muslin for the filling and put inside the outer pocket so it could be washed …
My nephew love it and carries it around smelling it!
In Austria we like to use spelt preferrably the grain not the hull and we add some lavender for the smell. Knead it before putting it into the microwave. If you do not have a microwave you can heat it in an oven. Put it in the cold oven together with a cup of water. Heat up for maximum 10 to 15 minutes at a maximum temperature of 100 °C.
The grain should be replaced after some years.
Morning can we use any rice and do i have to wash and dry the rice first. Please answer asap
Yes, you can use any rice. You do not have to wash and dry the rice first.
No I read several articles and all said that you should NOT use instant or “quick”rice to instead use regular plain rice
I have a rice bag that is about 3” wide and long Enough to go around your head. I never thought about small Ones for spot pain. Thanks
Hi. Have you ever tried small rocks? I would be interested to see if something like that would work at retaining heat the best. Great idea to do this test!!! Be well!
Wendy, I would definitely not use rocks! Rocks can contain water inside, which could explode in your microwave.
Oh my, good to know!!! Thanks!!!
you could heat the rocks on the stove top then add them to the bag.
I have used rice, dried lavendar flowers, dried camomile and essential oils. I have some in the freezer at all times and have a couple that i just use when I need a hot pack.
I use flaxseed. I have compared it to other grains and cherry pits. It has a lot more oil in it so it holds its heat longer. It has a devine aroma and if you don’t happen to like the smell of linseed, you can use a few drops of essential oils. Lavendar is very relaxing. Flaxseed doesn’t easily get rancid, again because of the high oil content. I have made these for years and they last, seldom breaking like other grains and lentils do.
I love all the information. Thank you for the tests you ran, very informative. Thanks to you all out there with comments and information. I’ve sewn and knitted for years and this info has gotten me treaty to make them for my family. Thanks again. Pam
How long will a flax seed eye bag last in the freezer? Will Lavender dried flowers be ok to put into the bag along with the falx seed and/or rice? Will they freeze well? Can they be heated?
I would think a flaxseed bag would last for many years. Lavender would be just fine to add. Both can be heated.
Can I use any scented oil? I have some I bought that I use in a tart warmer that I love the scent. Thanks!
I’ve always used rice for mine…a heavier muslin for the rice with a nice flannel cover. I made a lot of these for several massage therapists. Also made small ones for the grandkids earaches, colds, etc.
As a cancer patient these are fabulous!! I do suggest if donating to a cancer center or hospital to not scent them…going through chemo or whatever treatment can leave a person very nauseous, headaches, etc. Smells got to me quicker than anything and it was not pretty!
Thank you for your comment, my sister is now going thru chemo and I want to make her several types hot/cold and different sizes… I would have added some kind of scent to them. Hope you are much better now.
I notice you do not mention chook wheat? Perhaps you don’t have it there but it is cheap and good for wheat bags over here in NZ. It is readily available at supermarkets and bulk food outlets and costs just under $12 NZD for a 10 kg bag, making it less than 12 cents per 100g. AND it smells nice in the microwave. Has a good weight especially for a neck bag.
Does buckwheat husks burn in the microwave
They shouldn’t, as long as you always heat your pack with a mug of water at the same time.
Where do you get the grape seeds?
Hello!
Thanks for all the great research!
I want to make pet heating pads for my local animal shelter (about 12″ diameter and 2″ thick) so which of these stays warm the longest? I’m leaning towards the walnut shells (with some aromatics mixed in) but it’s the time I’m most interested in.
Corn definitely stays warm the longest. I don’t know how good of an idea it is to give them something that would smell like food, though! They might eat the hot packs.
I wouldn’t add the aromatics…..Dogs are dogs and are very simple animals. Some dogs are allergic to our “foo foo” smells. I think that we think too much for our pets in regards to their comforts vs our comforts…..my shepherds love their padded beds I have made for them, but they always end up on the bare floor/tile…..LOL. I think the shelter dogs/cats would just love the heating pads without the aromatics…..
PERFECT in every way. Cork! I grind new or used corks until they are coarse/fine. Used corks retain the wine aroma. I also use lentils for cheap.
Gail
PERFECT in every way. Cork! I grind new or used corks until they are coarse/fine. Used corks retain the wine aroma. I also use lentils for cheap.
PERFECT in every way. Cork! I grind new or used corks until they are coarse/fine. Used corks retain the wine aroma. I also use lentils for cheap.
how do you grind the corks?
