I use rice for my heat packs, but have found it breaks down too fast. I make these heat packs for my Chihuahuas. They are used a lot and heated up frequently.
By Karin
Try Barley. It's cheap, can be purchased in bulk, and you can even add things like some potpourri and give them a nice scent. I hope that helps.
I use wheat. and it holds the heat for a long time. Been using one for years. Just don't over cook it. Microwave 1 to 1 1/2 mins.
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Does anyone know if it is okay to use sushi rice for hand warmers/heat packs? I've tried the jasmine rice and it was divine, but I have this sushi rice that's been sitting around and I wanted to know if I can use this for my heat packs too.
My logic is that sushi rice has more moisture then regular jasmine rice therefore lasting longer.My daughter uses long grain rice or Jasmine rice and these work well but in Florida these are only needed occasionally.
I could not find any reference to anyone actually using Sushi rice as a filling except one responder to a posting on ThriftyFun some years ago.
I'm not sure about using a hairband as these have rubber inside so maybe think about this before using one.
Here is a comment that I read that I had never heard mentioned before:
"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 with your gift."
I believe that you should just try some of your Sushi rice in a small sock and see how it does.
Other suggestions:
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I agree that any kind of rice should work. My trick for these, is I keep them in the freezer, double bagged in plastic. My only concern is the excess moisture in Japanese rice can cause them to get an off smell (moldy/mildew) if you don't keep them frozen.
I want to make my own heat packs as Christmas gifts. Some have posted that they use rice, others use flax, some use oatmeal, etc. The ingredients don't cook or go rancid, etc. after use?
Also, which ingredient can I use for scent? Some say lavender turns after being heated and there were a few scents that didn't work at all.
Help!
By BeachMouse from Canada
I use buckwheat hulls and rice. I use lavender and rosemary essential oils and find the scent lasts a long time. You can always renew the scent if you close it with a few buttons or velcro. I sell alot of the neck wraps at craft shows. You do need to use all cotton material for these to be microwave safe though.
What heat pack filler stays hottest the longest?
By Christiana
I use a mixture of rice and beans and my heat pack always stays warm at least an hour.
Can horse oats be used as a filler for homemade magic heating bags?
By Brenda from Rycroft, Alberta, Canada
