Drying clothes outdoors on a line -- the way our grandmothers did -- is tough in a rainy climate like western Oregon's, unless you have a covered outdoor space. But now come the dry days of summer, bringing a chance to save some energy (and money).
So, for those who are new to the humble clothesline, here are some tips on drying clothes naturally.
• Hang clothing by hems to avoid telltale marks, or "ears," forming where wooden clothespins grab shirts.
• Squeamish about neighbors seeing your underwear? Hide it inside the pillow cases. Or, string multiple, parallel clotheslines, and hide it between sheets and towels on the outer lines.
• Avoid hanging clotheslines under trees where birds like to congregate.
• Sunlight can be a powerful natural bleaching agent. Choose a shady area to hang dark or brightly colored clothing. You may also want to turn clothes inside-out. For sweaters and other items that must be flat-dried, make sure they're out of the sun.
• Because sunlight bleaches naturally, it's great for white sheets, towels and T-shirts.
• A mesh bag or a plastic hanging plant pot is good place for storing clothespins because it allows rainwater to drain.
• To prevent sheets from flapping in the wind, fold them in half and hang them by the hems.
• To save space on the clothesline, hang smaller items on a multi-tiered clothes hanger.
• Clothes can even be dried in winter without damaging fabric. Be sure to remove them gently and bring them inside to thaw before folding.
• To keep your hands warm on a chilly day, slip on a pair of gloves or have a hot-water bottle handy in your clothes basket.
• A covered or screened porch is a good place to hang the wash if rain is in the forecast.
• For indoor drip-drying, try using a tension rod in the shower.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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