I have been making pads that I can throw from the freezer into the microwave and back into the freezer or keep at room temp for a 15 years now; Heatpads/coldpacks…many gifts and sometimes selling them. I always use 100% cotton (whether quilters cotton, flannel or denim). I make them in different sizes and shapes for applying for different areas of the body. I have found brown rice to be my filling of choice; less chemical and smells quite nice but not as expensive as the Jasmine rice. I started using Rice as fill as I wanted to be able to freeze as well as heat the same pack, and was told by an old hand that had tested everything before me that most seed-stuffs would sprout going directly from moist freezer to microwave, and nut hulls were just too expensive for me to get for working with. I haven’t had one complaint and many pads from 15 years ago are still in use today. (I keep in touch with my customers.) I have found that most of us keep our pads In the freezer as when sprains and bad bruises, swellings happen the cold is needed Right Then (they take anywhere from 1/2 hour to hour to get cold) and it only means increasing time in the microwave from 15 seconds to a minute (depending on the size) to heat it all the way to heating pad temp and when someone needs it “hot” there is normally not the immediate Need and 2-4 minutes can be easily taken to heat it up. I have also found using the rice, that with need of cleaning making sure the pad is at room temp, it can be rinsed with cold water and allowed to air dry on a counter out of the sunshine. Using hot water to rinse it or to lay it in the sunshine to dry tends to cooks the rice and then the pad must be thrown away. I also have started to make weighted afghans and blankets using the rice as well. They can also be put in the freezer to cool down for a hot summer day or even into the dryer on LOW heat for 5 minutes (no longer and no warmer dryer heat) to warm for a cold winter day.
I am curious about your comment saying that the rice bags can be washed (with restrictions) . Have you washed rice bags often and you haven’t had any issues with the rice? Like it didn’t make it go bad quicker or get at all musty smelling.
Lori, I wouldn’t wash rice for sure. If it didn’t mold, it would sprout or start disintegrating. If you use rice, sew an outer cover for your bag that you can remove and wash separately.
Rice will not sprout if you have been heating it for years in the microwave. You will have killed it. I don’t know about mould and disintegrating though.
Love this post!!!!! Thank you! !! Has anyone had any experience with acorns as filler? I have a huge tree in my back yard and hoping to get more than head trauma from the acorns this year. They are huge ;).
if you try this, def make sure you heat in a low oven to dry out and kill off the worms inside at the least
Thank you for testing and submitting the list. I have been using basmati rice with good results. I plan on sewing up a batch for gifts this winter and may try some different fillings. Sandi
Hi, Does it have to be jasmine rice? Will short grain calrose work also? IS the jasmine just for the fragrance?
It can be any kind of rice. Jasmine just smells really nice. 🙂
Thank you! =)
Harbor freight has both coarse and fine ground walnut shells, 25 lbs for $24.99, plus you can use their 20% off coupon.
Patti, did you ever make the heat bags with the Coarse grit walnut shells from Harbor freight? I called them up to see exactly what was mixed in with the walnut shells and they said it also has ground corn husks. So I was just curious if you tried it how you liked it? I am so stuck between whether to use the walnut shells or jasmine rice as I really would like to be able to wash the bags. I used fine walnut grounds for lizard bedding for one pillow already and it hardly held the heat and i wasn’t crazy about the smell.
What was your experience?
Lori, I would just use rice as it is easier, and sew an outer removable cover that is washable.
Can the Jasmine rice be scented with essentials oils? If so, do you recommend soaking?
Judy, you can definitely use essential oils. I would only use a few drops, and not get anything really wet.
wow! this post is SO informative and helpful. Thank you so much!
Can I use any scented oil? I have some I bought that you can put in a tart warmer and I love the scent. Thanks!
I would think that any scented oil would work!
I have found Peppermint oil is very soothing when you are nauseated, this might help when sick w a stomach flu or our warrior cancer patients. It stops the nausea almost immediately.
Under your caution you said people were complaining their hot packs burned or started to smell really bad after heating. I have found that it is essential that you use !00% cotton fabric and 100% cotton thread for sewing these bags. If you use a synthetic fabric and thread they are more likely to scorch and smell like they are burning.
Sorry that should be 100% cotton fabric. Thanks for all the information on what fills work best. It was very helpful.
I have made a few bags with rice before. While they work nicely, they always feel a bit moist after coming out of the microwave, which I dislike, and i am surprised nobody has really mentioned this as a down side, though i think someone else mentioned corn being like this. Even after years and many dozens of uses the rice bags continue to give off a lot of moisture when heated, which i find surprising. It may be partly due to the moist winter climate here perhaps (Vancouver). So i am curious if anyone could recommend the best option for reduction of moisture while still retaining heat?
