Difference between revisions of "Dry Clothes Outside"
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# Understand the benefits of drying your clothes outdoors. There are a number of great benefits to drying clothes outdoors, as listed here: | # Understand the benefits of drying your clothes outdoors. There are a number of great benefits to drying clothes outdoors, as listed here: | ||
#*Your clothes, [[Remove Spots from Linen|linens]], and other fabric items will smell fresh. | #*Your clothes, [[Remove Spots from Linen|linens]], and other fabric items will smell fresh. | ||
| − | #*Sunlight is a natural sanitizing and [[Bleach Your Clothing|bleaching]] agent.<ref>Cheryl Mendelsohn, ''Home Comforts: The art and science of keeping house'', p. 332, (2001), ISBN 0-304-35624-7</ref> It's perfect for killing insects, bacteria, and other germs. | + | #*Sunlight is a natural sanitizing and [[Bleach Your Clothing|bleaching]] agent.<ref name="rf1">Cheryl Mendelsohn, ''Home Comforts: The art and science of keeping house'', p. 332, (2001), ISBN 0-304-35624-7</ref> It's perfect for killing insects, bacteria, and other germs. |
| − | #*Clotheslines only need energy when they're manufactured. [[Prevent Dryer Fires|Dryers]] use energy every single time they're used. The savings to you of using a clothesline is about US$120 per year (based on usage of an electric dryer with 400 yearly loads).<ref>http://www.simpleecology.com/eco/clothesline.html</ref> | + | #*Clotheslines only need energy when they're manufactured. [[Prevent Dryer Fires|Dryers]] use energy every single time they're used. The savings to you of using a clothesline is about US$120 per year (based on usage of an electric dryer with 400 yearly loads).<ref name="rf2">http://www.simpleecology.com/eco/clothesline.html</ref> |
#*Line drying is kinder to your clothes than the dryer; clothes last longer the more they're kept ''out'' of the dryer. Line drying is also better for items with printed elements, such as t-shirts. And if you wonder why the elastic in your socks and panties is disappearing fast, blame the dryer... | #*Line drying is kinder to your clothes than the dryer; clothes last longer the more they're kept ''out'' of the dryer. Line drying is also better for items with printed elements, such as t-shirts. And if you wonder why the elastic in your socks and panties is disappearing fast, blame the dryer... | ||
#*If you're already buying and using eco-friendly washing products, what is the point of then using an energy-guzzling dryer? Extend your convictions to the drying cycle too! | #*If you're already buying and using eco-friendly washing products, what is the point of then using an energy-guzzling dryer? Extend your convictions to the drying cycle too! | ||
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#*You'll start noticing the sunny days in between the rainy ones more. They're your "washing days"! | #*You'll start noticing the sunny days in between the rainy ones more. They're your "washing days"! | ||
#*Clotheslines don't tend to spontaneously combust no matter how much you mistreat them. Dryers can cause fires if poorly maintained, accounting for 15 deaths a year, 360 injuries a year, and 17,700 structure fires a year! | #*Clotheslines don't tend to spontaneously combust no matter how much you mistreat them. Dryers can cause fires if poorly maintained, accounting for 15 deaths a year, 360 injuries a year, and 17,700 structure fires a year! | ||
| − | # Install a clothesline. This can be as simple as a [[Make a Clothes Line|cord you put up yourself]]. These days, there are excellent foldaway rack options available made from lovely new materials that won't snag your clothes. There are also retractable clotheslines, freestanding-frame rotary (umbrella) clotheslines, and pulley clotheslines for loading clothes from a fixed location.<ref | + | # Install a clothesline. This can be as simple as a [[Make a Clothes Line|cord you put up yourself]]. These days, there are excellent foldaway rack options available made from lovely new materials that won't snag your clothes. There are also retractable clotheslines, freestanding-frame rotary (umbrella) clotheslines, and pulley clotheslines for loading clothes from a fixed location.<ref name="rf2" /> And while a retractable or foldaway clothesline might be more convenient, the old-fashioned clothesline hung between two wooden posts or other convenient places (a T-pole design) works just as well if you can't afford a new clothesline. Nylon rope works very well, but anything - even spare telephone wire - will do, as long as you cover any sharp wire ends with [[Use Duct Tape|duct tape]] or similar, to avoid catching the clothes. |
