WHAT'S THAT SMELL? FRESHNESS.
The scent of line-dried laundry has no comparison and (we think) it might be sorcery. Line-drying laundry certainly is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it has fallen out of favor in most areas. While it does require more time and effort, the reward is well worth it. For some, the act of hanging clothes can be therapeutic, like ironing. And the unique fragrance you smell when you retrieve the clothes… well, that’s inexplicable.
MORE REASONS TO TRY IT
- Your clothes will last longer. All of that *lint* in your dryer – that’s the fiber of your clothes disappearing. How much fiber can a garment lose before it is no longer wearable?
- Laundry smells better without adding chemicals.
- It gets you outside.
- Sunlight bleaches and disinfects.
- Indoor racks can humidify the air during the winter.
- No static cling. No dryer sheets.
Clothes can be line-dried year-round, but springtime is the perfect time to get started. The tools are inexpensive and easily found at most discount stores or home improvement centers. Even with limited space, you can find a suitable solution. You may choose to use a retractable line that can be stored out of sight when not in use.
TIPS AND TRICKS
- Clothes can be turned inside out to dry pockets and seams more quickly and avoid fading.
- Hang most shirts upside down.
- Hang button shirts on a hanger so they can be taken inside and put directly in the closet.
- Fine fabrics can be dried outside, but put them in the shade.
- Giving each item a quick *snap before hanging it up will decrease wrinkles. Another *snap when removing will soften the item and remove any unwanted passengers.
- Adding ½ cup of white vinegar to rinse water will prevent stiffness. The vinegar will remove soap residue. It will also act as a fabric softener eliminating the need for a separate liquid fabric softener. The odor disappears as the clothes dry.
- Having an apron with pockets for clothespins will make this job so much more enjoyable.
- If you are part of an HOA (Home Owners Association), be clear on any restrictions regarding line-drying clothes.
- Do not hang your line under a tree. Birds like trees. I will let you figure out the rest.
I strongly encourage you to try this the next time you do laundry. At the very least, start with things that require the most dryer time such as towels and jeans. Once you have dried your face with a line-dried towel and get a whiff of the fresh outdoors, I think you will be hooked.
savour…summer scents