I’m not sure which I’d choose. Perhaps the walnut shells or dried beans? It seems like those two would have the least amount of moisture.
Moist heat is better for the muscles than dry heat any day according to Chiropractors….
Moist heat is usually better when putting it on injuries or painful joints
I find the moist heat the most effective at quickly relieving pain and getting deep into the muscle
Has anyone used quinoa in their bags?
I used the corn bags, I really like they work well hot or cold. I also found however, after much use, they took longer to heat, and eventually they started to have a grainy corn smell. It was off putting for me.
Thanks so much for all the info from everyone! I’ve made these for years, but I must say I learned a lot from this post. I’m making a bunch of different ones for Christmas gifts – and they’ll be even better now!
So glad I found this site and all the great info. I’ve made bags with rice, they work well but do get moist. I found some heat packs at a craft fair but the seller would not share what she used as a filler – felt like field corn to me. I came upon enough corn, its dusty so I’ll blow it off with a hair dryer. Glad I learned to freeze it to kill any bugs. I microwaved about a cup full in a cotton cloth bag for 1 minute, got really hot and stayed pretty warm for over 20 mins. I tried heating it longer but it did “pop” – when I examined it, some of the kernels “split” in half. A minute was plenty long to get it really hot. I’m looking forward to trying the corn vs the rice.
I have a lot of beautiful silk pieces and would like to know if I can use them rather than cotton? I would use several layers of silk charmeuse over a heavy cotton or linen bag.
I also have some exquisite silk taffeta that I’d like to use with a cotton liner…
I am not sure at all if silk would work. I would suggest sewing a small test pack and just seeing if it works!
Hi Patricia,
I personally wouldnt use silk, too nice and even though it is a natural substance, i d ont know that being heated in a microwave w ould be good for silk. But you neve rknow until you try!
People buy 100% silk sheets and launder them…..just curious!
I have 4 buckwheat packs and I’ve washed them all in the washer and dried in the dryer and they haven’t molded at all. Mine are all about 4-7yrs old.
Buckwheat hulls or buckwheat?
I worked for a dress designer for years. Silk can be ironed really hot, so I think it should be fine. It is just rather expensive.
Patricia,
If you are using heavy cotton or linen to make the bags, then make a removable silk covering. You can heat the bag and then slip it into the silk cover. The silk will not be damaged by the heating process and will look pretty while helping heal.
I am envious of your gift-ees.
can i toss the walnut shell filled bag in the washer and dryer? I think it should work but just want to know if you’ve done this… after all you said it’s washable 🙂
Yes, if you make sure it is completely and absolutely dry out of the dryer!
Our local landscape and garden supply store has cocoa shells. It was suggested as an alternative for mulch but was too expensive for the amount I needed. But, as i am reading through the many filler alternatives, my mind keeps going back to the cocoa shells…hmmm. I may have to experiment. I was told they give off a wonderful cocoa smell when used for mulch. I’m curious if they would work as a possible filler for these bags. The yummy smells of cocoa without all the calories sounds heavenly! I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on the use and/or prep using cocoa shells. Great post, btw! I appreciate the work you have put into your experiment and love the attention to details. Thank you
Does anyone know how well the heat would retain in the cocoa shells?
Anyone ever tried with those Little Rock’s or glass beads used for aquarium? I’m looking for a non organic solution to avoid smells, stuff going rancid or any other problems organic stuff may cause.
Julie, I would definitely not use rocks. Rocks can have moisture trapped in them and they could explode in the microwave. The feed corn filling doesn’t go rancid or have much of a smell. My mom also has a salt pack that she enjoys–you just have to make sure it doesn’t get wet! That would definitely have no smell.
Has anyone tried scented epsom salt be as a filling material?
Warm salt has therapeutic properties. Try searching “epsom salt filled pillows.”
I like the idea of salt and epsom salts are relatively cheap. I would worry about the salt dissolving if it accidentally gets wet. Other materials can quickly be thrown in the dryer so the plant matter doesn’t mold but salt just melts.
I just made a new bag and want to transfer the contents of my old bag. The stuff inside is little cylindrical bits of yellow & brown and off white pieces of something hard. Could this be the crushed corn?
I’m just starting to make corn bags. Has anyone ever tried roasted coffee beans? I was thinking about trying it, but I was hoping someone had already tried it. Looking for solutions to make the corn bags smell good. I added some chai tea to one, but apparently it takes an acquired taste (not everyone is a fan). Any suggestions?
Peppermint tea leaves
I would be the paranoid one and worry that my dogs would somehow find the delightful scent of cherry pits appealing and attempt to eat them. Seeing how cherry pits are poisonous, I think I’ll stick to rice for now. The risk might be small, but it’s still something to consider.
