Our grandparents had the right idea when they hung their laundry outside to air dry. Today, families looking not only to save on fuel consumption but also keep clothes from excess wear are returning to outdoor drying as a simple money-saving solution. It’s estimated that most families can save about $100 a year by line drying their laundry. An additional benefit is the lack of shrinkage and fabric breakdown associated with electric and gas dryers use. (Lint is actually small bits of your clothing that is removed from the fabric during drying.)
There are more types of clothesline options for homeowners than there were in early times. A simple pair of posts with several strands of clothesline strung between has given way to a number of configurations. One nifty approach is the retractable system that rolls up line and stows it in sleek wall-mounted units until the next laundry day. A rotary unit is good for out-of-the way locations where maximum drying can be achieved with minimal space. Portable drying racks that can be set up on decks or patios, then folded away, may be the best bet for some families.
Outdoor drying systems are a necessity for waterside homes or those with pools, to provide space for drying beach towels and swimsuits.
Line drying in many suburban locations had fallen into disfavor, so you may want to check your neighborhood or homeowners’ restrictions before adding a new outdoor drying station. Here are some online resources for line drying systems and accessories:
Click here for basic information about outdoor drying options and some product resources. Breeze Dryer has a wide selection of outdoor drying options in many configurations.
