In the era of machines and dryers, using a clothesline may seem completely outdated. After all, isn’t it less of a hassle to just put your laundry into a dryer and be done with it? While that may be the case, clotheslines can still come in handy. So if you don’t have any in your home already, you should consider getting one.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Everything You Need to Know About Clotheslines
Of course, you don’t need some extensive tutorial on using a clothes line — simply hang your laundry and let the sun do the rest. But there are a few tips and tricks we can share with you to enhance your experience with it.
1. Put Lighter Clothes Closer to the Sun
Have your sheets lost some of their whiteness due to frequent use and washing? No problem — put them on the clothes line and expose them to the sun. As strange as it sounds, the sun acts as a natural bleach, so you’re bound to notice a difference right away!
On the other hand, make sure to keep darker laundry away from direct exposure for precisely the same reason. Otherwise, you might end up with faded blacks and dull colors!
2. Use Cotton Lines
When you start looking for a decent clothesline, you’ll notice that there are several options to choose from. For instance, nylon and plastic lines are quite popular because they last longer and don’t sag. But we’d advise you to look into cotton lines instead — though they aren’t as durable, they have certain advantages.
For one, cotton lines don’t accumulate gunk. The same can’t be said for nylon and plastic — you’ll often be unpleasantly surprised to find brownish lines on your otherwise clean shirts. And obviously, that’s the last thing you want to see after you’ve just washed your clothes!
In addition, cotton lines are cheap. So even if they break or sag, it won’t be much of a loss. After all, you can easily buy new ones!
3. Use a Clothesline to Preserve Your Clothes
Dryers may be more convenient, but they also wear your clothes out quicker. That’s not too surprising either — all that tumbling and friction can’t be good for the fabric. So if you want your clothes to last long and stay in good condition, a clothesline might be a better idea. Natural drying will leave them fresh and entirely intact.
4. Save on Utilities
Your utility bill is getting a little too high for your liking? Well, your dryer could be partly to blame. Whether it’s running on gas or electricity, it’s sure to burn through your money. So, why don’t you save up a bit by using a clothesline?
Obviously, clotheslines use no electricity, gas, or any other source of power. You’ll only need to buy a line, and everything else is free of charge. Simply put the clothes out, and they’ll dry just the same as they would in a dryer, if not even better. And you can use the extra money to treat yourself!
5. Hang Your Clothes Carefully
Of course, there are no specific rules about hanging your clothes, nor will anyone judge you if you do it a certain way. But if you want to avoid clothespin marks, you should pay attention to your laundry hanging habits.
For example, when hanging a top, do it from the hem. You can hang bottoms from the bottom hem or waistband. Don’t put a clothespin at the middle of your shirt — it will definitely leave a mark.
In Conclusion
If you haven’t yet explored all the benefits a clothesline can bring, now may be the time to do so. After all, who knows? Maybe you’ll never wish to go back to your dryer again!
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