I want to use them for newborn small breed puppies and I hate the funky smell after rice bags get warmed so was thinking Jasmine rice or essential oils. Would it be safe for them to breathe and smell scented vs funky burny smell?
I think the Jasmine rice would be just fine for puppies to breathe. I don’t think I’d use essential oils for them, however, just in case. You never know! If you always use a mug of water in your microwave and don’t overheat your pack, your hot pack won’t get that burny smell to it.
I would be very careful and do research before adding essential oils for animals. Certain oils, such as eucalyptus or tea tree, are very poisonous to dogs. You also have to be careful that they don’t think it is food and try to eat it. Overall it is just safer to avoid the oils altogether than risk harming the puppies.
Thank you so much for doing this research. It was just the info I was looking for.
In Finland we have had years and years big heat bags (nice in sholders) in markets filled with wheat grains. They work nice, keep heat well, I have never changed filling, they never burn in micro oven etc. I have two of them and one has size as 1,5 kg filling and the other is 1,2kg. It takes from 3-4 minutes to heat them well. Fabric used here is what I´ve seen… only thick linen.
In Finland we have had years and years big heat bags (nice in sholders) in markets filled with wheat grains. They work nice, keep heat well, I have never changed filling, they never burn in micro oven etc. I have two of them and one has size as 1,5 kg filling and the other is 1,2kg. It takes from 3-4 minutes to heat them well. Fabric used here is what I´ve seen… only thick linen.
Paivi – where can I find wheat grains?
When I made my hand warmers for Christmas last year I used white rice but mixed in a teaspoon peppermint tea with it. Gave them a wonderfull aroma and has kept that “stale” smell away.
I use a small hand towel that I got at a junk store. Works well, heat 3 min. Put in the foot of my bed. Stays worm for several hrs.
We love our heat pack. I picked up a cheap oven mitt at Dollarama, filled it with rice and stitched it closed. 4 minutes in the microwave and it is so lovely to toss into the bed by my wife’s feet. She blows a kiss at me, thanks me, tells me she loves me. For such a simple thing. Isn’t that what the best life is about.
This is one of the most informative, enlightening, and inspiring subjects and blog I’ve ever encountered! Thank you to everyone!!!
Thank you for your testing it will save me from using the wrong filling. I have used rice b4 but not the Jasmine. Great info for these bags. I always have cold feet!
I have made several heat packs, filled with flaxseed. One with lavender mixed in and the other just plain flaxseed, both have burned in the microwave. They are nice size heat packs, and I usually heat them for 2 minutes or so. It seems like after time they get dried out and eventually burn. I have another heat pack with what I think is corn inside, and after 100 heat cycles it still has not burnt up.
Any ideas? Has anyone else had this problem with a flaxseed bag? Would mixing rice in with the flax help? Or should I microwave the bag with a cup of water to prevent burn?
Elissa, I would definitely think the problem is heating the pack without a mug of water at the same time. The only times I have heard of hot packs burning is when they don’t have the mug. Perhaps corn is just less likely to burn?
I LOVED using buckwheat. I added a couple drops of essential oils also.
Was it raw buckwheat? I’ve just bought a few packs and wondering if I should ‘roast’ it first?
Thanks for doing this. Your ewsults support my own experience. I have probably made a 100 of these bags in the 20 plus years since I was first introduced to them. That first one was whole dried corn. I found that stuff pointy and uncomfortable. I then tried many different fills. I settled oncheap white rice. It molds well, holds heat well, and just smells like rice when heated. I have also made many shapes over the years, but the most popular is a 6″ × 18″ rectangle devided into 3 sections. I also make covers for cleaning and for protection on bare skin. Here are a few lessons I have learned. Do not over heat!!!!!!! My sweet MIL kept scorching hers. It was scary. Next mice will get into anything they can. The best solution is to irradicate the mice. You could also store them in heavy plastic containers, but they may still chew on them. I am grateful to live in a house with no mice, or rats. It is true that you can get grain weavils or meal worms. If you do, thes heating bags will be the least od your problems since they will spread through everything like grains, cerial, nuts, flour and more. The key is to be careful where you get your supplies. This is why I like rice that I get at the super,market rather than the health food store, or farm or pet store. Because I have severe asthma and allergies, I don’t want any scents. A lot of people would be healthier without all of the added oils and things but that is just WHO. Again thanks for the great post.
I was so happy to run across your website after reading this blog…..recently had a burn out with my gifted hot pack from my sister…..I have passed along the article and hope that it helps her understand a little more about hot packs…..
