Drying clothes on a line outdoors is an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to using an electric or gas dryer. While line drying does require more time and effort than machine drying, it can save money, extend the life of your clothes, and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are our best tips for successfully line drying clothing outdoors.
Choose the Right Location
Choosing the optimal spot for your clothesline is crucial for fast and effective drying. Consider the following factors:
Sun Exposure
Look for a spot that receives direct sunlight for much of the day. Sunlight naturally sanitizes and freshens clothes as it dries them. Areas shaded by trees, buildings or overhangs will slow drying time.
Wind Flow
Breezy locations allow air to circulate around garments, speeding up drying. Pick an area clear from obstructions like fences or shrubs that can block wind.
Privacy and Security
While ventilation is important, avoid areas where passersby can easily see or access your clothesline. Set it up in a fenced backyard or blocked area for privacy and security.
Surface Underneath
Place your line over grass or dirt rather than concrete or asphalt. Softer surfaces are more forgiving if you drop any clothespins or items.
Distance From Home
Pick a spot close to where you wash clothes for efficiency in hanging and taking down laundry. Minimize carrying heavy wet loads long distances.
Set Up a Sturdy Clothesline
Investing in a high-quality clothesline designed for rugged outdoor use can make line drying smoother and prevent frustrations.
Types of Clotheslines
Retractable clotheslines neatly roll back when not in use. Try installing between two secure points like house corners.
Umbrella clotheslines fold up when collapsed. Their tall, umbrella-like canopy allows air circulation.
rotary clotheslines have multiple lines on a spinning axis for compact storage. Simply rotate to access different lines.
Material and Durability
Look for weather-resistant materials like galvanized steel, aluminum or stainless steel over plastic models. Thicker metal gauges and pipes withstand wind better.
sufficient length
Measure the space where your clothesline will hang and buy a model around 1.5 times longer to accommodate multiple loads. Optimal drying space gives best results.
secure installation
Follow manufacturer instructions carefully when installing a permanent clothesline. Use robust brackets designed for the purpose and substrate.
Use Quality Clothespins
Sturdy clothespins are a clothesline must-have to prevent drops that lead to rewashing. Consider:
Material
Wood, plastic or spring-loaded metal pins all have pros and cons. Go with stainless steel or high-density plastic for longevity.
Grip Strength
Test clothespins to ensure they have enough squeezing power to hold garments firmly in windy weather.
design
Opt for clothespins with wide mouth openings that can accommodate thicker items like jeans or towels.
Extras
Handy features include clothespins with rubber tips for no-slip grip or bag clips to group like items on the line.
Quantity
Buy lots of extra clothespins beyond what you think you’ll need for large loads. It’s easy to run out halfway through!
Set Up an Efficient System
Installing a quality clothesline is just the beginning. Make doing laundry and hanging clothes easier with these tips:
Sort As You Go
Separate clothes into lights, darks and delicates as you remove laundry from the washer. Hang similar items together on the line.
Hang Heaviest Items First
Hang thicker and heavier pieces like towels and jeans on the line first. Then fill in remaining spots with lighter items.
Group by Category
Give your clothesline organization by clipping socks together, hanging shirts in a row or grouping infant items in one section.
hang Properly
Use enough clothespins so garments don’t sag or touch the ground. Hang shirts by the seams rather than stretching them misshapen.
use Clothespin Extenders
Cheap clothespin extenders save time when hanging multiple pieces. Slide several shirts at once rather than one by one.
Follow Laundry Best Practices
Proper prep before hanging clothes out gives better end results. Here are some pre-wash tips:
Pretreat Stains
Rub stains with pretreatment or paste before washing to avoid set-in marks. Grass, makeup and food are common culprits.
Wash Similar Fabrics
Wash delicates, towels and sturdy cottons separately to prevent pilling and tangling. Check clothing tags.
Wash in Cold Water
Use cold water for dark colors to prevent fading. Reserve hot water for whites and heavily soiled items only.
line dry What Can’t Go in the Dryer
Only line dry delicates, specialty fabrics and items with screen prints to prevent damage from heat drying.
shake Out Clothes
Vigorously shake each garment before hanging to release wrinkles and prevent stiff, awkward drying.
Time Laundry for Best Drying
To take advantage of ideal outdoor drying conditions, adjust your laundry timing accordingly:
Wash Early in the Day
Finish washing loads early so clothes can hang all day. Leaving wet clothes overnight can cause mildew.
Allow Plenty of Daylight
In winter or rainy seasons, do laundry early enough so clothes dry before sundown.
Wash on Sunny, Breezy Days
Check the weather and pick bright, windy days for laundry to maximize solar and air drying. Avoid very humid days.
Consider Morning Dew
If dew typically settles overnight, bring laundry inside before bed or wait until mid-morning to hang it out.
Monitor Intermittent Showers
During mixed weather, watch for sunny breaks to hang batches of laundry. Have clothespins handy to grab clothes before showers.
Clean and Maintain Your Clothesline
With routine care, your clothesline can serve you for years. Follow these maintenance tips:
Wipe Down Regularly
Wipe cables with a wet cloth monthly to remove dirt buildup and keep them functioning smoothly.
Check for Rust
Inspect metal parts twice a year for rust spots. Sand lightly and apply touch-up paint as needed.
