The Unexpected Benefits of Using an Outdoor Clothesline

In an age where electric dryers can dominate our laundry routines, the timeless practice of drying clothes outside is experiencing a resurgence.

While electric dryers offer convenience, they can’t be left running when you head out the door, frequently leaving you with damp clothes to attend to when you get home from work. 

When drying clothes inside you miss out on the unexpected benefits of drying clothes outside. 

Let’s explore the numerous advantages of line drying and discover why this traditional method, of drying wet washing in direct sunlight and a gentle breeze is both practical and beneficial.

You may even reconsider your laundry habits!

Three Key Takeaways

Natural Freshness: Sunlight and UV rays naturally disinfect and freshen clothes, removing odours and brightening whites.

Environmental and Cost Benefits: Reduces electricity use, lowering your carbon footprint and electricity bills.

Gentle on Clothes: Air drying is kinder to fabrics, preserving their shape and colour while extending their lifespan.
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Top Benefits for Drying Your Clothes Outside

Sun-Shiny Fresh and Clean

There’s something uniquely refreshing about clothes that have been air-dried outside.

The fresh air and the sun’s UV rays give garments a clean, crisp scent that’s difficult to replicate with fabric softeners and dryer sheets.

Using your washing line, drying clothes outside, not only helps remove stubborn odours and naturally disinfect your laundry, the uv rays brighten white clothes and also reduces excess moisture in your home by not using a dryer.

Let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like the day you’ve washed your bed sheets, dried them outside, remade your bed, and then enjoyed the smell of freshness and the extra feel of the sheets, when you go to sleep.

Therapeutic and Physical Benefits

There’s more to hanging clothes than just the practical aspects. Hanging and drying clothes outside can be surprisingly therapeutic.

Stepping into the fresh air, enjoying the light breeze or feeling the warmth of the sun against your skin, engaging in the simple act of hanging clothes offers a mental break from the daily grind.

This simple pleasure provides a moment of mindfulness and relaxation, allowing you to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.
Additionally, there’s the physical activity involved in drying clothes outside. It provides mild exercise that benefits your overall health.

Hanging out and in bringing in your washing is a bit like the Play School song, “Bend and Stretch, Reach for the Sky!”

Whether you’re bringing washing in or adjusting delicate items on a portable clothesline, these movements contribute to light physical activity, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Allergy Suffers - Why to Hang Your Clothes Outdoors!

For those with allergies, including pollen-based allergies, drying clothes outside can be particularly beneficial.

The air circulation helps reduce allergen levels in your laundry, offering a cleaner and fresher result.

Additionally, using your washing line on a sunny day can further aid in reducing pollen counts.

Line Drying, Air Drying, and Drying Clothes Outside: The Importance of Air Circulation

We’ve sung the praises of the sun, but there’s another unsung hero of line drying: wind movement and air circulation.

These two elements are our best friends for drying clothes outside. A steady breeze accelerates the drying process by carrying away excess moisture from the fabric, even, slight breeze allows your clothes to dry more quickly.

Ensuring proper airflow around your laundry, whether it's on a clothesline or a drying rack, promotes faster drying and helps prevent dampness and wrinkles.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

A load of wet washing in the tumble dryer can produce over 3kg of greenhouse gases*.  A quick way to reduce your carbon footprint is to switch from a tumble dryer to an outdoor clothesline. Drying clothes outside lessens your reliance on electricity, which in turn lowers the emissions associated with energy production.

This environmentally friendly choice helps reduce your household’s overall environmental impact.

By embracing air drying methods, you’re making a conscious effort to cut CO2 emissions and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Small changes in our electricity use can have a significant impact in combating climate change, while tapping into Mother Nature’s free energy also saves money on energy bills.

Energy Savings

With the cost of living continuing to rise, one of the most compelling reasons to dry your clothes outside is the potential to save money.

Electric clothes dryers are notorious for their high energy consumption; in fact, the humble clothes dryer is among the top 10 appliances for energy use in Australia and can significantly increase your power bills.

By opting for air drying, you can harness the dry air and the sun’s UV rays to naturally remove excess moisture from your wet clothes. This not only reduces your energy usage but also lowers your household expenses.

Hanging laundry and drying clothes outside can help you save money over the long term.

Instead of relying on an energy-hungry tumble dryer, outdoor clotheslines or drying racks are easy to use and make the most of natural resources.

This switch is a simple yet effective way to cut costs and contribute to a greener lifestyle.

Caring for Your Clothes

Apart from the ongoing costs of owning a clothes dryer, not everyone realises that the natural drying process is much gentler on delicate fabrics rather than the intense high heat and the tumbling of a dryer.

Drying your washing outdoors helps maintain the shape and colour of your clothes while reducing wear and tear.
 
In Australia, our sunny climate means many people can use outdoor clotheslines for most of the year.

However, when the weather doesn’t cooperate or during the cooler months, drying racks in your garage or cover balcony offer a great alternative.

