We’ve lived here at the farmhouse for over 3 years now with no AC (yes, by choice), and that has meant getting creative to help beat the heat in the summer. I learned pretty quick how to line dry clothes because a dryer can really heat up the house fast!
Not only does it help with the temperatures and save money, but it’s also great for the environment and even better for the soul. Here’s why you should give it a try and some tips to get you started.
Why Line Dry Clothes?
1. Save Money: With three kiddos, our laundry never ends. Learning how to line dry clothes can cut down on your electricity bill significantly. The dryer is one of the most energy-hungry appliances in the home, so why not give it a break?
2. Extend the Life of Your Clothes: The heat and tumbling of a dryer can be tough on fabrics (especially cloth diapers.) Line drying is much gentler, meaning your clothes will look better and last longer. Plus, who doesn’t love that fresh, crisp feel of air-dried sheets?
3. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Dryers consume a lot of energy. By line drying, you’re reducing your household’s carbon emissions, one load at a time. This is something that matters a lot to many people, and it’s a great way to steward our resources.
4. Enjoy the Outdoors: If you’re trying to spend more time outside (and who isn’t?), learning how to line dry clothes is a perfect excuse. It’s a simple pleasure to feel the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair while you hang up your clothes. Bonus points if you do it barefoot!
5. Natural Freshness: We don’t use fabric softeners or dryer sheets, so our laundry sometimes smells a lot like, well, nothing. I love some good smelling laundry, though. When you line dry, your clothes take on the freshest scent of sunshine and the outdoors. It’s one of my favorite smells in the world.
Tips for How to Line Dry Clothes
1. Choose the Right Line and Pins: Invest in a sturdy clothesline and good-quality clothespins. I recommend wooden pins—they’re durable and eco-friendly. Make sure your line is taut to prevent sagging.
2. Location, Location, Location: Set up your clothesline in a sunny, breezy spot. This speeds up drying and helps keep your clothes fresh. If you have the space, consider a retractable line that you can put away when not in use.
3. Timing Matters: Plan your laundry days around the weather. A bright, sunny day is perfect for line drying. Avoid line drying if there’s rain in the forecast unless you have an indoor line option.
4. Shake and Hang Properly: Give each item a good shake before hanging it up. I like to shake each item a few times and make sure it “snaps” once or twice. This helps reduce wrinkles. Hang shirts from the bottom hem and pants from the waistband to prevent awkward indentations.
5. Mind the Sun: While sunlight is great for bleaching whites and lightening stains, it can fade colored fabrics. Turn colored and dark clothes inside out to protect them from direct sunlight or dry them in a shadier spot.
6. Softening Fabric: I personally love the crispness that line drying gives clothes. It’s like a little starch and iron without all the work. But some people find their clothes to be a little too crunchy when they line dry. Here’s some tips to beat that rough feeling:
- Don’t overstuff your washer and don’t use too much detergent to ensure it all washes out
- Add a bit of vinegar or baking soda to the wash as a natural fabric softener
- The wind is your best friend because it fluffs the fibers. If it’s not a windy day, be sure to shake out your laundry vigorously and/or throw it in the dryer for a short 10 minute cycle after you hang it to help fluff those fibers. This is especially helpful with towels.
7. Get the Kids Involved: Line drying is a fantastic chore for kids. They can help pin up clothes, take them down, and fold. It’s a great way to teach them about sustainability and responsibility. My 3 year old likes to “help” by having imaginary sword fights while I do the heavy lifting.
Final Thoughts
Line drying might seem like a small change, but it brings numerous benefits to your home, your wallet, and the planet. Plus, it adds a touch of old-fashioned charm to your daily routine. Give it a try, and you might find that it’s one of the most rewarding changes you’ve made in your homemaking journey.
So grab your clothespins and head outside—happy drying!
I hope you found these tips helpful! If you have any questions or want to share your own line drying experiences and tips, drop a comment below. Let’s keep this old-fashioned conversation going!
Thanks for visiting!