How to Wash a Microwavable Heating Pad (The Right Way)

If you’ve ever used a microwavable heating pad for pain relief, comfort, or stress reduction, you’ve probably wondered: Can I wash it? The answer? It depends. Some heating pads are filled with food ingredients like flaxseed, rice, or corn — and those can't be truly washed. But Lavayoo heating pads are different. Filled with natural, ultra-rare lava sand, Lavayoo pads are fully washable, long-lasting, and odor-free. In this post, we’ll break down the right way to clean your microwavable heating pad, what to avoid, and how to make your pad last for years.

Why It's Different

• Filled with lava sand, not food — no mold, no smells

• Microwave-safe for heat therapy

• Freezer-safe for cold therapy

• Odorless & non-toxic

• Holds heat longer and releases it slower

• Perfect for back pain, cramps, stress, and sore muscles

Why Most Heating Pads Can’t Be Washed

The majority of heating pads you’ll find on the market are filled with perishable food materials like flaxseed, rice, wheat, beans, or corn. While these fillers offer temporary warmth, they also bring several limitations — especially when it comes to hygiene and durability. Food-based fillings absorb moisture and break down over time. If they get wet, they can mold, rot, or even sprout, creating an unhealthy product that must be thrown away. Even cleaning the surface is tricky — a damp rag is usually the only option, and even then, it’s risky. Moisture seepage can lead to bacterial growth and ruin the filler. In short, food-filled heating pads are not washable and come with an expiration date.

What Makes Lavayoo Heating Pads Different?

Lavayoo pads are filled with lava sand — a natural, non-perishable, odorless material that doesn’t mold or decay. This innovative filler makes all the difference when it comes to longevity and hygiene. Unlike food-based pads, a Lavayoo heating pad is completely washable, reusable, and can last for years with proper care. The lava sand doesn’t absorb water, and it doesn't release a funky smell when heated. That means even if you spill something on it, use it daily, or want to refresh it, you can wash it with confidence. Lavayoo heating pads were designed to be a durable, sustainable, and clean solution for everyday relief.

How to Wash a Lavayoo Heating Pad

Washing your Lavayoo heating pad is simple — and there are two easy methods to choose from. First, you can hand wash it by submerging it in a bowl or sink filled with warm, soapy water. Gently agitate and rinse. Second, you can place it on the top rack of your dishwasher and run a standard cycle. That’s right — Lavayoo pads are dishwasher-safe! This method is incredibly convenient for busy households. Once the wash cycle is complete, all you need to do is dry the pad thoroughly before using it again. The ability to wash your heating pad means you don’t have to compromise on cleanliness — especially after illness, spills, or regular use.

How to Dry Your Heating Pad After Washing

After your Lavayoo heating pad is clean, drying it properly is key to keeping it safe and functional. The best way to dry it is to place the pad on a cookie sheet and bake it in your oven at 200°F (93°C) for about 2 hours. This ensures all moisture evaporates from both the fabric and the interior lava sand. If the pad still feels damp after 2 hours, give it a little more time. You’ll know it’s ready when the fabric and filler are both warm and dry to the touch. Do not microwave a wet Lavayoo pad — that’s why thorough oven drying is essential.

Can You Wash a Heating Pad All the Time?

While Lavayoo heating pads are built to be washable, we don’t recommend washing them all the time — simply because it’s not always necessary. A full wash should be reserved for moments when it’s truly needed, such as after a spill, shared use, or visible dirt. Frequent washing can be more labor-intensive than daily use requires. Instead, Lavayoo offers a great solution: washable cotton covers. These slip over your pad like a pillowcase and can be removed and laundered quickly. Using a cover helps protect your investment while keeping your heating pad clean and fresh every day.

What About Food-Filled Heating Pads?

If you’ve got a heating pad filled with flaxseed, rice, beans, or similar food fillers, unfortunately, washing it is nearly impossible. Your only option is to lightly dab the surface with a damp rag — but even that runs the risk of introducing moisture that leads to mold or bacterial growth. Once a food-filled pad is dirty or starts to smell, it’s usually time to replace it entirely. These pads also tend to degrade more quickly over time with repeated heating and cooling. That’s why so many people are switching to Lavayoo — a clean, long-lasting alternative that won’t need to be replaced after a few months.

The Dust You Might Notice? Totally Normal

After washing or repeated use, you may notice a bit of brown dust or residue inside the fabric or on the pad’s surface. Don’t worry — this is completely natural. As the lava sand gently shifts inside the pad, some particles become finer over time. This doesn’t affect the performance of the heating pad, and you can easily brush or shake off the dust. It’s one of the small quirks of using natural materials — but it’s also proof you’re getting real, non-toxic, earth-based filler, not synthetic substitutes.

Final Thoughts: A Cleaner, Longer-Lasting Way to Heal

The Lavayoo heating pad isn’t just more effective for pain relief — it’s cleaner, safer, and built to last. From its odorless, non-food lava sand filler to its machine-washable and oven-dryable design, it’s everything a modern heating pad should be. Whether you're dealing with muscle soreness, anxiety, cold nights, or period cramps, Lavayoo is your go-to tool — and now you know exactly how to keep it fresh.

So skip the food-filled pads with a short shelf life. With Lavayoo, you’ll get lasting relief, better hygiene, and total peace of mind.