Warmies are super snuggly stuffed animals filled with French lavender and natural grains that can be heated in the microwave to provide soothing warmth and comfort. If you just got your hands on these adorable heated plushies and want to know the optimal heating times, you’ve come to the right place!
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Warmies typically take 1-2 minutes to fully heat in the microwave, but always check the specific heating instructions on the tag of your Warmie to be safe.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about properly heating your Warmies stuffed animals, from heating times to microwave power settings to safety tips and care instructions.
We’ll also provide some background on Warmies as a product and highlight the many benefits they offer.
What Are Warmies?
Background and History
Warmies are soft, microwavable stuffed animals filled with grains and dried French lavender. The original Warmies were created in the early 1990s by Mary Spencer, an entrepreneur in the UK who wanted to develop a soothing, natural sleep aid for her young children.
Spencer worked with toy manufacturers to design stuffed animals that could be gently heated in the microwave and retain warmth for long periods. She filled them with dry grains and French lavender, which has relaxing properties.
The first Warmies launched in the UK in 1993 and were an immediate success. Over the years, the Warmies product line expanded to include different animal shapes and characters.
Materials and Construction
All Warmies plush toys have a simple design consisting of an outer fabric shell filled with an inner mix of grains, dried French lavender, and poly pellets. The outer shell is made from soft plush fabrics with kid-friendly designs.
The most common Warmies fabrics are polyester, cotton, micromink, and minky. These fabrics are lightweight, super-soft, and gentle on skin.
The inner fill is the key to Warmies’ heat retention abilities. It consists mainly of wheat and flaxseed grains mixed with culinary grade dried lavender flowers and small poly pellets for volume. This inner mix conforms well to the plush outer shell and holds in heat effectively.
It also gives the Warmies flexible durability so they can be squeezed and hugged without going flat.
Benefits and Use Cases
Warmies provide moist heat therapy and gentle aroma benefits. When microwaved, they deliver soothing warmth that comforts aches and pains. The heat lasts for hours, allowing Warmies to be used through the night for better sleep. The French lavender adds a subtle, relaxing fragrance.
Warmies are very versatile and have many uses. They can soothe muscle soreness or cramps when applied directly to the skin. The warmth can ease earaches, toothaches, and other minor pains in children. Adults also enjoy Warmies for relief from stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Some common ways people use Warmies include:
- Soothing back, neck or shoulder pain
- Warming beds, especially for people sensitive to cold
- Comforting children through illness, injury, or bad dreams
- Relaxing the mind before sleep
- Easing anxiety or depressive feelings
Heating Instructions
Check the Tag
Before heating your Warmies plush toy, always check the tag for the manufacturer’s instructions. The tag will indicate the recommended heating times and power levels for that specific item. Following these guidelines prevents overheating and protects the warming beads inside the toy.
Microwave Power Setting
Most Warmies specify a microwave power level between 50-80% for heating. Using a lower power allows the heat to distribute gradually and evenly throughout the toy. This prevents hot spots that could burn little hands! For example, the tags might say:
- 50% power: 1-2 minutes
- 60% power: 1 minute
- 80% power: 45 seconds
If your microwave only has number pads (1-10), then 50% power would be level 5, and so on.
Heating Duration
The ideal heating time ranges from 30-90 seconds, depending on the size of the stuffed animal. Smaller toys need less time than larger ones. Heating for the recommended duration allows the beads to fully warm up without getting too hot.
| Toy Size | Heating Time |
|---|---|
| Small (6 inches) | 30-45 seconds |
| Medium (10 inches) | 45-60 seconds |
| Large (14+ inches) | 60-90 seconds |
Checking for Hot Spots
After microwaving, always check for hot spots before giving your Warmie friend to a child. Gently squeeze around seams, snout, ears, limbs and other narrow parts. If you feel excessive heat anywhere, let the toy cool down further before use.
Reheating
Depending on room temperature, Warmies typically stay warm for up to 6 hours. When the beads start to cool, simply reheat following the same microwaving guidelines. Most Warmies can go through up to 1,000 heat cycles in their lifetime.
Just remember—always supervise children when playing with microwavable toys to prevent burns. With proper care, your Warmie will provide years of warmth and comfort!
For more info, visit the Warmies website. Their FAQ section has heating tips for all Warmies products. Now go cuddle up with your favorite snuggly critter!
Safety Considerations
Supervision for Children
Warmies stuffed animals are very popular toys for children. However, adult supervision is recommended when heating these plush toys in the microwave. Young children should not operate microwave ovens without assistance.
Parents should instruct children to never put metal items or toys with wires, batteries, motors or electronics in the microwave. Microwaving these items can damage the appliance or cause sparks, electrical fires or even explosion hazards.