Keep up the great articles.
I am in the middle of making “warming buddies” for my grandchildren, and am grateful to have come across your article and all of these wonderful suggestions from other readers. Now, I’m adding to my sewing list some booboo buddies for their mom to keep in the freezer, and some salt packs to ease Mimi and Pop Pops’ achy muscles. Thank you!
Just so you know…if you have a mice problem…like we did at our summer place…i forgot to bring home my hot packs after we closed up. When we opened up in the spring…took me a few minutes to figure out the debris scattered in the kitchen…oh well…someone ate well…
How about pecan shells, crushed?
Thank you for this post. It was very informative. 😉
Made some with rice a few years ago. But I didn’t use cotton thread. I used polyester. The thread melted the second time I heated it.
I made some using the crushed walnut shells, I just used my cat’s litter (clean, unused litter of course 😉 ) Its probobly the same thing as the lizard bedding but much cheaper as in 25 for a 27 pound bag, The brand is called Naturally Fresh, its made by Blue buffalo and it is also made up of ground up walnut shells, probobly should have used a dark fabric but oh well
THANK YOU for doing all of this research! I will definitely try the Jasmine Rice on since it has a good result and a good scent.
The chart was a great addition.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
nasal congestion
As long as you are not sensitive to scent, rose hips added to filler (they contain camphor) or a few drops of eucalyptus oil on the bag would be really effective for sinus/chest congestion. This would be effective both hot and cold and also smell amazing!
As long as you are not sensitive to scent, rose hips added to filler (they contain camphor) or a few drops of eucalyptus oil on the bag would be really effective for sinus/chest congestion. This would be effective both hot and cold and also smell amazing!
So much work went into this! fantastic. Thanks for the help 😀
Love this post. Not sure how scientific you measured the heat retention but this beats taking a guess. The advice is sound and practical. I tried soya beans but will try it with different teas and some spices to give it an Indian exotic smell. Maybe it will work, not sure. Plan to record my findings if interested. Thanks anyway.
Dear Leon, your results are surely interesting for me.
If you would like to share them it would be great…
Thank you, bye!
Great post, really useful.
I was wondering about the bag temperature and the heating process.
For a fixed heating duration, did you notice a significant difference in the external temperature using different filling?
And did you find differences in the heating of small vs. big seeds?
Thank you in advance.
Wonderful information , thank you for all the help and ideas!
Thank you for all your wonderful research. Have you experimented with pistachio shells by any chance
I haven’t, but now I’m curious! Let me know if you try it out. 🙂
I was wondering if you have ever used “water beads” to make “cold packs”? I am very aware they would not work for a hot pack.
Has anyone tried “water beads” for a cold pack? Any comments would be appreciated. I am leaving my daycare for another job and want to make some for them before I leave. I also have wheat that I grind for flour. Any comments on using wheat?
Thanks
I haven’t tried those, no, but I’ve seen cold packs at the store with something similar to water beads in them. I’d definitely do a test run!
Yes, my daughter tried that. They stay really cold for a long time…sometimes too cold. She even made quilted covers for them. I never tried it for heat.
I had one filled with millet that I loved and used for a few years. I thought someone else might mention millet, but the closest was a mention of bird seed. The bag was made of a silky, luxurious sand-washed rayon that worked fine. Rayon is a cellulose fabric, the same as cotton.
Thank you so much! I stumbled upon this as I was researching which was best, flax seed or wheat berries and was about to purchase one, already fabricated. So happy I found this, I’ll be making my own this weekend! Going with groats and rice for a heat one, and flax seed for a freezer one.
Hi
I want to use the bags for drying so don’t want a moist heat.
What are your best recommendations please?
Has anyone added activated charcoal and what’s it like to work with
Charcoal is charcoal , have you ever had to start a charcoal grill and the dust in the bag formed a cloud of black dust? in one word “MESSY”!!!! You said you want the bags for “drying” what do you mean by that ? or did you mean you wanted dry heat without moisture? if you meant dry heat , then use dried corn for your filling or rice. The bags with the rice will feel cool and possibly slightly damp but that moisture will evaporate when you use your microwave as microwaves work on the moisture in the content in the microwave oven that is how it heats foods by bouncing the molecules of water around which in turn heats them up.
I have found that rice packs get slightly when heated. Does corn do this?
I have found that rice packs get slightly damp when heated. Does corn do this?
I don’t think so. I haven’t noticed any dampness.
Great ideas! Thank you! I plan on using rice and maybe a chamomile from a tea bag. Would this work?
Thank you for researching the different fillings. This is a big help!
