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Hand warmers are lifesavers on the coldest winter days. They’re particularly crucial for those living in some of the coldest states, like North Dakota, Minnesota, and Alaska, where temperatures average around 28°F. Unfortunately, many disposable hand warmers stop working just hours after they heat up. But what if you could extend their use without wasting them? The Appalachian Mountain Club, the U.S.'s oldest conservation organization, has the solution.
Instead of tossing your hand warmer after a single use, you can save it for later. The Appalachian Mountain Club explains that most hand warmers contain a mix of iron, water, activated carbon, vermiculite, cellulose, and salt. When the pack is opened, these ingredients react with oxygen, causing the warmer to heat up. It stops working once the iron is used up.
Since hand warmers rely on oxygen, cutting off their supply can pause their activation until they are exposed to air again. To do this, place the hand warmer in an airtight, resealable plastic bag, lay it flat with the bag partially open, and squeeze out the excess air before sealing it. There will still be some air inside, but not enough to activate the warmer. The Appalachian Mountain Club recommends using freezer-grade plastic bags, as they are durable enough to prevent tears.
For those who prefer alternatives to disposable hand warmers, there are other great options. Reusable hand warmers are a convenient choice, as you can simply boil them to reset their heat. Electric hand warmers offer an even easier solution, lasting up to six hours. The latest models are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, just like smartphones.
