Answer Angel: Handkerchiefs

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Nov 3, 2026

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I inherited some really pretty handkerchiefs from my grandmother and aunt. Some have had stitched borders or interesting designs from the 1940s and ‘50s.

Rather than just letting them sit in a drawer, I actually would like to use them — perhaps in place of Kleenex tissues, which, I admit, I use a lot of due to my allergies.

Do people actually use handkerchiefs today to blow their nose? Or are they just for show?

--Sara D.

Dear Sara: I’m going with “show” — not “blow.”

Yes, some people (including at least one I am related to) use handkerchiefs to blow their noses. But consider the ick factor! Kleenex came up with the “disposable facial tissue” in 1924 and other brands of tissues ensued.

I have bought a couple of vintage hankies in antique shops and framed them myself with low-price frames from Michaels ( michaels.com ). So, that’s one use for your handkerchiefs.

Here are a few more: Sprinkle them with your favorite fragrance and put them in your dresser drawers to make sweaters, underwear, etc. smell nice. Tuck one in your blazer chest pocket or tie it as a decoration on a purse. If any of the hankies are extra large, a neck scarf or bandana is another option.

Let’s hear from readers who have found new uses for old hankies.

And while on the topic…

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’m the parent of two kids so I log a lot of miles in the car taking them to school and after-school sports. I’m always reaching for a tissue to clean up some spill or accident. But I haven’t found a good solution to keeping the box of Kleenex close at hand. Often the box is on the floor of the passenger seat, which is a big reach when you’re the driver. Similarly, digging around in my purse isn’t very efficient or speedy if there’s a face to be wiped or a spill to be corralled fast. Can you suggest some options?

--Jan T.

Dear Jan: I immediately thought about a tissue holder that clips to your visor and there are many to choose from on Amazon. The downside is they don’t hold very many tissues. Constantly having to refill the thing seems like a problem you shouldn’t have to tackle. You’re busy enough!

But there are more options that had never occurred to me. My Amazon search turned up a vinyl holder for a full-size Kleenex box with a slit to pull the tissue from. It attaches to the side of the front passenger seat with a couple of straps, putting it within easy reach of the driver. I’ve tried one that attaches to the back of the passenger headrest but it didn’t stay put very well. Maybe you’ll have better luck.

And then … I came across what I consider a breakthrough in the car accessory world: a tissue canister that holds 50 Kleenex and fits perfectly in the drink holder between the front seats. Wow!

Of course, they’re not perfect. They only have 50 tissues and I immediately could tell they were not as “thick” as regular Kleenex. That’s because they’re only 2-ply. The ones that come in those cube-shaped boxes or the rectangular classic are 3-ply and that makes a difference. Also, you’re giving up a cup holder space. But to me the convenience is worth it.

One more thing: If you haven’t bought a “car gap filler” you’re missing out. It’s a skinny pillow-like thing to jam into the crevice between the seat and the console. It prevents your phone, earring, pen or whatnot from disappearing down there into the abyss and requiring a lot of anguish and gymnastics to retrieve the thing (amazon.com, two for $9.99 or up).

Angelic Readers

Help from readers who understand the importance of the soft bed pillow that reader Susan S. can’t seem to find to replace her worn out one…

Sandy B. writes that she’s super picky and had been looking for 30 years until she found the “fantastic” Canadian Down & Feather Co. (canadiandownandfeather.com). Ellen G. recommends Macy’s Charter House down pillows (macys.com). Theresa T., like Susan S., prefers a “gusseted” pillow and found her ideal at cuddledown.com. Jo A. has a DIY suggestion to revive a down/feather pillow: “Put the pillow in the dryer with a damp washcloth and tennis ball. Run the dryer for a few minutes on low. If the pillow is dirty, take it to a dry cleaner. This also works for down/feather comforters.”