#*Buy a quality clothesline apparatus if you're purchasing one. It'll last longer and therefore justifies its manufacture over the more flimsy versions. Australian and New Zealand brand clotheslines are a good choice because hanging clothes on the line has never gone out of fashion in these two countries, and they've continued to develop clotheslines over the decades, to reflect modernized tastes and needs. | #*Buy a quality clothesline apparatus if you're purchasing one. It'll last longer and therefore justifies its manufacture over the more flimsy versions. Australian and New Zealand brand clotheslines are a good choice because hanging clothes on the line has never gone out of fashion in these two countries, and they've continued to develop clotheslines over the decades, to reflect modernized tastes and needs. | ||
#*It's also a good idea to buy a clothes horse. This can be used for a variety of [[Hand Wash Delicates|delicate clothing]] items or for small loads that you'd like to place just outside the door, on a porch (with a waterproof floor), or to catch an unusual patch of sunshine in your yard that might not be big enough for the clothesline. If there is a child around, as there may well be considering these are perfect for diapers, get one with safely-spaced rods instead of potentially dangerous strings. The clothes horse has the benefit of being portable, so you can even "chase the sun" if you like as the shadows move around your yard and house! | #*It's also a good idea to buy a clothes horse. This can be used for a variety of [[Hand Wash Delicates|delicate clothing]] items or for small loads that you'd like to place just outside the door, on a porch (with a waterproof floor), or to catch an unusual patch of sunshine in your yard that might not be big enough for the clothesline. If there is a child around, as there may well be considering these are perfect for diapers, get one with safely-spaced rods instead of potentially dangerous strings. The clothes horse has the benefit of being portable, so you can even "chase the sun" if you like as the shadows move around your yard and house! | ||
# Purchase clothespins. The old-fashioned wooden clothespin, which is harder to find nowadays, is shaped like a prong. The modern clothespin is a clip type. Also, pins are available in metal and plastic as well as wood. Stainless steel pins will last much longer then either wood or plastic; the best of these can easily secure bedding and other heavy items and they won’t rust or decay. While the wooden ones usually last longer than plastic, they can catch on clothing and can become damp and mildewed in contact with wet clothing, so be sure to check for good quality ones and allow them to dry prior to storage if they get wet. Yet, provided the clothespins are in good condition, all types are fine and it just depends on what you prefer and what's available. | # Purchase clothespins. The old-fashioned wooden clothespin, which is harder to find nowadays, is shaped like a prong. The modern clothespin is a clip type. Also, pins are available in metal and plastic as well as wood. Stainless steel pins will last much longer then either wood or plastic; the best of these can easily secure bedding and other heavy items and they won’t rust or decay. While the wooden ones usually last longer than plastic, they can catch on clothing and can become damp and mildewed in contact with wet clothing, so be sure to check for good quality ones and allow them to dry prior to storage if they get wet. Yet, provided the clothespins are in good condition, all types are fine and it just depends on what you prefer and what's available. | ||
#*The best stainless steel clothespins can be found on Amazon.com as Extreme Pegs. | #*The best stainless steel clothespins can be found on Amazon.com as Extreme Pegs. | ||
