DIY Ice Pack and Heating pad
DIY Ice Pack and Heating Pad
For those of us with injuries or chronic pain, I have found easy DIY solutions for ice packs and a microwavable heating pad. I have used both myself and find them to be reliable and inexpensive hacks to create your own reusable DIY ice pack and heating pad.
DIY ICE PACK: What you will need:
- 2 gallon sized or smaller freezer zip lock bags
- 4 Cups of water
- 2 Cups of rubbing alcohol
- Blue food coloring (Optional)
- 1 Fat quarter (Optional)
- 1 snap (Optional)
- Sew on Velcro (Optional)
Step 1: DIY Ice Pack
Depending on the size of your ice pack, use 2 cups of water to 1 cup of rubbing alcohol. Pour the water and rubbing alcohol into a freezer zip lock bag. Add the food coloring if you want that blue ice-pack look. Seal the bag squeezing out as much air as possible.
Step 2: DIY Ice Pack
Place the first bag into the second bag in case there is some leakage. Place the bag into the freezer for at least an hour and you have a pliable, reusable Ice pack. The pack will not freeze because of the rubbing alcohol but will get to freezer temperature to cool those aching muscles and joints. Remember to place a cloth between the ice pack and your skin to avoid getting any burns. You can also sew a nice little case for the pack by simply sewing two pieces of fabric together and adding a snap or zipper at the top to keep the pack from falling out. I used half of a fat quarter for this simple pouch.
DIY Heating pad: What you will need:
- 1 fat quarter
- 2 lbs of rice
- Sew on Velcro (Optional)
- Essential oil of your choice
- Standard sewing supplies
Step 1: DIY Heating Pad
Cut the fat quarter in half. You can add Velcro to the right sides of the bag if you want to be able to secure it around yourself. Sew the sides together leaving an opening for turning and adding the rice.
Step 2: DIY Heating Pad
Turn the bag through the opening you left while sewing. Using a funnel, add the rice and a few drops of essential oil. Sew the opening closed either on the machine or by hand.
Step 3: DIY Heating Pad
Place the pad in the microwave for approximately 1 minute or to your preferred temperature. Once heated, place the pad on your aching muscles and joints. Nothing to it.
