Benefits of Line Drying

Although I haven’t seen a clothesline in decades, I recently bought my first one.

Perhaps it’s the fond memories of my mom clipping sheets with wooden pins to the umbrella-style aluminum clothesline that have me waxing nostalgia. It could also be the desire to run the dryer less during the hot summer months, or to make a change that is eco-friendly.

To be honest, my new purchase is likely based on all three—along with the bonus of getting me out of the air conditioning and into the outdoors.

Umbrella clotheslines require the most space to set up but dry the greatest number of items and spin for easy access when hanging laundry. These are generally priced between $80 and $100. Drying racks come in different sizes and most are collapsible, which makes them easy to store. Racks are either wall mounted or free standing and run $25 to $60. Retractable clotheslines are most inconspicuous when not in use, can be utilized indoors and out and typically cost $10 to $25.

Line drying, regardless of the method, offers many benefits to you, your laundry and the environment. Here’s why.

Protect Your Wallet

According to the Department of Energy, 4 to 6 percent of the electricity we use in our homes goes to drying laundry. On average, Americans wash about 300 loads a year, which equates to about $100 annually in electricity costs. Dryers also heat the home, and when it’s hot outside, it can get hotter inside. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that more than half of the energy used in our homes is for heating and air conditioning. So as you can see, that utility expense continues to rise. Save on the cost of running the air conditioner and dryer and you’ll lower your electricity bill by air drying laundry outside.

Protect the Environment

Line drying can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and microfiber pollution, according to Citizen Sustainable. Dryers release about 1,410 pounds of carbon dioxide a year in addition to lint, which is considered toxic for people and pets. Lint can also cause fires when it gets trapped in a dryer or vent designed to expel heat outside. By choosing to line dry, the safer alternative will also allow your laundry to absorb the natural fresh scent of the outdoors while preventing damp smells from laundry sitting out too long in a closed washer or dryer.

Protect Your Clothing

Extensive heat exposure can shrink fabrics, discolor clothing and damage clothing. Line drying is gentler on clothing, though delicate items such as wool, silk and lace should be dried out of direct sun. Air drying will also prevent overdrying laundry, which can lead to static electricity and weakened fibers in fabric. Turn dark laundry items inside out to prevent fading, hang items from the hem or seams to reduce stretching and fold knits over the line to avoid puckering on the edges. Prolonging the life of your clothing also means less textile waste in our landfills.

Protect Your Sheets

Drying bed sheets require a lot of energy and time. Sheets often tangle and ball up in a dryer, leading to an unevenly dried mess that needs to be untangled and passed through two to three cycles in order to fully dry. Line drying is quicker, especially when sheets are hung in the sun and there’s a breeze. The sun can also brighten whites and eradicate stains, eliminating the need for bleach. Sheets last longer, stay whiter and smell better when you hang outdoors.

Protect Your Skin

The sun’s ultraviolet rays act as a natural disinfectant, thus eliminating bacteria and odors. This is especially beneficial to anyone with allergies or sensitive skin.It’s best to shake out each item before hanging to prevent wrinkles; if some should remain, simply toss items in the dryer with a few LooHoo Wool Dryer Balls and tumble on the low setting for about 10 minutes.

Protect Your Mind

There’s comfort in the age-old method of line drying outdoors. It’s a therapeutic task that requires little mental energy and keeps your mind calm, according to health experts. Just being outdoors, enjoying the fresh scents can be comforting. In fact, researchers at Florida State University found that mundane tasks such as laundry can reduce stress and anxiety.

Take Note

While drying outdoors holds many benefits, those with allergies may be at risk for irritation from pollen and other allergens. If this is your case, consider line drying indoors or heading outdoors when pollen counts are low, which is typically in the morning or late in the evening.