| − | #*Stainless steel and the old-fashioned wooden push-down clothespins are ideal for sheets, towels, play clothes, and any other items that won't pull out of shape or stretch.[8]<ref>Cheryl Mendelsohn, ''Home Comforts: The art and science of keeping house'', p. 334, (2001), ISBN 0-304-35624-7</ref> | + | #*Stainless steel and the old-fashioned wooden push-down clothespins are ideal for sheets, towels, play clothes, and any other items that won't pull out of shape or stretch.[8]<ref name="rf3">Cheryl Mendelsohn, ''Home Comforts: The art and science of keeping house'', p. 334, (2001), ISBN 0-304-35624-7</ref> |
| − | #*Stainless steel or plastic clip-on pins are best for [[Choose Comfortable Underwear|underwear]], t-shirts, knit dresses, knits, and stretch wear.<ref>Cheryl Mendelsohn, ''Home Comforts: The art and science of keeping house'', p. 335, (2001), ISBN 0-304-35624-7</ref> | + | #*Stainless steel or plastic clip-on pins are best for [[Choose Comfortable Underwear|underwear]], t-shirts, knit dresses, knits, and stretch wear.<ref name="rf4">Cheryl Mendelsohn, ''Home Comforts: The art and science of keeping house'', p. 335, (2001), ISBN 0-304-35624-7</ref> |
#*Don't leave plastic or wooden clothespins sitting on the clothesline. They will deteriorate rapidly in the elements, and your clothes will risk being [[Remove an Iodine Stain|stained]] or ripped by them as a result. Keep a clothespin container in the laundry, an old tissue box works great for these. An other option is to put them in a bag which can hang over your shoulder. You'll never have to bend to get the pins! | #*Don't leave plastic or wooden clothespins sitting on the clothesline. They will deteriorate rapidly in the elements, and your clothes will risk being [[Remove an Iodine Stain|stained]] or ripped by them as a result. Keep a clothespin container in the laundry, an old tissue box works great for these. An other option is to put them in a bag which can hang over your shoulder. You'll never have to bend to get the pins! | ||
| − | # Know what can be hung on the clothesline. Not all garments or fabrics should hang on the outside line, as some could be damaged. Items that stretch when wet such as wool and loosely knitted garments should be dried flat on a sweater drying rack. This can still be placed outside, perhaps on a table or other clean surface. Some items might not look as good after line drying, such as [[Keep Flannelette Sheets Free of Fluff|flannelette]], terry cloth, chenille, and napped or pile fabrics,<ref>Cheryl Mendelsohn, ''Home Comforts: The art and science of keeping house'', p. 333, (2001), ISBN 0-304-35624-7</ref> but it pays to test each item rather than assume the item won't look good, as most fabrics will line dry fine. | + | # Know what can be hung on the clothesline. Not all garments or fabrics should hang on the outside line, as some could be damaged. Items that stretch when wet such as wool and loosely knitted garments should be dried flat on a sweater drying rack. This can still be placed outside, perhaps on a table or other clean surface. Some items might not look as good after line drying, such as [[Keep Flannelette Sheets Free of Fluff|flannelette]], terry cloth, chenille, and napped or pile fabrics,<ref name="rf5">Cheryl Mendelsohn, ''Home Comforts: The art and science of keeping house'', p. 333, (2001), ISBN 0-304-35624-7</ref> but it pays to test each item rather than assume the item won't look good, as most fabrics will line dry fine. |
#*Sleeping bags and [[Wash Duvets|duvets]] don't always dry so well on the clothesline because the down can drop to one end. To avoid this, hang them across several lines, as if they were like a tablecloth covering a table. This will evenly distribute the weight. | #*Sleeping bags and [[Wash Duvets|duvets]] don't always dry so well on the clothesline because the down can drop to one end. To avoid this, hang them across several lines, as if they were like a tablecloth covering a table. This will evenly distribute the weight. | ||
#*Flat dry delicates rather than hanging them on the clothesline. And naturally, if the care label says not to dry in direct sunlight, hang the item over the clothes horse in the shade or indoors instead. | #*Flat dry delicates rather than hanging them on the clothesline. And naturally, if the care label says not to dry in direct sunlight, hang the item over the clothes horse in the shade or indoors instead. | ||
