BERNAMA/DPA – Cloth handkerchiefs are making a comeback as people seek more sustainable alternatives for handling sneezes, reversing their reputation as outdated and unhygienic. However, proper washing and storage are essential.
Using a cloth handkerchief instead of disposable tissues benefits natural resources, as producing sanitary paper – such as tissues – requires wood, energy, and water, according to the German Environment Agency.
Additionally, discarded tissues cannot be recycled into new paper products, unlike cloth handkerchiefs, which can be reused multiple times.
While producing cotton handkerchiefs still requires natural resources, they have the advantage of longevity and can easily fit into a fully loaded washing machine.
However, hygiene concerns remain, as scientists warn about the potential for germs to linger.
A used cloth handkerchief may sit in a pocket or laundry basket for some time before being washed. But are they less hygienic than tissues? A professor of microbiology and hygiene at Furtwangen University in Germany Markus Egert noted that there is little research comparing the two.
In general, disposable products, though not necessarily more sustainable, tend to be more hygienic.
When dealing with a sinus infection, nasal discharge contains high concentrations of infectious bacteria and viruses.
The moisture in mucus allows these pathogens to survive for hours or even days in a handkerchief.
The way handkerchiefs are handled also matters – while tissues are discarded immediately, cloth handkerchiefs are often carried around, increasing the risk of transferring germs to surfaces like door handles.
According to Egert, cloth handkerchiefs are most suitable for non-infectious conditions such as hay fever, whereas tissues are preferable for severe colds.
For an eco-friendly alternative, he suggests using tissues made from recycled paper.
For those who prefer cloth handkerchiefs, proper handling is key. Rather than crumpling them up, allow them to dry after use to reduce moisture retention.
Wash your hands after touching a used handkerchief and store it separately to minimise germ spread.
Regular washing is crucial, especially if the handkerchief has been used by someone with a cold. Bernd Glassl from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) recommended washing them at 60 Degrees Celcius (°C) with a universal detergent containing bleach to effectively remove stains, bacteria, and viruses.
There is no need to wash handkerchiefs separately as long as they are laundered at the correct temperature with bleach-based detergent.
They can be washed alongside white bed linens.
However, damp, used handkerchiefs left in a laundry basket can contaminate other fabrics. If washed at lower temperatures, such as 30°C, some pathogens may survive.
To ensure thorough cleaning, store used handkerchiefs with textiles intended for a 60°C wash and use a bleach-based detergent.