I know someone that only uses tripled cleaned whole wheat oats instead of the other filling and that’s all that she uses. Not sure how long the heat will last with that fill. I was also told that using rice with the moist heat will cause “mold” but the heat and cold would not affect that.
Great info from above and research.
I bought a heat pack years ago with a buckwheat filling. Today when I took it out of the drawer it was covered with worms! The whole unit had to be vacuumed, washed and dried in the sun. You would think the heat would have killed off any eggs. I am making a new one but will use rice instead.
i have been using heat bags i purchased from vendors at craft fairs over the years and if your heat packs are say 8 inches by 12 inches and are filled with either corn or plain dry rice , the recommended heating time for that size pack should be no longer than 2 minutes in the microwave. This gives you approximately 3 hours of varying heat before you have to reheat them in the microwave (no more than 2 minutes per bag ) . I have been using the same heat bags for well over 10 years without any mold or burned contents of the bags. The bags i bought have printed canvas fabric on outside and a few also have heavy cotton printed fabric. I do not know if my heating packs have an inner bag in them , but they conform pretty well so i do not think there is a double bag process. One of my heating packs is made from an Aztec patterned heavy cotton flannel and the person who made it , made rows of tubes inside the bag. This makes the pack a stiffer but is great for putting in the bed and laying down on or having someone place it on your back if you lie on your stomach. I recommend with any heating pack you use that you wrap it in a hand towel before placing next to your body . for one it acts as insulation to keep the heat in the bag longer, but it also protects you skin from turning a cherry sunburn red. I plan on making a tube type for myself soon and my choice of material is plain rice. The tube one that i bought at a craft fair , the woman put in some fragrant materials like dried cinnamon and nutmeg oil . But trust me if you are in pain and you feel queasy to your stomach at the same time those ” pleasant smell” can make you wish you were somewhere else far far away. my recommendation is to keep those things in your potpourri sachets and just use odorless materials. Dried corn holds heat very well and rice is second in my opinion the other materials sound a bit too artsy and as far as steel cut oats, i prefer that in my oatmeal than on my back. Just remember that if you want the packs to conform to the body , pack them only 3/4 to 7/8ths full so that the material can have room to move around a bit and it wont feel like you are sitting on or placed with a sack of potatoes on you soreness. If you want your heat with a tad of moisture, you can LIGHTLY spray the outer fabric with water before placing in the microwave. If you spray heavily , be prepared to be eating a bag of mush as that is what it will turn into !!! in this case less is more. If you are worried about getting the packs soiled, then make them in the two bag style with the inner bag made of canvas or any other tight weave fabric and sewn double around the edges of the bag and then make a nice slip inside pouch bag to put the canvas one into afterwards. I do not use any foodstuffs around the heating packs i have when using them so i am not concerned about things getting on them. The method of double bag/pouch is the way to go if you are worried about soiling the bags. So in closing , : no more than 2 minutes in your microwave for large bags, no more than a minute for hand warmers, check the wattage of your microwave oven . higher wattage (over 1000 watts) 2 minutes. lower wattage ( 600 to 900) 30 seconds to 10 seconds more. for moist heat spray the outside of the bag very very lightly with water. Fragrancing the bags will give you varying results when they are heated some spices smell better in the jar than when they are heated in a bag. Easy on fragrant oils too as some will become rancid . When i saw that the writer tried flaxseed , my first and quick thought was flaxseed contains an oil that when it oozes out of the seeds can become very rancid very fast.
Maybe a dumb question, but won’t the corn pop in the microwave?
Popcorn is a different type of corn from feed corn. Feed corn doesn’t pop.
Will long grain enriched rice work
Will long grain enriched rice work for microwave heat pads
That should work!
Yes, this is what I use in mine and have never had a problem
I would think that would work just fine to use whole flaxseed. I don’t think I’d use ground flaxseed as the dust will start coming out of the hot pack.
Thank you so much for posting this- great info and generous of you to share!
Excellent research and reporting. Thank you for doing this.
Make a bag-whatever size you want- out of a good muslin . This will be 1st step in bag making. Be sure you use a good cotton thread. This thread wont burn. Fill bag with rice, least expensive will work. Stitch shut. make sure stitches are tight.Make an outside cover bag for the rice bag. I use flannel as it is soft- for the rice bag. Place rice bag in the outer cover and stitch fairly tight. Don’t fill too full as you want to be able to mold bag to your body. Heat 3-4 minutes in microwave. Wrap it in a thin towel to carry or to put on body. Pay attention to how long you have it on body so you don’t burn your skin. You will love it.
