Stay Warm At Home Without Raising Your Heating Bill Thanks To This DIY

Everyone wants to stay warm and cozy on a cold winter day. But keeping the heat pumping in your home can be frightfully expensive, a reason many seek out alternative sources of relief. There's no reason you should have to choose between that toasty feeling and a high energy bill this season. One solution is to make a DIY heating pad out of supplies you likely have already. Unlike your typical heating pad that plugs into the wall, this DIY option is portable and inexpensive while still able to get the job done. It also eliminates the worries of falling asleep with it on, which could be dangerous and a potential fire hazard.

Heating pads are a quick fix during times when you can't shake the shivers, especially since there are likely several places around the home that may be letting in cold air. Plus, these pads are a perfect go-to for achy muscles, cramps, and pains. A DIY version requires nothing more than an outer layer of material (such as a cotton sock) and a filler like white rice or beans (though many argue flaxseed is the top choice). While it still requires a power source (a microwave), it won't raise your heating bill the way turning up the thermostat does, offering a sensible and practically free way to stay warm during the winter.

The first thing you need for this DIY heating pad is a long, clean sock. Avoid synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, as they may melt, catch fire, or off-gas in the microwave. Get out your dry rice, and pour some into the sock until it's ½ to ¾ full. Tie a knot in the sock, or close it with a piece of twine. When you're ready to use the pad, simply pop it into the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. Check the heat, and if you'd like it warmer, put it back in for another minute. This clever sock hack should get you approximately 10 to 20 minutes of heat if you microwave it for about two minutes. Just be careful that it's not too hot!

As a bonus, mix drops of lavender essential oil with the fill before adding it to the sock, and you'll have a clever rice hack that'll leave your home smelling better than ever. A scented heating pad will be extra soothing. You could also use a brightly-colored patterned sock to make it more adorable than just your average white tube sock. Place it around your neck or wherever you find the most comfort to help keep you warm. If you do bring it to bed, you'll be relieved knowing that it'll naturally cool down on its own.

It's also possible to create a heating pad using fabric and dry rice or beans. You can sew the fill into a pouch and make an outer pocket for the pouch to fit into. While this would take more effort, time, and skill, the great thing is that you'll be able to wash the outer pocket after using the pad multiple times.