There are plenty of reasons to consider line drying your clothes (other than giving you an excuse to soak up the changing weather).
Line drying lowers your electric bills, whitens your whites, lengthens the life of your garments, reduces static cling, and adds a fresh scent without chemicals. Even better, drying clothes on a line is better for the planet.
Thinking of making the switch this spring? Here’s how to make the most of drying clothes on a line.
5 Tips on Line Drying Your Clothes This Spring:
1. Don’t Overload Your Washing Machine
When you use an electric dryer, you might be able to get away with tossing in sopping wet garments. When drying clothes on a line, you’ll regret starting with soaking clothes. To ensure your clothing comes out of the washing machine damp enough to air dry, don’t overfill your washing machine.
The same goes for detergent. Check out this blog to see if you’re using too much laundry soap.
2. Be Picky With Your Line’s Location
It might feel fitting to tie your clothesline between or around trees, but you’ll run the risk of dirtying up your fresh clothing. If the line is too close to plants, pollen, bird poop, and other debris can easily fall onto your clean clothes.
A few set-up options can set you up for success, including t-posts, retractable clothes lines, and umbrella-style lines.
3. Shake Out Each Garment and Hang Strategically
Once you have your line set up and your clothes in the right washing condition, you’re ready to hang them up. Before you attach garments to the line, give each one a strong shake. This will eliminate any wrinkles and allow them to take on a fresh outdoor scent.
When you clip your clothes to the line, do your research to ensure they’re hung properly. For example, t-shirts should be hung by the hem, button-downs should be clipped as though buttoned, and jeans should attach at the waistband. Dresses should be put on a hanger to dry, and knit shirts should be hung loosely with 4-5 support pins.
4. Double Check the Weather (and the Pollen Count)
Weather in Colorado can flip on a dime (especially in the Spring), so double and triple-check the weather on your line drying day. If allergies are a concern in your home, consider factoring the day’s pollen count into your laundry schedule as well.
For extra tips on managing allergens in your clothes, check out this blog post.
5. Keep Your Tools Clean
Finally, clean your laundry line and clips regularly. You can wash the rope in your sink with dish soap and warm water, and remember to bring your clips inside after each use. The cleaner your tools, the fresher your line-dried clothing will feel.
Making the switch to line drying your clothes is an excellent way to save money, help the planet, and protect your clothing. If you’re looking for a self-serve laundromat nearby to tackle the washing stage, head to our website.
Our Thornton laundromat is open for business! Find more laundry tips and learn more about our laundromat at denverwashandfold.com.
