How To Air Dry Your Clothes Even In The Winter
I grew up in South Africa, it was very common for people to have a clothesline in their backyard. I can remember white sheets gently blowing in the wind, sending a soft scent of floral into the air. Memories of childhood. So sweet right? You can air dry you're clothing too, here Are 5 Ways To Air Dry Your Clothes, No Matter Where You Live.
I now live in Canada, where winter is coooold, like really really f-ing cold. I line/air dry my clothes inside in the winter. It makes sense to use the heat to help dry the clothes. This eliminates the need to run the dryer and use electricity, so I end up saving some cash on energy costs at the same time.
The U.S. Energy Department's Energy Information Administration says clothes dryers account for about 5.8 percent of residential electricity use, but Project Laundry List argues that figure underestimates their impact because it doesn't take into account households that use shared laundry facilities in multifamily housing or coin-operated laundries.
For most households with electric dryers, line drying would cut the electric bill by more than $100 a year, Project Laundry List says. Similar statistics aren't available on gas dryers, which are more efficient, but the advocacy group says only 16 percent of American households use them.
Advantages to Air Drying your Clothing
There are other benefits to line drying, as well, advocates say. Drying clothes outdoors promotes physical activity and takes advantage of the bleaching and disinfecting properties of sunlight. It helps clothes last longer and prevents dryer fires.
And drying indoors on racks or lines helps humidify dry winter air. It also helps reduce static cling from the dryer, it reduces pilling on items like sweaters. Air drying your yoga wear made from materials like spandex and lycra will help them last way longer, the heat from the dryer makes the shape and elasticity lose their shape over time.
I’ve learned a lot about line drying over the years and am happy to share my tips with you.
The Best Gear to Air Dry your Clothes
1. Drying Indoors
No matter the climate where you live you can dry your clothes inside, the key is to invest in a really good rack. Don’t buy something cheap. You are going to be putting some heavy weight onto the rack. Have a look at Urban Clothes Line, they have so many good ones to choose from. Take a look at the Kitchen Main Drying rack.
2. Retractable Line
If you have a backyard like this, you don’t want laundry ruining the view right? Well, a retractable line is a perfect solution. You can have it up when you need it in a sunny area in the backyard. So easy!
3. DIY Line
You can make your new clothesline, with a strong string and some nails, you will need a tree or wall to attach the sting too. Keep in mind that rope can get wet, saggy, and begin to rot, so I suggest using a rope that has an outlet layer of….yep…you guessed it plastic. So, pick a good one, that will last a lifetime or more.
4. Rotary Clothes Line
It's basically an apparatus of radiating spokes that support lines on which clothes are hung to dry. If you are in a rush to dry your laundry fast, this is for you. It spins and the wind created helps the clothes dry faster, They are not the best looking but they are great to use.
Recommendation: Brabantia Lift-O-Matic Rotary Airer Washing Line
This is an impressive review of rotary clotheslines.
Top Tips For Air Drying Your Clothes
- If you are drying jeans or pants, fold back the waistline over the line and click with a clothespin. Opt for wooden clothespins, not plastic, and don't leave them outside, like the DIY line, they can rot.
- Before you hang anything, give the line a good wipe, especially if it's outside.
- Hang all other items from the hem to avoid a dent from the clothespin.
- If you want to avoid ironing, bring the clothes in as soon as they are dry, smooth them out with your hands and that’s it, you're done!
