Tissues or hankies 1260x542
6 Aug 2012

Tissues or hankies?

2 mins to read
How do you wipe your nose and catch a sneeze? Do you like a tissue, or do you prefer an old school hanky?


How do you wipe your nose and catch a sneeze? Do you like a tissue, or do you prefer an old school hanky?

I like a hanky. Maybe it’s my upbringing: Dad always had a hanky in his pocket ready to wipe a nose, or a dirty face. Mum, on the other hand, would wet the hanky with her tongue before applying it to my face, which I think is every kid’s worst nightmare. 

Anyway, I find that a hanky is softer, lasts longer – and I like that I can simply pop it in the wash, and use it again when it is clean and fresh again, making it more environmentally friendly. A normal wash is expected to be enough to kill off any cold virus left on the material. So, I feel comfortable with my choice of cloth yet I have noticed distinct reactions from others when I whip out my hanky.

One of my friends thinks hankies are totally gross. She is of the opinion that the humble hanky is lurking full of germs, transmitting bugs and germs to everything that they touch. She gets upset if I use my hanky and then put it back in my pocket or handbag. My friend is pretty clued on, as it is estimated that viruses that cause a cold are very tough and can survive on hard surfaces and fabrics for up to 3 days outside the body.

It seems that this is a view shared by many people, with hankies fading in popularity to be replaced with tissues. Tissues have the hygiene advantage – one blow and the nasties in mucous are thrown away. In theory, that it – what about those errant tissues that end up in the wash from being stuffed in a pocket, or worse, somehow miss the bin and end up as litter? With our earth’s valuable resources stretched to the limit, tissues definitely use up a lot of resources in their production and disposal.  

The other option, of course, is to sniff. This. Drives. Me. Mad. Have you ever been trapped next to a sniffer, unable to escape the constant sniff, sniff, sniffing? It is the stuff of torture.  Surely to sniff is the worst offence in cold and flu etiquette, particularly when committed by an adult who should know better.

Really, good winter etiquette it pretty simple. Lots of hand washing, covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, not touching your eyes or nose if you have a cold, throwing tissues away properly or regular hanky washing and the number one rule – don’t sniff! Please be considerate to your fellow man and don’t share your cold and flu misery as much as you can by following these simple rules!

Do you prefer a tissue or hanky? And how have you dealt with a dreaded sniffer? I’d love to hear your thoughts.



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