Ensuring there is air movement and when possible direct sunlight, this option provides a gentle, low-impact drying method that extends the life of your garments.

Overall, whether you’re using an outdoor line, the main benefit is the preservation of your clothes’ quality and longevity.

Additionally, it’s an environmentally friendly choice, reducing energy consumption and saving on electricity bills.

Practical Tips For Drying Your Clothes Outside

Houses, Villa & Townhouses

If you’re fortunate enough to have a home with a rotary, wall-mounted, or retractable clothesline or other style of washing line, you can optimise the benefits of drying clothes outside with these practical tips:

Maximise Space Efficiently
Take full advantage of your outdoor area by using additional clothes racks or a clothes horse.

This allows you to hang sheets, knit sweaters, and t-shirts without overcrowding. The more space you have, the faster the drying process will be, helping you avoid the issue of coming home to slightly damp clothes.

When clothes are hanging on the line, ensure they are positioned to benefit from a slight breeze and maximise air circulation. This improves drying efficiency and keeps your laundry clean and fresh.

Maintain a Clean Line
For the best results, keep your clothesline clean and free from any dirt or debris.

A clean line not only helps your clean laundry stay pristine but also promotes a more hygienic air dry environment for drying clothes outdoors.

Regular maintenance ensures your garments dry properly without unwanted particles affecting them.

Check the Weather

Keep an eye on the weather forecast on your favourite  weather app to determine the best drying conditions.

Sunny days with a slight breeze are ideal for drying clothes outside, as they provide optimal conditions for line drying.

However, when temperatures drop or on rainy and overcast days, it’s wise to switch to either an indoor drying rack or a portable clothesline outside that is covered from the elements to continue air drying your laundry "free of charge".

This way, you can still benefit from natural drying and avoid the inconvenience of coming home to slightly damp clothes.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your rotary, wall-mounted, or retractable washing line and enjoy the many advantages of air drying your laundry outdoors.

Apartment Living

Many of us are living in apartments, you can still enjoy all the benefits of air drying clothes outside by making the most of your balcony for line drying. Here’s how you can do it:

Install a Wall-Mounted Clothesline

A wall-mounted clothesline is an excellent option for apartment balconies. It’s compact and can be folded down when not in use, making it perfect for smaller spaces.

This setup allows you to hang clothes while benefiting from the fresh air and the sun’s UV rays, which naturally help to dry your clothes and keep them fresh.

Portable Clotheslines
If a permanent installation isn't possible, consider using a portable clothesline or drying rack.

These can be easily set up on your balcony when needed and stored away after use.

A clothes horse or collapsible clothes rack can hold a substantial amount of laundry and is ideal for air drying small batches of clothes. 

Look for a portable clothesline with holders for hangers; this feature allows you to have your clothes hanging to dry and then move them directly to your wardrobe.

These lines help increase your drying space and reduce the need to leave damp washing in the laundry basket.

Use Space Wisely

Apartments often have limited space, so it’s important to maximise your balcony area.

Opt for drying racks that can be adjusted in height or folded to fit your available space. Carefully hang sheets, knit sweaters, and t-shirts to ensure adequate air circulation and achieve dry clothes efficiently.

Balcony Setup Tips
Regardless of your balcony's orientation, you can enjoy drying clothes outside with a bit of planning.

If your balcony receives sufficient direct sunlight and a light breeze, it will speed up the drying process and help your clothes become completely dry.

Some balconies are shaded or don't get much sun, position your drying rack in a spot that maximises sun exposure and airflow to make the most of the fresh air.

By incorporating these solutions, apartment residents can effectively enjoy the benefits of sun shiny fresh clothes.

Even in a smaller space, you can experience the cost savings, environmental advantages, and the pleasure of air drying your laundry.

Embracing the Tradition

As with many things in life, old practices often become new again, and the tradition of drying clothes on an outside washing line is no exception.

This age-old method offers enduring benefits that are well worth embracing. From saving money and extending the lifespan of your garments to reducing your carbon footprint and enjoying a moment of tranquillity, the advantages of line drying are substantial.

Its hard to ignore the fact that the natural freshness and crispness that your clothes gain from being dried in the open air are unmatched, making this classic approach not only practical but also a delightful enhancement to your laundry routine.

Conclusion

Drying Clothes Outside - If you haven’t tried it yet, challenge yourself to skip the tumble dryer the next time you have wet laundry and opt for the simple pleasure of hanging your clothes on an outdoor clothesline or portable rack.

Whether you have a spacious garden, a courtyard, or a compact balcony, line drying allows you to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while your clothes benefit from nature’s drying process.

Embracing this natural, eco-friendly, and economical method can enhance your home by saving energy, reducing indoor moisture, prolonging the life of your wardrobe, and boosting your overall well-being.  

Visit The Clothesline Store today to find the perfect clothesline for your home and experience the delightful benefits for yourself!

* Australian Government - Your Home - Article Appliances and Technology