Adults should set and enter the heating time when preparing Warmies for children. The extreme heat can lead to burns if kids remove Warmies immediately after microwaving without assistance. Allow stuffed animals to cool slightly first before giving to young children.
Avoid Overheating
It’s important not to overheat Warmies stuffed animals, as this poses safety risks:
- The filling and surface materials may become damaged from excessive heat exposure
- The oils and ingredients inside can leak out of the fabric
- The plush exterior can become too hot to touch safely
Carefully follow the product heating instructions listed on the tags. Most Warmies require only 1-2 minutes in the microwave. Remove promptly when the heating time is complete.
Microwave Safety
Take precautions when microwaving Warmies or any household items:
- Do not overcrowd the microwave or block ventilation openings
- Use microwave-safe cookware and coverings
- Ensure the microwave interior is clean and free of debris
- Stop the appliance immediately if you see sparks or smoke
Area near the microwave should be clear of flammables. Supervise the microwave at all times when in use and allow appliances to fully cool before handling or storage.
| Microwave Wattage | Heating Time |
|---|---|
| 1000 watts | 90 seconds |
| 850 watts | 100 seconds |
| 700 watts | 120 seconds |
Adjust Warmies heating time based on your microwave wattage, as shown in the table. Most microwaves range from 700-1000 watts. Refer to appliance manuals if unsure.
Please visit the Warmies instructions page for additional heating directions and safety information.
Care and Cleaning
General Care Tips
Caring for your adorable Warmies stuffed animal is easy! Just follow some basic guidelines to keep them looking fluffy and new. Store Warmies in a clean, dry area when not in use to prevent damage or discoloration.
Although these soothing plush pals can be briefly heated in the microwave, it’s best to rely on their super-safe heat packs for warmth. Microwaving too long could harm the heat packs or stuffing over time.
For stain removal, it’s best to spot clean Warmies immediately to prevent setting. Check the manufacturer’s tag before using any cleaning products. A mild soap and lukewarm water solution on a clean cloth usually does the trick nicely. Gently dab the stain instead of rubbing to avoid fabric damage.
Allow sufficient drying before use or storage.
Spot Cleaning
Uh oh, did your Warmies pal get a little dirty during all those snuggly adventures? No worries – a few simple spot cleaning tips will have them fresh and fluffy again!
- Blot liquids immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Don’t rub!
- Use a mild soap and lukewarm water solution. Avoid harsh cleaners.
- Gently dab the stain instead of rubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry before reuse.
For tough stains, try switching to a clean damp cloth frequently so you don’t spread the stain. You’ve got this! With a little patience, your Warmies friend will be good as new.
When to Discontinue Use
Warmies are designed to provide years of comforting warmth, but it’s best to retire them if they become excessively worn. Signs it may be time to replace your Warmie include:
- Torn seams, holes, or stuffing coming out
- Bad odor that doesn’t resolve with cleaning
- Cover worn thin in spots
- Heat pack not heating properly or has leaks/holes
| Warmies Condition | OK to Use? |
|---|---|
| Small stain, good repair | Yes |
| Multiple holes/torn seams | No, replace |
For more care and usage tips, check out the Warmies instructions page. With proper care, your Warmies friend can offer cozy comfort for years!
Troubleshooting Issues
Uneven Heating
If you find that your stuffed animal is heating unevenly, with some spots feeling hot while others remain cold, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure you are following the manufacturer’s instructions correctly regarding microwave time and power level.
Gently massage the animal after microwaving to distribute the heat more evenly. You can also try microwaving for less time, in 15-30 second intervals, checking in between until evenly warmed.
Unpleasant Smells
Warm stuffed animals should not give off unpleasant odors. If you notice any bad smells, the most likely cause is that your animal was overheated. Follow any cleaning instructions from the manufacturer, which typically involve surface washing and air drying.
In the future, use lower microwave power and less heating time to prevent overheating. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, like lavender or vanilla, to leave your animal smelling fresh.
Other Problems
For any other issues with your Warmies stuffed animal not heating properly, consult the FAQ page or reach out to customer support. Provide details on the specific problem you’re encountering so they can best assist.
The customer service team is quite responsive and knowledgeable so don’t hesitate to contact them.
Conclusion
Warmies make wonderful soothing companions for people of all ages. By following the heating instructions properly and taking good care of your Warmies, they can provide years of warm hugs and comfort.
Knowing the right techniques for heating will ensure your Warmies get nice and toasty without overheating. Check the tag, choose an appropriate microwave power level, heat for only 1-2 minutes, check for hot spots, and avoid microwaving multiple times in a row.
With proper use and care, Warmies are a safe way to ease anxiety, promote better sleep, and deliver calming warmth whenever you need. So go grab your favorite Warmie and get ready to relax!
