On the occasion when I use a hot towel, i generally use an electric kettle get a couple of face towels and just pour the hot water over them. I open em up give em a shake or two to let off some steam and apply. Good stuff on the weekend when i have the time. i enjoy the experience and commence to a nice shave. Oh and I like to hot towel over my first lather application use it to wipe off, then my scuttle is ready for some more warm lather application. Sounds like chore but its my weekend ritual and I'm loving it. Enjoy the shave friends.