Thursday, October 16, 2008

Hand Warmer Recall

Ladies -

I had no idea that the hand warmers were potentially hazardous - but a reader graciously pointed out that when she Googled the directions, there were many potential problems with the handwarmers.

Here is one link to a site where multiple people reported these catching on fire - yikes! So, I will be pulling this post and I have no idea what I'll use these cute useless things for - any suggestions?

So sorry for the confusion!

Monica

20 comments:

Milehimama @ Mama Says said...

Can you make them into coin purses or tissue holders for purses?

Milehimama @ Mama Says said...

Also, I've made these (not for gifts) out of socks filled with rice, and then sewn or knotted shut. You can put lavender in with the rice. Microwave for a minute or so to make a heating pad or handwarmer.

I think it might me the length of time in the microwave/size of the pie weights that is the problem. I have one "sock warmer" that is 3 years old and constantly used with no probs.

Tammy said...

Those were really so cute and a charming idea! My grandma has a little terra cotta disk that she warms in the oven and puts in her bread basket. It helps keep the bread warm. I don't even know if it is microwavable, but if it is, it seems like a suitable substitute! (but probably pretty expensive)

Mrs. K said...

I wonder if it's the wool or the pie weights catching fire? If it's the pie weights, you could replace them with corn. Field corn will stay warmer longer than rice. Or you could just call them coasters :o)

Karen said...

I love, love, love my corn bag warmers. They aren't hand warmer size but I love that idea, too. I followed the directions found here:

http://www.diamondthreadworks.com/microwave_heating_bags.htm

This lady did her research and got them approved for use in a hospital. She gives explicit instructions which have worked well for me.

We've used ours for a year now with no problems-other than my dh occasionally craving popcorn when he smells them heating. (They don't pop-just smell like popcorn.)

I make the bags out of muslin, then make a case for them out of more decorative fabric. Maybe the ones you have already made could be turned into cases for corn warmers?

Catherine said...

Oh - what a shame! Is the problem the pie weights or the fabric, or both together? Could you unpick a seam and just fill the sacks with rice or wheat grains? That's what we use in our heat packs (I'm sure it's an old trick), and we heat them in the microwave all the time. They stay hot for ages and are very safe. Then I guess you could use the pie weights as, well, pie weights!

mamabeck said...

How about replacing the pie weights with simple dry rice? It sounds like the issue (the fire source) is the weights not being designed to take the microwave's heating process. rice is cheaper and proven! You can also add dry lavender flowers in with the rice for a lovely scent!!

Sarah said...

I would fill them with white rice, I have a couple of small fabric sacks that have been filled with rice or feeder corn and you heat them up in the microwave. I love them them! They keep my feet as well as the rest of me toasty and warm during the winter-time!

I love these Handmade Christmas Posts bytheway they are wonderful, thanks for the great ideas! I also love the rest of your blog as well.

Sarah M said...

could you sew a loop onto them and make them into their own Christmas ornaments?

Unknown said...

you might could put some spice inside them and use them for a coaster for your coffee or cocoa...the warmth from the mug would emit the smell of the spices into the air.

Paige said...

If you go against the warming anything ideas, they'd be good ornaments or place markers, for a dinner party.
P~

Paige said...

OH, tie them to a table cloth that might be outdoors to weigh it down. Some area's have mild winters so an outdoor (or front porch) dinner party would be completely suitable.
P~

Anonymous said...

I wish I could have known what caused the hand warmer fire - I don't know if the pie weights got to hot or if it was the fabric or even the thread. I really think this is a great idea and would have been a thoughtful Christmas gift.

Thanks for linking to my blog. I am happy to meet a new fellow blogger.

Kristina said...

I've made these using field corn. Microwave them for 60 seconds and they stay warm a long time.

GeonHui's Bakery said...

I'd second (or third:) the rice suggestion. We have little warmers that we use in the winter time. We heat them up and put them in bed, they get our sheets nice and warm.

We also use them in the freezer for when we need an ice pack.

Elise said...

A paper weight?? Didn't see any suggestions for that...
Otherwise, I agree with everyone else, fill them with rice.
Elise

The Parson's Wife said...

I make the warm cuddlers with deer corn, and I keep with instructions. ANYTHING can burn if heated to long. I still think your little gifts were a great idea, just don't overheat...there are even hospitals that use the corn type heating pads safely, and I am making them for gifts this year. You keep up the good work, and thank you for the safety reminder! Blessings, Shawn ><>

3boysmama said...

Actually when I read your original post that was my first thought. Microwaves warm up by vibrating the water particles. If there is no moisture, then I would get nervous about it. Maybe if you sprinkle a bit of water on it before you warm it up in the microwave?

Anonymous said...

I make corn bags that you heat in the microwave and use as bed warmers, heating pads, etc. A few sites I looked up mentioned that using rice or wheat can cause them to break down and catch fire, but using feed corn is a safer alternative. Maybe you could open up the little handwarmers and put feet corn in them?
Here's a link to a nurse who makes these for use in her hospital:

http://www.diamondthreadworks.com/microwave_heating_bags.htm

Be cautious about using rice or wheat or flax. Even using lavender in them is dangerous.

Anonymous said...

First thought when I saw how cute these were. I would turn them into book marks. Let us know what you do with them. Everyone has given great ideas.