Why I Love Using Hankies

I stopped buying boxes of Kleenex because I found a better solution. For chronic nose blowers, we seem to find used tissues in every coat pocket and have nightstands covered in them. The pandemic has made me hyper-aware of the rate my nose drips, afraid someone will think I’m infected when really this is just my lifestyle.

Maybe it’s a dust allergy. Maybe it’s the cat but there’s no way I’m trading her in. Spicy food and gym classes have me searching for a spare tissue.

My purse, pockets, and wastebaskets don’t overflow with tissues anymore though. My pockets have a hankie. Soft cotton with frilly edges and floral patterns in pinks, purples, greens and blues.

I feel sophisticated delicately wiping my nose on pink flowers. And I get a lot of joy from pulling a beautiful pattern out of my pocket.

EW GROSS, RIGHT?

Think of musty handkerchiefs your grandfather pulled from a pocket.

Honestly, I got past the ick factor immediately. I use one a few times and then toss it in with a pile of laundry.

And if you’ve replaced paper towels with reusable cloth napkins – it’s the same concept. By using handkerchiefs, you’re avoiding single-use products that end up in the landfill (although you can compost them).

Now of course if you’re sick, disposable tissues are more hygienic if you share your space. There’s less of a chance of disease spread if you’re tossing your damp tissues in the garbage instead of carrying them around the house. But for the chronic nose-drippers and blowers, I highly recommend trying a hankie.

Peachy roses, crocheted edges and pink strawberries

I WAS GOING THROUGH A BOX OF KLEENEX EVERY MONTH.

The cost of disposable tissues was negligible to me but could be a consideration for you. In addition to stocking my car and bathroom, let’s say I spent $30 a year on disposable tissues. Right now on eBay, you could easily find 40 vintage handkerchiefs for under $30 including shipping. 40 hankies is plenty for one person

I acquired my first lot of embroidered and printed floral hankies with crocheted edges at an estate sale. They can be found at antique malls in wicker baskets – I always grab one or two if the design makes me happy. Maybe your grandparents have some they no longer use?

In the end, handkerchiefs make me happy. It’s a small joy unfolding a clean, delicate pattern. Up next is mastering the art of dropping a hankie for a handsome stranger to pick up for me.