Enjoy the warmth of the rice bag.
I have been using corn in my bags but have never opened them to see if there were any bugs and I have never seen any obvious signs of them. But, I want to prevent any issues in my future bags. Everything I read above says to freeze the grain/corn before using to get rid of bugs. Will the freezing actually kill any bugs?
Won’t repeated microwaving of the bags to heat them up kill any bugs?
Thanks so much!
Microwaving doesn’t kill the ants that sometimes wander into my machine, so I don’t think will kill any insects/larvae in bags.
What alternatives to food work well. I don’t want to attract animals since I live in the country or want to use with camping.
We had our bags for many years abd they served s well. My morher in law qants one and I can’t find them to buy, so the only alternarive is to make one for her. I suppose I need to get needle & thread our and make one, thanks for doing the research for me
Microwaving doesn’t kill the ants that sometimes wander into my machine, so I don’t think will kill any insects/larvae in bags.
Do you have any advice on navy or great northern beans as a filler. I know they say they work for cold bags.
I think either of those would work just fine!
First, thank you so much for this insightful research! OMG, everyone has given so much to this post! Thank you!
My facial cleaning routine includes heating my wash cloth with hot H2O placed over my face alternating with cold H2O. It’s so lovely! Looking for a filler that would be light on the face with pleasant or no odor. Would rice work or another filler? What do you think?
This is an amazing post and helped me out tremendously!!! Thank you for the time and effort you put into this!!!
Hi, I was wondering if I could use pea gravel in my hot pack. I have already made a few, and they are so helpful! Thank you very much!
No. Rocks can have minerals that can burn out your microwave.
How well do the crushed walnuts freeze as I was wondering if it could be used as a hot and cold pack?
Hiya, If anyone does see this. I was wondering where to get the dried whole corn because I have literally turned the internet upside down searching something as cheap as this. Anything would be appreciated.
You can get it where you buy birdseed or animal feed (like a Fleet Farm etc.). Cracked corn also works, but is much more dusty. I have also seen whole dried corn at an Indian grocery store, in with all the other grains and beans.
Hiya, thank you so much. I know this is a little inconvinient but does the dustyness mean it will just need to be washed more or does it make the heat pack itself more uncomfortable
Thank you so much! Very informative and very clear. This was exactly the information I was looking for.
Hello! I am new to making hot/cold packs but they saved me from a lot of pain so I want to make some for me and for gifts
THANK YOU for all the amazing research and information you provided.
When I visited Japan I learned that some of the best pillows for neck pain are filled with buckwheat (not the husks that you describe but the actual buckwheat) and I just happen to have a pound of buckwheat at home that I would never use for food, so I’m wondering if this buckwheat that is edible is suitable for filling a hot/cold pack
Can u use ceader chips like what’s used for pets in a dyi heat/cold pack I love the smell of ceader but my husband is allergic to the ceader oil so I thought maybe the chips would work any idea
When you say “can be washed and dried” -what do you mean? Spot cleaned? Mild soap and left out to dry? Or like full blown washer and dryer??
Hello-
I am looking at your site for homemade hot packs. I am thinking of using feed corm or dried beans. I have seen many posts talking about heating the bag in the microwave with a cup of water. Is that necessary? Will that create moisture in the bag with the corn or beans and create mold? Are there any options to make the bags that do not need a cup of water in the microwave?
Is it ok to add dry lavender?
Would it be okay to use Jasmine rice with some dried lavender? I have a couple of bags of dried lavender i would like to use.
Do you do an inner bag (maybe muslin)? and then do a velcro on the outer bag so it could be laundered?
I was hoping to find some info online for how to make my own hot/cold packs. Your webpage did not disappoint. Thanks so much!
Loved this info! Question: how important is using 100% cotton thread?
How do you prevent boll weevils when using feed Corn?
Can you use dry macaroni?
I am wondering about using cotton flannel with a 100% cotton interior (I have some made this way) and am wondering your thoughts on that vs batting. Also what are you using to seal the exterior? Velcro, zippers? Thanks! Can’t wait to try out your darling pattern!
I am in the process of making them. If anybody needs one let me know. Email is godbey1965@icloud.com
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using dried peas?
Do coffee beans work?
It surprises me that people have problems with “bugs” in the filling? I would think that one cycle in the microwave would solve that problem, permanently.
Good morning I was wondering if anyone has tried filling a wamer with salt crystals? I mix salt, flaxseed and rice. I make them for an elderly friend and I notice hers is smelling rather odd. I will make another one with only rice and pink salt since she uses it every day.
Ideas regarding the use of salt please?
You tested with heat retention- how about Cold retention? Would it be the same? I am looking to learn how to make my own- I suffer from debilitating migraines and cold is my way to go.
I’m also very interested in this question!
Which fillings work best for heating in a conventional oven? I do not own a microwave.
Can you use cracked corn or doesn’t it hold the heat very good?
It doesn’t hold the heat as well and can be very dusty.
So in my years of experience, I have used flaxseed for over 15 years with absolutely no issues! There’s no dust, no oils, no odor, easily conforms to any area of the body and lasts forever! For a moist heat, I put a coffee cup of about a half or a little less of water. I put mine in the microwave starting at two minutes, flip it and one more minute.
If making for someone that likes lavender I use about 1/2 tsp, of flesh dried lavender from a farm that sells it. It smells awesome. Otherwise, I just use flaxseed. I use 100% cotton fabric or flannel and cotton thread.
I get my flaxseed at a feed store and because I make so many for friends and family and at crafts show I buy a 50 pound bag, and it last a long time.
Hi – I might as well chime in and keep this going! : D I was wondering about pistachio hulls. Has anyone used those?
I’m a male physician with arthritis and spine problems. About 20 years ago, I bought a cheap Sears sewing machine and spent an entire weekend trying to figure out how to make it “sew”!! But, finally, I made a ‘quick & dirty’ 7 x 14 inch cotton broadcloth bag, and filled it HALF FULL with plain white rice. I’ve no need for “girly” fragrances… just function! That bag got heated several times a day for nearly TEN YEARS. Finally found a nice lady who made several more for me and now that I’m retired and the arthritis is worse, I heat & use one or more several times a day. I recommended these to patients. Major tip is to never fill more than half full, otherwise it takes forever to heat in a microwave and will NOT easily conform to or drape over knees, shoulder, neck, etc.
I wonder if you could put in some lemon rind to give a lemon scent??
We call them Wheat bags in Australia. Made originally with wheat from fodder shop. Bag made out of Corded material. Instructions were to use a cup of water when heating in microwave . Could also put dried lavender in with wheat. Also can add essential oils. Last for years and very sturdy
A friend of mine had chemotherapy and the sisters used warm bags which she said they had been using for years…..when asked about the filling she said that the lady that supplied it has
been using cat litter for years making these bags….
What do you think??
Wow! Cat litter – thats vey interesting. Hope someone answers as I’d also like to find out. Thank you!
i want to make these with felted wool, can you see a downside?
I recently bought an over the shoulder heat pack which was filled with lupin seeds. Heats well and retains the heat well. And you don’t need the cup of water in the microwave.
I have made these hot packs for over 20 years using a combination of Rice and flaxseed. I also throw in a few whole cloves broken pieces of cinnamon sticks and when I have it some star anise.
I also make the bag using polar fleece which adds a feeling of moisture to the packs.
Some of mine are that old and still heat well and give off a divine aroma adding to the healing. I make a cover of cotton to keep the bag from becoming soiled and mine have been very well received.
Feel free to add to your collection of other fillings.
Would whole peppercorns work?
A note on essential oils added to heat packs…lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, clove….are all anti-fungal as well as smelling nice and being soothing to tired, achy muscles…if there I are any mold spores in the filler you use, the addition of (especially) lavender, and tea tree oils, to these packs will help prevent mold and mildew.
Is Bulger Wheat ok to use?
People who are getting bugs and worms appearing — and are surprised because they have heated the pack a bunch of times already — please note: pantry moths (grain moths) can invade your house at any time. They will crawl in between the stitches and lay eggs. If you are not heating the pack regularly (once a week or so) I recommend storing it in a sealed plastic bag.
Has anyone tried using olive pits for the hot pack? I would think they’d work as well as cherry pits. What about date pits? Thanks.
Thank you for this amazing post and all the contributions. I will be sure to keep in a file. I live in the Uk and for years worked in a further education college – department of aromatherapy. The local fire service advised NOT to dry washed towels in the dryers which had previously had aromatherapy oils on them as the combination of heat and oils had caused fires on occasions. I think its a case of always be in the vicinity of the microwave when heating these bags and not to overheat. Just heat in small increments. I can’t wait to start making some of these having used them for the past 10 years. Thank you for all your help and advice all ❤️
Has anyone ever used sorghum as a filler?
Is it ok to use dried lentils as filler ?
Ha! A person after my own . Found this lovely site after failing to find specific heat of SnuggleSafe Pet heating pad vs. rice. Will try feed corn since your experiment suggests it works well. Maybe just chicken scratch if it’s cheaper. Thank you! Love the hot water bottle project.