The HankyBook is a complete evolution of the handkerchief, and you’re BOUND to have oodles of questions. If you don’t see yours answered here, please contact us — we’re always happy to help.
About the HankyBook
What is a HankyBook?
A HankyBook is a handkerchief built like a small book: soft cotton “pages” bound inside a protective outer cover. Rather than refolding one flat square of cloth over and over to find a clean spot, you simply flip to a clean page. Read more about how it works.
What is a HankyBook made of?
100% certified organic cotton, sewn by hand in Southern California. We use organic cotton because conventional cotton is one of the most pesticide- and insecticide-heavy crops in the world — organic growing uses no insecticides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers, which is better for the land and for the people working it. Several of our printed covers are made with certified organic, chemical-free dyes.
How big is a HankyBook?
4.25 × 3.25 × 0.25 inches — small enough for a pocket, a handbag or a glovebox.
How do I use one?
Flip to a clean page when you need one, and close the cover when you’re done. The cover keeps the used pages shut away, so the HankyBook goes back in your pocket or bag without spreading germs around. Nose, makeup, foggy glasses, sticky fingers, a spill, a happy tear at a wedding — it handles all of it.
Washing and care
How do I wash my HankyBook?
No special care needed. HankyBooks are machine washable and dryer safe — throw one in with your normal laundry and on to the dryer, exactly like any other piece of clothing. You can hand-wash and air-dry instead if you prefer. The cotton actually gets softer the more it is washed.
How often should I wash it?
Regularly. If you don’t use yours much, put it in whenever you’d run a load anyway. If you use it a lot, wash it more often — ideally with a full load, to conserve water and energy. Dirt settles in when a used HankyBook is left sitting for a long time.
Any tips for making it last?
Three, from long experience:
- Air it out. After each use, hold it by the sewn edge and snap your wrist a few times to realign the pages. It dries faster and stays tidy.
- Pull the pages apart before washing. A couple of seconds stops the pages sticking together and gets them properly clean. If you forget, the wash cycle mostly sorts this out on its own.
- Wash it regularly. See above — don’t leave a used one sitting for weeks.
There’s more detail on our Cleaning & Care page.
Choosing and buying
How many HankyBooks do I need?
A three-pack is a good place to start — that’s enough for the average user to last through a laundry cycle. HankyBooks are sold as singles, 2-sets and 3-sets; you can see all of them in the shop.
Can I buy HankyBooks in a shop near me?
Possibly — try our Store Locator to find your nearest stockist. And if you know a shop that would be a good fit for HankyBooks, please tell us through the contact form.
Do you sell wholesale?
Yes. Email us, or get in touch through our wholesale page, for information on becoming a dealer.
Shipping
How quickly will my order ship?
Orders are usually shipped within 2 business days, through the United States Postal Service.
How long will delivery take?
Domestic orders should arrive within 3–5 days of shipment. International orders take 7–14 days, and customs can add further delays. If you need an order expedited, contact us and we’ll do what we can.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. International orders go via USPS, which cannot track packages once they pass customs. If you’d rather we used FedEx or UPS so you get full tracking, just ask — but note those services can be significantly more expensive.
Will I get a tracking number?
Yes, we provide a delivery confirmation tracking number with every order. Orders ship without a signature requirement unless you request one (additional fees apply). Where the carrier confirms delivery, we aren’t able to take responsibility for a lost or stolen package — but if a confirmed package doesn’t reach you, we’ll help you take it up with the carrier. Please tell us about any special shipping instructions (specific carrier, overnight, 2-day, signature, insurance) when you place your order.
Returns and privacy
Can I return my HankyBook?
Yes. We want you to be happy with your purchase — if it doesn’t meet your expectations, we’ll refund the original purchase once your return reaches us. Return shipping is yours to cover. Please email us or contact us here first, so we know to expect it and why.
What if my HankyBook arrives damaged?
Send us a photo and we’ll ship you a replacement.
What happens to my payment and personal details?
We do not store your credit card information in any way, and we never share your personal information. We may contact you to clarify an order, sort out shipping, or ask for feedback on our products. Making a purchase does not sign you up to any mailing list.
Why switch from tissues?
Is a handkerchief really more sanitary than a tissue?
Most used tissues end up crumpled in a pocket or left on a surface, spreading germs wherever they go. A HankyBook locks the used pages away between its covers until it goes in the wash.
Is it gentler on my nose?
That’s the idea. Harsh paper is what leaves your nose red and raw after a cold; ultra-soft organic cotton gives it a rest.
Is it actually better for the environment?
A single-use tissue takes a remarkable amount of resource to make and is thrown away seconds later. If every household in the United States replaced just one box of virgin-fibre facial tissues (175 sheets) with a recycled or reusable alternative such as a HankyBook, 163,000 trees could be saved (source: NRDC). More on our Sustainability page.
Does it save money?
Over time, yes — you stop buying box after box of disposable tissues, and a HankyBook pays for itself within a few months of ordinary use.
Still stuck? Get in touch or email us — if you have any questions or need help, just shout.