#*Many people grumble about the stiffness of [[Decorate Guest Towels|towels]] after a dry outside. While that probably says more about how "soft" we've become over the years, there are some things you can do to decrease the stiffness. Towels that dry ''faster'' on the line can feel softer, such as hanging them out on a ''windy'', warm sunny day, or you could even compromise and give them a quick 5 minute tumble in the dryer before hanging them up or after bringing them in off the line. Adding [[Make Your Own Vinegar|vinegar]] to the rinse cycle might also help to reduce towel stiffness. Or, just get used to it; yes, the towels can feel stiff but notice how quickly they soften after a few dries and compare the stiffness to the wonderful clean, fresh smell of a towel – indeed, skip the [[Make an Exfoliator With Fruit Seeds|exfoliator]] and use your towel instead! And check out the softening advice below when hanging the towel on the clothesline. | #*Many people grumble about the stiffness of [[Decorate Guest Towels|towels]] after a dry outside. While that probably says more about how "soft" we've become over the years, there are some things you can do to decrease the stiffness. Towels that dry ''faster'' on the line can feel softer, such as hanging them out on a ''windy'', warm sunny day, or you could even compromise and give them a quick 5 minute tumble in the dryer before hanging them up or after bringing them in off the line. Adding [[Make Your Own Vinegar|vinegar]] to the rinse cycle might also help to reduce towel stiffness. Or, just get used to it; yes, the towels can feel stiff but notice how quickly they soften after a few dries and compare the stiffness to the wonderful clean, fresh smell of a towel – indeed, skip the [[Make an Exfoliator With Fruit Seeds|exfoliator]] and use your towel instead! And check out the softening advice below when hanging the towel on the clothesline. | ||
| − | # Choose good drying weather. If it's possible, hang your clothes and other items on the line when the weather is [[Survive a Stretch of Sunny, Dry Weather|sunny]], warm and dry, with a moderate breeze. This is the best drying weather of all, as the breeze will "iron out" the wrinkles for you and speed up drying time.<ref | + | # Choose good drying weather. If it's possible, hang your clothes and other items on the line when the weather is [[Survive a Stretch of Sunny, Dry Weather|sunny]], warm and dry, with a moderate breeze. This is the best drying weather of all, as the breeze will "iron out" the wrinkles for you and speed up drying time.<ref name="rf5" /> However, clothes will dry in a variety of weather types and even in the shade. Cold weather drying does require that you put the clothes out first thing in the morning and collect them before the evening dampness moves in. Never store clothing that is damp, as doing so risks growing mildew. |
#*It is more important to have a good breeze than it is to have direct sunlight. | #*It is more important to have a good breeze than it is to have direct sunlight. | ||
#*Avoid hanging clothes out on extremely windy days. Unless you'd like to find your sheets and [[Buy Panties|panties]] in your neighbor's yard... A very windy day is hard on clothes in the same way that a dryer is hard on clothes, and there is an increased risk of clothes catching on wire, plants, and anything else abutting the clothesline and ripping. | #*Avoid hanging clothes out on extremely windy days. Unless you'd like to find your sheets and [[Buy Panties|panties]] in your neighbor's yard... A very windy day is hard on clothes in the same way that a dryer is hard on clothes, and there is an increased risk of clothes catching on wire, plants, and anything else abutting the clothesline and ripping. | ||
| − | #*Don't hang clothes out when it's freezing. Not only is it a very painful experience for you but they will take too long to dry and if it's really cold, anything left out there will freeze. Since water expands when it freezes, so too will the fibers in your clothes and they won't necessarily revert to the same shape that they went out.<ref | + | #*Don't hang clothes out when it's freezing. Not only is it a very painful experience for you but they will take too long to dry and if it's really cold, anything left out there will freeze. Since water expands when it freezes, so too will the fibers in your clothes and they won't necessarily revert to the same shape that they went out.<ref name="rf3" /> While once people had no choice but to hang clothing outdoors in freezing weather, now we know better. |
