How to hang clothing outside to dry and the benefits of natural air drying.
Laundry dried in the open air has a fresh smell that no fabric softener or dryer sheet can match. Hanging clothes outside to dry is not hard, nor is it time consuming. It will also save you money, in both electrical or gas costs, plus air drying is easier on your clothing allowing them to last longer.
The only three things you will need to hang clothing outside are a clothesline, clothespins and a basket to carry the laundry.
Clotheslines come in several different materials and styles. The basic clothesline is simply a thin cotton rope tied tightly between two trees or poles. A plastic coated line is also available. For multiple lines, t shaped poles are available at most garden centers. These hold four lines and can be set as far apart as you desire or space permits.
Another clothesline option is the carousel. The carousel is a single center pole with a top piece that resembles the spokes of a wheel. The line is tied to each spoke in a circular pattern at various distances from the middle.
For small spaces, a ready made retractable clothesline is available that can be attached to the side of your home. A second pole is placed in the yard. The idea of this is that the clothesline is out of sight and out of the way when not in use.
Clothespins come in two varieties. The first is simply a tubular piece of wood or plastic with a groove cut several inches into the piece. The second type is two separate pieces of wood or plastic hinged together with a spring mechanism. The spring clothespin is sturdier and will hold your clothing to the line better in a strong wind.
There are some simple tips to help your clothes dry faster when they are on the line.
1. Hang your line high enough so that bath towels do not have to be doubled over to dry.
2. To dry coats or other heavy clothing, clip to a clothes hanger to dry on the line. This will help the item to retain its shape. Be sure to use a clothespin on the hook of the hanger to keep it in place.
3. Hang shirts by the tail. Collars are generally heavier than the shirt material and will dry faster if not held in place by pins. The second benefit of this, especially for dress shirts is that the pin marks are generally tucked into pants, leaving clean lines on the shoulders.
4. Hang pants and jeans by the rear waistband. This avoids fold over marks on the legs of the pants. The fold over on the waistband will disappear beneath a belt or simply by wear.
5. Hang socks by pinning matching socks together at the top of the sock. One sock on each side of the line, with the pin between the foot openings.
6. For heavy items such as blankets and quilts, pin across two parallel lines if possible. Doubling over a single line takes much longer to dry.
7. If you want your clothing soft to the touch, hang laundry in the rain. Rain is a natural fabric softener so if you know there is a spring or summer rain shower on the way, hang your clothes and allow them to be rainwater soft and fresh.
Hanging your clothes out to dry takes no more energy on your part than using a dryer. Watching the clothes sway in the breeze is almost certain to bring a feeling of satisfaction. As you fold your clothes into the basket as you take them off the line, you will appreciate the fresh smell that only the sunshine and open air can bring.
