Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Better Life

Are handkerchief or tissues more hygienic?

When you’re suffering from a cold or flu, here's what you should use. - by Better Homes and Gardens
  • 11 Jun 2021
Are handkerchief or tissues more hygienic?

Do you prefer using tissues over a hanky when you’re sick? Handkerchiefs certainly have their benefits. They’re environmentally friendly, as it takes three times the amount of energy to produce pulp to create virgin fibre tissues, compared to a cotton handkerchief.

Created by Kimberly-Clark in the early 1920’s, tissues were introduced to originally remove cold cream. However, it was reported that women were writing to the company, complaining their husbands were using the tissues to blow their nose into it. The rest is history.

Whether you have the common cold or hay fever, everyone's preference for a hanky or tissues comes down to personal preference. But here's which is more hygienic. 

Which is more hygienic? 

If you are suffering from a cold or the flu, then yes, tissues are a better option. The reason for this is you are essentially blowing nasal secretions containing the virus - that is causing your illness - into the tissue. As long as you throw that tissue into the bin (without re-using) and wash your hands, tissues are the most hygienic option.

tissues
Getty

Are handkerchief's sanitary?

By using a handkerchief, you are increasing the chance of spreading the virus (not to yourself, as you already have it – but to those around you). Saliva doesn’t contain as much of the virus as nasal secretion, so by blowing your nose several times into a hanky, which is potentially already feeling a little ‘damp’, and then not washing you hands straight afterwards, you are increasing the spread of virus when touching other items such as door knobs and computer keyboards with your ‘hanky hands’.

Is a hanky or tissues better for hay fever?

If you prefer to use a hanky for hay fever, then go right ahead, as your nasal secretions aren’t riddled with a virus. However, it is still advisable to change your hanky on a regular basis if your nose is constantly running. Otherwise, give some natural remedies a go and you might be able to say goodbye to the hanky for good. 

  • Health
  • Better Life
Better Homes and Gardens
Better Homes and Gardens
Australia's favourite TV show, magazine and website.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to repot a rose

How to repot a rose

Winter warning: 6 out of 15 electric heaters fail safety tests

Winter warning: 6 out of 15 electric heaters fail safety tests

7 best grow lights to keep your indoor plants thriving all winter long

7 best grow lights to keep your indoor plants thriving all winter long

The best oil heaters to brace yourself for the cooler nights ahead

The best oil heaters to brace yourself for the cooler nights ahead

{headline}

{headline}

The winter solstice: everything you need to know

The winter solstice: everything you need to know

10 best slow cookers for making low-fuss yet hearty meals this winter

10 best slow cookers for making low-fuss yet hearty meals this winter

10 of the best winter throws to curl up in on a chilly night

10 of the best winter throws to curl up in on a chilly night

{headline}

{headline}

7 ways to winter proof your bathroom

7 ways to winter proof your bathroom

The best outdoor winter heating options for a cosy night 'in'

The best outdoor winter heating options for a cosy night 'in'

10 best outdoor fire pits for backyard entertaining in the Australian winter

10 best outdoor fire pits for backyard entertaining in the Australian winter

Graham’s favourite winter plants

Graham’s favourite winter plants

8 of the best heated throws to keep you toasty warm throughout winter

8 of the best heated throws to keep you toasty warm throughout winter

What to plant in May

What to plant in May

10 best winter quilt covers to keep you warm at night

10 best winter quilt covers to keep you warm at night

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription