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Nobody likes to air their dirty laundry, but have you ever tried airing your clean laundry? Nope, I’m not talking gossip column blurbs, I’m talking about using a clothesline. To be honest, I don’t even use a clothesline, so I can’t say I’m the authority on the subject, but my parents use one and that’s what brought about me writing this post and considering using a clothesline as well. And if you’re thinking you don’t have room for a clothesline, keep reading for alternative ideas that will still save you money and be more eco-friendly!
Money Saving Benefits
I can’t say you’ll be saving hundreds of dollars a year on your electric or gas bill by hang-drying your clothes on the line, but according to “How to Calculate the Cost of Running Your Dryer” by Erin Huffstetler you can save enough to make it worth doing. This will likely save you even more if you typically dry your clothes at a laundromat and switch to using a clothesline. Using a clothesline will also save you the cost many, many dryer sheets as well, which can add up to a fairly good savings.
As for how much it costs to have a clothesline, it can really be as inexpensive as you’d like it to be. Maybe you put a clothesline between trees in your yard using line you already have, maybe you buy some line to hang up between poles, or you could buy a whole set up to put in your yard. Grab a bag of clothespins and you’re good to go! Whatever you choose, you can invest as much or as little as you want into it.
Eco-Friendly Benefits
An additional benefit of using a clothesline is that it is an eco-friendly alternative to tossing your clothes in the dryer. Am I the most “green” and eco-friendly person out there? Sorry to disappoint, but I am definitely not. Air drying laundry, though, is a simple way to change up your housekeeping routine and be more environmentally friendly, along with being more friendly to your wallet!
Alternatives to the Clothesline
At this point you may be thinking “well I have no yard and no room for a clothesline, so I’m out!”. Don’t give up just yet; there are many other options! If your problem is lack of a yard or outdoor space for your clothes to dry, give an indoor clothesline or a folding drying rack a try. If your short on indoor space as well, both of those options take up minimal room. These are also great options when it’s raining out or winter weather doesn’t permit using an outdoor clothesline.
If those don’t interest you, but you still want to save money and be more green while doing your laundry, ditch your dryer sheets for dryer balls. They reduce dryer time and can be used over and over again, unlike single-use dryer sheets. Plus, they even come in some adorable patterns to put some fun into the mundane chore of laundry!
This “old fashioned” housekeeping skill has a plethora of benefits including saving you money and being an eco friendly alternative to using your dryer, so why not give it a try?! Your clothes will smell fresh, you’ll have some more money in your pocket, and you’ll be helping your environment; what’s not to love! If this post has give you the push to switch up your laundry drying method, leave me a comment and let me know what method you’re trying and how it’s working so far!
