Drying Clothes Outside
Drying clothes outside has been a common practice for centuries, but is it really the best way to dry your clothes? There are a few things you need to consider before you hang your clothes out to dry. The cost of drying clothes outside is often free since you’re using the sun and wind to dry them. However, this isn’t the case if you live in an apartment or have to dry your clothes on a clothesline that isn’t free. Drying clothes outside can also save you money on your energy bill. If you’re using an energy-efficient clothesline, you can save up to $100 per year on your drying costs.
Concerns about Drying Clothes Outside
The first thing to consider is sanitary concerns. If you’re drying your clothes outside, they’re going to be exposed to the elements, which can include dirt, dust, and pollen. If you have allergies, this can be a problem. Additionally, if it rains while your clothes are drying, they can become soaked and take longer to dry – or may not dry completely!
The second thing to consider is the weather. If it’s sunny and hot, your clothes will dry quickly. However, if it’s cloudy or cool, it can take much longer for your clothes to dry. Additionally, if there’s a lot of humidity in the air, your clothes can take even longer to dry.
The third thing to consider is animals. If you have pets, they may try to help themselves to your laundry. Additionally, if you live in an area with wild animals, they may see your laundry as a potential meal or something to rub against to scratch that itch.
The fourth thing to consider is the future. Drying your clothes outside regularly can fade them over time. Additionally, if you hang them on a line that isn’t properly maintained, they can tear or become damaged more easily such as rust stains from a metal line.
The fifth and final thing to consider is softness. Items such as denim jeans or towels may not be as soft as when dried in a dryer. Using liquid fabric softener in the washer rinse cycle can help soften line-dried items.
So now that we’ve looked at the cons of drying clothes outside, let’s take a closer look at the benefits.
Benefits of Drying Clothes Outside
There are a few benefits to drying your clothes outside. The first is that it’s often free since you’re using the sun and wind to dry them. Additionally, drying clothes outside can save you money on your energy bill. If you’re using a clothesline, you can save up to $100 per year on your drying costs.
Another benefit of drying clothes outside is that it can help them last longer. Sun bleaching is a natural way to keep your whites white and help prevent colors from fading. Additionally, the wind can help remove lint and pet hair from clothing before you hang them up inside, which will help keep them looking newer for longer.
The final benefit of drying clothes outside is that it just feels good! There’s something about hanging laundry out on a sunny day that just feels nostalgic and peaceful. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors while getting some laundry done at the same time!
The Bottom Line
Drying your clothes outside has its pros and cons – it’s important to weigh them both before deciding if it’s right for you. If cost is a concern, then drying your clothes outside may not be the best option since you may have to purchase a clothesline or other equipment. However, if saving money on your energy bill is a priority, then drying your clothes outside could be a great way to do so. Just be sure to take into account the other factors we mentioned, such as the weather, animals, and fading.
It’s time to get out the solar dryer drying rack.
Let’s try a little test to see how much my electric bill goes down. The trick will be dealing with all the rain we’ve been getting here lately. Years ago this was the only kind of clothes dryer that I had. Money was tight and I was young so I had to save in every way that I could. Drying clothes in the winter was fun especially if it went below freezing during the day.
What are other ways of saving precious time and money? Leave a comment and share what you know!
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