# Run an extra spin cycle if your [[Clean the Inside of a Washing Machine|washing machine]] has one. This will help drive excess water off and save time. Otherwise, simply wash your laundry as usual. Then, remove the clothing from the washing machine and take it to the clothesline in a laundry basket. If a shorter drying time is not needed, save the cost of electricity for the extra spin if the laundry can be left on the line longer. | # Run an extra spin cycle if your [[Clean the Inside of a Washing Machine|washing machine]] has one. This will help drive excess water off and save time. Otherwise, simply wash your laundry as usual. Then, remove the clothing from the washing machine and take it to the clothesline in a laundry basket. If a shorter drying time is not needed, save the cost of electricity for the extra spin if the laundry can be left on the line longer. | ||
#*Plastic laundry [[Create a Beautiful Gift Basket|baskets]] are best because they don't catch on the clothes and they don't stain clothes. While cane baskets are rustic and pretty, they can leave stains on clothes, and can easily catch on clothing where they have poorly finished or broken cane ends. | #*Plastic laundry [[Create a Beautiful Gift Basket|baskets]] are best because they don't catch on the clothes and they don't stain clothes. While cane baskets are rustic and pretty, they can leave stains on clothes, and can easily catch on clothing where they have poorly finished or broken cane ends. | ||
| − | # Pin up the clothes. Hang the clothes on the line so that they don't slip and then put the pin on. It is usual to turn the clothes over the line to a length of about 2.95–3.9 inches, 7.5–10cm to ensure that the clothes won't come off but hang heavier pieces about one third to a halfway over the line to prevent them falling off.<ref | + | # Pin up the clothes. Hang the clothes on the line so that they don't slip and then put the pin on. It is usual to turn the clothes over the line to a length of about 2.95–3.9 inches, 7.5–10cm to ensure that the clothes won't come off but hang heavier pieces about one third to a halfway over the line to prevent them falling off.<ref name="rf4" /> Err on the side of turning over more of the clothing on windier days, to provide more grip. To prevent clothes pin imprints on clothing, try to pin the clothes in discreet locations. If you hang clothes with care, line drying can often result in clothing that dries without wrinkles, saving on [[Iron|ironing]] time.<ref name="rf5" /> Here are some specific tips for hanging different types of clothing: |
#*Hang t-shirts by folding the hem a little over the line and pinning on at each end. | #*Hang t-shirts by folding the hem a little over the line and pinning on at each end. | ||
| − | #*Hang shorts and pants/trousers by the [[Increase the Waistline of a Skirt|waistband]] on the line if you want to minimize wrinkles.<ref>Penguin Books, ''Household Hints'', p. 181, (2006), ISBN 0-14-300474-3</ref> | + | #*Hang shorts and pants/trousers by the [[Increase the Waistline of a Skirt|waistband]] on the line if you want to minimize wrinkles.<ref name="rf6">Penguin Books, ''Household Hints'', p. 181, (2006), ISBN 0-14-300474-3</ref> |
| − | #*Hang [[Dress Up That Little Black Dress|dresses]] from the shoulders if straight, from the hem if it has a full or gathered skirt, or from hangers if possible (hangers mean less wrinkles).<ref | + | #*Hang [[Dress Up That Little Black Dress|dresses]] from the shoulders if straight, from the hem if it has a full or gathered skirt, or from hangers if possible (hangers mean less wrinkles).<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*Hang straight skirts by turning over the waistband and pin each side; hang gathered or full skirts by the hem.<ref | + | #*Hang straight skirts by turning over the waistband and pin each side; hang gathered or full skirts by the hem.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*Hang [[Recycle Your Socks|socks]] by the toes, bras by the hook end, and fold the waistband of underpants over the line and pin either side onto the line. Fold [[Make a Handkerchief|handkerchiefs]] in half over the line and pin at each end.<ref | + | #*Hang [[Recycle Your Socks|socks]] by the toes, bras by the hook end, and fold the waistband of underpants over the line and pin either side onto the line. Fold [[Make a Handkerchief|handkerchiefs]] in half over the line and pin at each end.