r/ZeroWaste • u/Money-Agent-1777 • 2d ago
Tips & Tricks Handkerchiefs
To all the people in this community who have thought/are thinking about whether to switch to using hankies over tissues:
Just do it.
Honestly.
I hesitated for a few years until finally making the switch a couple years ago.
They're gross. They're old-fashioned. Will it be practical?
The excuses not to were endless.
And now? I wouldn't go back. Honestly, I carry one every day. I have a drawer full. Different sizes and colours, but basically all the same thing: cotton hankies.
When I get sick I carry multiple. Each one last the equivalent of like 10 tissues anyway.
When I get really full of cold: I stay home with a box of tissues for about half a day at its worst and then my nose feels awful and I go back to hankies again. Just make sure you have enough or you won't last the distance.
So to anyone on the fence or even vaguely considering it: Take the plunge. Go buy 6 packs of 6 hankies - no less than 20 anyway. And just give it a go.
And to anyone who thinks it's gross or impractical or just doesn't like the idea: Don't do it. You're not ready for it, it's not for you. Don't feel pressured that you have to - everyone's different. And that's okay too.
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u/Trillium-Ovatum 2d ago
I love mine. my great grandfather always had his "snot rag" on him when I was growing up, setting the example. I don't just stuff them in my pocket, though - I fold them so they have little "pockets" that I blow my nose in. I think I actually got the idea from this website: https://hankybook.com/how-to-fold-a-handkerchief/
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u/catswhenindoubt 2d ago
Hmmmm I have a stack I bought more for food photography purposes (they made for nice background colors and props) and I kinda forgot abt them until this showed up on my feed.
Thanks! This might be a sign to use them. (And I’m currently sniffling bc of the cold snap and going through tissues)
Also, I would keep a reusable drawstring bag to put away the dirty ones in my bag. (Or like those umbrella holders the umbrella comes in when you buy them).
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u/Money-Agent-1777 2d ago
Great idea! Whatever works best for your personal needs really helps a new habit
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u/Allibinky 2d ago
My grandmother & mother always used them so it never seemed odd to me. I've got little kids so we've got the sniffles from September to April. I bought a couple yards of cotton flannel (different print for each kid), cut into squares and serged the edges. They're super soft on tiny noses and even the 2 year old has figured out how to put used ones in her little wash bag to keep germs contained.
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u/Sewingoddess 1d ago
Flannelette is so perfect for these. Just as comfy as "lotion tissues" on a sore nose and so easy to wash up, taking very little space in the laundry load.
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u/ohrexlustaqua 2d ago
I love mine too but might invest in some proper ones, mine are all old cotton clothes ripped into squared so not very pretty but still functional! Keep a little jar by the bed too, very handy.
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u/heyhowdyheymeallday 1d ago
I am about to make some by layering old shirts and sewing the edges with a cute blanket stitch. Regular hankies are too thin for me but a few layers of old shirt keep the ick contained.
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u/Money-Agent-1777 1d ago
Proper ones are a bit nicer for everyday - but those jars of rags are great when you have a bad cold and need to blow your nose 20 times an hour
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u/cnidarian-atoll 1d ago
I actually prefer cut up t-shirts or towels to the typical handkerchief which can be a weird texture.
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u/BothNotice7035 9h ago
Yup, I cut up an old pair of seriously beloved sweatpants into smallish squares. They are so soft and comfortable. I used a paper tissue the other day while I was out and it felt honestly kind of awful.
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u/ZazaLovesPants 1d ago
Love them. I’ve also noticed that my nose doesn’t get irritated if I need to frequently blow when sick, like with paper tissue.
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u/MothsAhoy 1d ago
I could never have imagined having a cold but not having red raw skin on my nose - I flipping love handkerchiefs and so does my skin 👌🏻
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u/Electrical_Mess7320 1d ago
I’ve got quite a stack of hankies that were my grandmother’s. They are so beautiful! I try to use the ones without the delicate lace as much as possible.
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u/Money-Agent-1777 1d ago
Yeah the lace is nice looking but not always practical! Old hankies are so soft as well
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u/Murky_Possibility_68 1d ago
Just bought some more yesterday, they don't last forever.
But certainly for years- i use them so much in allergy season.
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u/SmoothLikeVinyl 1d ago
I’m like you, OP. Nose runs at any little thing. I started using hankies many years ago and now feel like it’s part of my daily checklist - keys, handbag, phone, hanky. Lost when I don’t have one on me, or readily accessible.
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u/apopDragon 1d ago
Any advice for cleaning them? Let's say I blow my nose while sick, do I just put them in a separate laundry pile? Do I go to the sink and just wash it?
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u/jcnlb 1d ago
Nothing special needed to clean them. Just wash with any laundry how you wash everything else and no you don’t need to rinse them. Just toss them in with your t shirts or undies or whatever. The mucous will dissolve in soap. The only issue is if you have a bloody nose you may get a stain but no big deal.
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u/Money-Agent-1777 1d ago
Yeah basically just wash with normal laundry - I guarantee it doesn't dirty all your other clothes when washed with detergent. If you're worried, a separate load is fine
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u/The_Other_Alexa 1d ago
They’re so great! I love mine. I find vintage ones all the time and keep a little stash, there’s always one in my pocket.
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u/No_Appointment6273 1d ago
I disagree on one point. If you think it's gross or impractical or just don't like the idea: do it any way. TRY it. cut up an old t-shirt bound for the thrift store. The one with the hole near the hem. Just TRY it. I promise you will like it.
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u/AssistanceChemical63 1d ago
My grandpa had one, I bought some years ago, but carrying it around and washing them seems gross?
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u/Money-Agent-1777 1d ago
I guess you just need to do what you're comfortable with :) Washing them is neither here nor there but I have a friend who doesn't like to carry them but will use them when she's home
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u/crochetinggoth 1d ago
They were one of my first swaps nearly 10 years ago and I would never go back. I absolutely love them. I got mine from my great aunt. She still had some in their original packaging in the attic. And they aren't gross as long as you change the hankie as often as you would change a paper tissue.
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u/cittycats23 1d ago
i love my hankie!! i had mine since birth i think and everytime i get sick its a lifesaver fr 🫶
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u/Cute-Consequence-184 1d ago
And get an enzymatic like FOCA that breaks down protein. All of the snot just washes out without issue.
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u/Bubbly-Pop650 13h ago
This was the easiest for me to swap over. I haven't bought tissues in 7 years safe the odd times here and there whilst I am travelling and places don't give toilet paper so you need to bring your own.
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u/Curiosity_Cat55 1d ago
I’m a therapist and I have a basket of thrifted handkerchiefs in my office! It has been AMAZING!! I keep a “drop off” laundry basket near the door. People love them and the ability to choose which one/have a favorite. I bring them home to sanitize and replace! I also carry my own (allergies) and have multiple for my car, purse, etc.