Clotheslines Not Only For Saving Money

I truly enjoy doing many things around my home that not only save me money and save the environment's resources, but I find that it does amazing things for my stress level. There are days when doing things like hanging clothes on the line is my only time to be outside, breathing fresh air and being allowed to be alone with my thoughts. It is relaxing to me, and this still is a mystery to my husband, but that's okay!

It's obvious that using a clothesline it going to save you money - potentially $1500. a year, and this is a major reason to consider using this method of drying your clothes. It will also save 4.4 pounds of carbon emissions, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Using a clothesline also extends the life of our clothes, sheets and other items. They don't spend another round in the dryer tossing and rubbing against other clothes and the paddles. This is why we end up with the lint that accumulates after every single load, but it is the heat that causes more wear than the friction.

From the traditional method of hanging clothes outside on a line strung from two poles or a retractable line attached to the side of an upstairs apartment, to an indoor wooden rack or even clothes hangers, there are a multitude of ways to dry your clothes. When settling into our home, I wouldn't let up until I had my clothesline up and ready for my first load.

I just love the smell of our sheets and slipping between them after they've hung on the line. The sun naturally disinfects and the breeze takes care of most all ironing. My husband isn't too sure of the stiffness of towels when I bring them in, but they soften quickly and the small bit of exfoliation feels wonderful. I honestly can't think of one reason to keep me from using a clothesline for drying my things. I will use my clothesline long into cooler weather and once the rains hit, I will start my indoor hanging.

• To solve pinched shoulders from clothespins on shirts - hang them upside down from hem.
• Most clothes dry flatter when hung upside down (hang skirts from the waist still)
  
• Give clothes a snap before hanging to pull out wrinkles and extra water
  
• Drape sheets doubled in half and pulled lengthwise
  
• You can share a clothespin with items next to each other to save space and pins
  
• Retractable clotheslines snap easily out of the way when not being used
  
• Indoor racks can be moved outside is warmer weather
  
• Don't string your line under a tree - birds don't care if your clothes stay clean
  
• You can hang some items like dresses on a hanger, then on the line to help keep shape
  
• Bring you clothespins in during damp, cold weather or they will darken, mold and rust

Don't consider hanging your clothes a chore - you'll soon enjoy the time spent . . . either by yourself, or chatting with your children. Consider the time well spent!

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