Urban Blog

The clothesline was a backyard staple for many years before the dryer became one of life’s greatest luxuries.  Now the dryer is one of life’s necessities.  But if you’re looking to reduce your electric bill and your carbon footprint, consider drying your clothes on a clothesline.  Here are some tips to drying your clothes outside.

Line Height

To maximize your clothesline usage, make sure your line is high enough off the ground to hold sheets and towels without touching the ground.  Approximately 5 ½’ off the ground is a good start.  You do not want it too far off the ground as this makes it difficult to reach for some people.  I will tell you in a minute another trick to keep your items from dragging the ground.

Space

Make sure there is enough space for air to circulate freely around your clothes.  This allows for shorter drying times.  If you are using a terraced, single pole clothesline, consider drying clothes on one day, sheets and towels on a different day. 

Fabric Softener

Ok, I admit it.  I don’t like drying my clothes on the line because it feels like I’m wearing cardboard the next day.  By adding some fabric softener to your wash loads, your clothes will feel softer and smell fresher.  A quick snap or shake out of your clothes before hanging will also prevent as many wrinkles from forming. 

Clothes Pins

Find a medium sized container with a handle that will hold your clothes pins and allow them to be carried easier.  

When to hang your clothes

Try to have your clothes washed and on the line by noon.  This will allow for plenty of direct sun and warm circulating air.  Remove your clothes from the line before the sun goes down and the evening dampness sets in. 

When not to hang your clothes

Avoid hanging your clothes out to dry when humidity is high.  For all you smarty pants out there, I’m not talking about when it’s raining.  I am referring to the dog days of summer when the relative humidity hovers between 80-90%.  It will take a long time to dry and there is not a pleasant “fresh air” smell to your clothes.   

Last thoughts

To keep your long items from dragging the ground, consider an 8 foot long, 2”x2” post, available at any home improvement store or lumber store.  At the very end of the post, insert a screw or nail at a 45 degree angle.  When the weight on the clothesline causes your clothes to drag the ground, raise the line off the ground with your pole.

For fresh towels, consider a tablespoon of bleach in your wash cycle (hot water if they’re not colored towels).  The bleach, along with the direct sunlight, will kill the bacteria that causes them to smell.

Drying your clothes outdoors will give all of your clothes a cleaner, fresher smell, and prolong their life.  You can also reduce your electric bill in the process.  If you want to add a clothesline to your backyard, check out the options at www.urbanclotheslines.com or contact us at www.urbanclotheslines.com/contact .