The clothesline is making a comeback. The invention of the dryer signaled the decline of the long-used clothesline, but clotheslines are experiencing a revival as an ecofriendly and economical way to dry clothes. Some communities have tried to ban clotheslines as unsightly, but municipalities have stepped in to legislate against such bans, amid concerns over energy costs, power conservation and global warming. Here are some tips on use a clothesline.
Buying a Clothesline
The website besthealthmag.ca offers advice on buy a clothesline. Choose a ball-bearing pulley that won't squeak; select a polyester non-metallic cord or hemp rope; choose pressurized wood or galvanized steel poles that repel rust; and pick out plastic clothespins, which are robust and long-lasting.
Clothesline Placement
The websites servicemagic.com and doityourself.com has suggestions for clothesline placement. Avoid trees and overhanging wires to prevent tree sap and bird droppings on your laundry. Find an out-of-the-way but accessible location which won't interfere with other backyard activities such as play and gardening. It may also be advisable to select a location away from the view of neighbors. Clothesline can also be used indoors, in a basement, laundry room or bath.
Hanging Clothes
Websites such as besthealthmag.ca and others have a laundry list for best utilize your clothesline. For example, if clothes are wrinkled after drying on the line, put them in the dryer on the "No heat" or "Air fluff" setting. That may save you from having to iron them.
Hang pants by the cuffs. The weight of the pants may keep the legs wrinkle free.
Use a hanger for blouses or collared shirts.
After washing your delicates in a net bag, hang the bag directly on the clothesline.
High wind could cause your clothes to get tangled in the line.
Bright sun can weaken the clothing fiber and cause fading. Remove them as soon as they are dry. Hanging white clothes in the sun can cause extra bleaching.
Capacity
The website for the "Old Farmer's Almanac" says an average load of wash uses about 35 feet of clothesline, so a line should be a little longer than that to accommodate for sag. It also says a load of spin-dried wet laundry weighs about 15 to 18 pounds, so a line should be able to hold that much.
Maintaining a Clothesline
A clothesline is not maintenance free. The website besthealthmag.ca says to clean the line frequently by wiping it down and to reduce sagging by hanging heavy items at the end of the line.
Limitations
Some items such as towels will become stiff after line drying. Put them in the dryer for five minutes to soften them before use.
