--- title: "17 Handy Handkerchief Uses [Infographic]" url: "https://hankybook.com/17-handkerchief-uses/" post_type: "post" date_published: "2020-05-10T10:42:20-07:00" date_modified: "2026-09-11T06:43:25-07:00" categories: ["Uncategorized"] --- # 17 Handy Handkerchief Uses [Infographic] I’ve argued that the handkerchief is the most eco-friendly way to blow your nose, catch coughs, and snare sneezes. I’ve also made the case that handkerchiefs are no more or less sanitary than paper tissues – and that HankyBooks offer the most protection of all. And now, thanks our new infographic, I want to shed a light on just how handy the hanky can be. I’ve collected 17 handkerchief uses but there are so many more. Having a hanky on hand can be a lifesaver in a multitude of ways. Enough yabbering – enjoy the tips below and let me know what I missed. 17 Handkerchief Uses #1 – As a Hanky (duh) The primary purpose of a handkerchief is as the eco-friendly choice for catching sneezes, coughs and runny noses.  #2 – As a Sweatband If it’s you running a marathon and not your nose, a 80s makeshift headband does the trick. #3 – As a Snackbag Grab a muffin or some biscuits and tie them up in a handy snackbag on the go! #4 – As a Face Blotter Mop your brow, the back of your neck, or dab the sweat off your makeup with a soft cloth that won’t ruin your foundation.  #5 – As a Flyswatter Using the ‘rat tail’ method, roll a man-size hanky and use it to precisely hit any pesky flies. #6 – As a Water Filter A hanky can be used as step one in filtering water. It will remove large objects like rocks, sticks, leaves, and bugs. #7 – As a Face Mask Whether you are trying to prevent getting sick or robbing a bank, a handkerchief makes a quick and easy mask in a pinch. #8 – As a Tourniquet If the robbery didn’t go as planned it can be used to tie around an injured limb to slow down blood loss. #9 – As a Glasses Cleaner No explanation needed – wearers of glasses understand the never-ending struggle with fingerprints and smears. #10 – As a Washcloth Sometimes there’s no time for a full on shower. Get your handkerchief wet and viola – a makeshift washcloth awaits. #11 – As an Eye Shade Enjoying a day out in the sun but no sunglasses or hat in sight. A hanky over your eyes will provide enough relief while you enjoy a siesta. #12 – As a Headband Keep your hair out of your face by wearing it as a headband or wrap it around you pony to dress up a bad hair day. #13 – As a Finger Splint When you need to support your damaged finger after a nasty accident, whip out your hanky to create a temporary finger splint. #14 – As an Ice-pack When life throws you a bump or sprain, wrap your hanky around a few handfuls of ice to reduce the swelling. #15 – As a Teabag Call it a hack if you will. Simply wrap and twist your tea leaves in a hanky and seep it in hot water like a tea bag! The queen would be proud. #16 – As a Make-up Remover If you want to remove your makeup, put water and some gentle lotion on your hanky and scrub your warpaint away. #17 – Or Just Get a HankyBook HankyBooks can do most of the above and so much more. In fact, here are 23 uses of the HankyBook – talk about versatile ?