DIY Emergency Heating Pad

I’ve used the emergency heating pad trick while on a business trip or vacation a number of times.

 It is so very simple.

You need:

•  A  hand towel or two.
•  A zip-type gallon-sized plastic bag
•  Hot water
• Microwave  (optional)

Here’s How:

Method 1

• Get the towel wet with warm to hot-ish water.  (Be certain it is not to hot to handle.)
•  Squeeze out the excess water.
• Place damp towel in the zip bag and close.
• Emergency heating pad is ready to use.

Method 2

• Get the towel wet and squeeze out extra water.
• Place towel in microwave .
•  Warm the towel for 30 seconds and test to see if it is warm enough.  (But not too hot!)
• Warm it in 15 second intervals until it is a just-right temperature.
• Using tongs, place in zip bag.
• Emergency heating pad is ready to use.

These are the toes of NYT bestselling author (and foot model!)  Tracy Hickman.  -AKA- my husband. 🙂

Please note:

•  This isn’t recommended for small children.  
• The heating pad can be double-bagged if you are worried about leakage.  
• It may be more comfortable for the user if the bag is wrapped in a second hand towel or slipped into a pillow case.

This little trick is so great for tired muscles, achy feet, strained back or an ear ache while traveling!  Just remember to pop a couple of  empty gallon-size zip bags into your luggage and you will always have a heating pad available (or a place to put your wet swimsuit!).

 You might also enjoy: How to make your own warm-up bag.

Photo thanks!

creative commons for heating pad.