Tighten Hardware
Periodically check brackets, eye bolts and other hardware attachments to be sure they are securely tightened.
lubricate pulleys
Apply lubricant to pulley mechanisms on retractable clotheslines to prevent sticking and jamming.
Stow Safely When Not in Use
If your clothesline is removable, safely stow it away during windy or icy weather when not drying laundry.
Solve Common Line Drying Problems
While very convenient, line drying clothes can require some occasional troubleshooting. Try these solutions for common issues:
Problem: Clothes Drying Too Slowly
- Solution: Move clothes to a sunnier, windier spot. Separate congested items.
Problem: White Clothes Dingy and Yellowed
- Solution: Add bluing agents to rinse or wash cycle to brighten whites. Bleach as needed.
Problem: Clothes Stiff and Rough
- Solution: Use fabric softener or vinegar in wash. Shake items more before hanging.
Problem: Clothes Wrinkled After Drying
- Solution: Take down immediately when dry. Place in basket, not piled. Iron or steam if needed.
Problem: Clothespins Breaking Frequently
- Solution: Buy higher quality wooden or steel pins. Replace old pins annually.
Problem: Clothes Dropping Off Line
- Solution: Use enough pins for item weight. Place pins close to ends of garments.
Problem: Mildew Smell
- Solution: Wash with bleach. Allow more drying time. Don’t leave wet overnight.
Problem: Clothes Soaked Unexpectedly by Rain
- Solution: Check forecast before washing. Keep spare clothespins accessible to rapidly take down clothes.
Creative Clothesline Ideas
Beyond just drying clothes, you can turn your clothesline into an attractive backyard feature. Get inspired with these creative ideas:
Hang Bistro Lights or Paper Lanterns
Encircle your clothesline with charming string lighting for ambient evening flair. Lanterns also add pops of color.
Plant Blooming Vines Along the Poles
Cypress vines, hydrangeas or clematis can wind attractively up clothesline poles. Grow visually appealing flowers and greens.
Display Art or Photos on the Line
Use mini clothespins to hang up your kids’ art pieces, vacation photos or nature finds along the line.
Air Out Stuffed Animals or Pet Beds
Let fresh air permeate stuffed toys, pet beds and pillows by setting them outdoors on a clothesline.
Fluff and Freshen Pillows
Restore fluffy softness to pillows by letting them air dry in the sunshine for a few hours.
Enjoy the Benefits of Line Drying
Despite a bit more time and labor involved, line drying your laundry has many excellent benefits:
Saves money on utilities by avoiding electric or gas dryers. Air drying costs nothing!
Environmentally friendly by reducing energy consumption and not releasing vent heat outdoors.
Clothes last longer without heat damage from dryers. Especially important for delicates.
Fabrics feel fresher thanks to natural sanitizing from sunlight and wind.
Whitens whites via sun bleaching. Whites come out whiter naturally.
Prevents static cling since no heat is involved. Clothes without cling are more comfortable to wear.
Offers a chore alternative to keep kids occupied. Have them help hang and take down clothes.
Provides time outdoors to monitor kids playing while hanging laundry. Multitask!
With the right tools and techniques, line drying clothes can become an enjoyable routine. Follow these tips to simplify the process and get optimal drying results for all your laundry. Harnessing natural sunlight and breeze to dry clothes saves money and gives fabrics a fresher feel you can’t get from a machine dryer. Discover the satisfaction of beautifully air-dried laundry you’ve hung yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions About Line Drying Clothes Outdoors
What are the main benefits of line drying clothes instead of using a dryer?
The main benefits are saving money on utility bills, being eco-friendly by conserving energy, extending the life of clothes by avoiding heat damage, and getting garments fresh and sanitized naturally from the sun and wind.
Does line drying prevent clothes from shrinking?
Yes, the low heat of line drying helps prevent shrinkage caused by the high heat of dryers. It’s especially useful for drying delicates prone to shrinkage.
Is clothing dried on a clothesline less wrinkled than machine dried items?
Line dried clothes are typically less wrinkled since the garments are moved by the wind instead of tumbling. Promptly removing clothes also avoids wrinkles.
Does line drying clothing help them last longer?
Definitely! The heat and tumbling motion inside dryers breaks down fibers faster over time. Low heat line drying extends the lifespan of all fabrics.
What are some creative ways to use a clothesline besides just drying laundry?
Get creative by hanging lights, artwork or photographs with mini clothespins. Or use it to air out stuffed animals, pet beds, or pillows. Vining plants also add visual appeal.
What time of day is best to hang laundry to line dry?
The early morning after any dew has evaporated is ideal. Clothes will dry fastest if hung first thing in the morning to take advantage of sunlight all day long.
Is there anything you should not line dry?
Avoid line drying delicates like lingerie as the sunlight can damage elastic and fabrics over time. Sheer fabrics may also become see-through when wet.
How can I stop my white clothes from getting yellowed or dingy when line drying?
Add bluing agents to the wash or rinse cycle to prevent graying of whites. Bleach whites periodically to remove stains and yellow discoloration from sun exposure.
What laundry products or techniques help minimize wrinkles when line drying?
Using fabric softener, vinegar or liquid softener in the wash helps prevent wrinkles. Shake items vigorously before hanging to remove existing wrinkles.
How do I ensure clothes dry fast even in damp or humid weather?
Optimize airflow by spacing clothes apart on the line. Choose the sunniest yard location available and wash clothes early so they can dry thoroughly.