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*Hang towels by folding them over the line one end and pinning each end. To help achieve a softer dry, shake towels a lot before hanging them on the line, with a "snap". Doing this loosens the pile. Do it again when removing them from the line.<ref | + | #*Hang towels by folding them over the line one end and pinning each end. To help achieve a softer dry, shake towels a lot before hanging them on the line, with a "snap". Doing this loosens the pile. Do it again when removing them from the line.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*Hang [[Make Curtains from Bed Sheets|sheets]] by folding hem to hem, pinning one hem over the line, then pinning the other hem to the corners of the first hem, just a few inches/centimeters inside the first hem corners. Have the sheet open toward the wind, to allow it to billow like a sail, and run your hands down the edges to ensure it is hanging square and even.<ref | + | #*Hang [[Make Curtains from Bed Sheets|sheets]] by folding hem to hem, pinning one hem over the line, then pinning the other hem to the corners of the first hem, just a few inches/centimeters inside the first hem corners. Have the sheet open toward the wind, to allow it to billow like a sail, and run your hands down the edges to ensure it is hanging square and even.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #*Widthwise is best for hanging items such as sheets, [[Choose a Tablecloth Size|tablecloths]], and flatwork because it takes up less space on the line and puts the stress on the warp yarns (the yarns that run lengthwise), which are stronger than the filling yarns.<ref | + | #*Widthwise is best for hanging items such as sheets, [[Choose a Tablecloth Size|tablecloths]], and flatwork because it takes up less space on the line and puts the stress on the warp yarns (the yarns that run lengthwise), which are stronger than the filling yarns.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#*Hang blankets and other heavy items across two lines, or more, as needed. | #*Hang blankets and other heavy items across two lines, or more, as needed. | ||
#*When hanging 100 percent [[Shrink Cotton Fabrics|cotton]] items, don't pull wet clothing and pin as this may cause items to widen. | #*When hanging 100 percent [[Shrink Cotton Fabrics|cotton]] items, don't pull wet clothing and pin as this may cause items to widen. | ||
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*Airborne pollen may cling to clothes, so watch out for your outside clothes-drying aggravating your allergies. If it does, use a dryer in the spring. | *Airborne pollen may cling to clothes, so watch out for your outside clothes-drying aggravating your allergies. If it does, use a dryer in the spring. | ||
*You can dry clothes in your basement during the winter if the clothes are wrung out well before hand. A front loader washing machine works better at getting the clothes wrung out than a top loader. Clothes can also be dried indoors on racks. However, avoid doing this if you live in an already humid environment, as you'll be increasing the humidity. | *You can dry clothes in your basement during the winter if the clothes are wrung out well before hand. A front loader washing machine works better at getting the clothes wrung out than a top loader. Clothes can also be dried indoors on racks. However, avoid doing this if you live in an already humid environment, as you'll be increasing the humidity. | ||
| − | *An old folding table can be easily turned into a sweater-drying stand. Simply remove the table top and replace with nylon netting (or similar waterproof surface).<ref>New Zealand Woman's Weekly, ''Book of Household Hints'', (2001), ISBN 1-877214-04-3</ref> The beauty of this is that it can be easily folded away when not in use! | + | *An old folding table can be easily turned into a sweater-drying stand. Simply remove the table top and replace with nylon netting (or similar waterproof surface).<ref name="rf7">New Zealand Woman's Weekly, ''Book of Household Hints'', (2001), ISBN 1-877214-04-3</ref> The beauty of this is that it can be easily folded away when not in use! |
| − | *Clothespins will hold best on a windy day if placed at an angle.<ref | + | *Clothespins will hold best on a windy day if placed at an angle.<ref name="rf7" /> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
