Dry Your Clothes in the Fresh Air!
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Hi, I grew up in a 3 decker in the 60's that had a rotary clothesline off the back porch. It was mounted to the railing, swung in and out with a attached pole that was secured to the porch with a hook and eye. If it was raining I could leave it swung in under the porch roof. I have looked everywhere, but they don't seem to make them anymore. I guess not many new houses have back porches.
I like the sounds of your clothesline, it sounds very practical and easy to use. I think you ought to draw plans for one and get it made. You might be able to sell them to the people who do have back porches. I, unfortunately for me, do not have a porch at all. Oh, make sure you patent it! Good luck and have fun with it! Be sure to put your personal touch on it!
I have used clotheslines for 80 years and recently went to the store for a new one. All my life a clothesline has been metal wire, the later ones having a vinyl coating. I was shocked when the clerk brought out cotton and plastic string that was labeled "clothesline." This stuff stretches and is gradually destroyed by the sun.
So I went to the hardware stor and asked for plastic coated guy wire. The clerk brought out what used to be called clothesline, 50 feet for $7.95.
I guess during the electric dryer era most folks forgot what real clothesline is. Now that its making a comeback the younger generation thinks it's string, which is cheaper to make.
Nothing like old-style steel (not aluminum) clothesline that stays taught, supports more weight, and doesn't degrade in the sun's UV.
Last time I checked, vinyl doesn't hold up to the sun's UV rays real well. It will start to disintegrate and then the steel will rust. The rusting steel may leave iron rust stains on your clothing. There is UV resistant plastic clothesline, but as they say in the article, it's difficult to tie up and tighten. Simplest and easiest is always best. Cotton is organic and biodegradable, and it's not like you have to jack your foundation to change the clothesline after 15-20 years or however long it lasts.
I'm in the same boat. I only hang stuff on the line in sunny season, mostly to avoid shrinkage, but also to save money, AND the fresh air aspect. DH strung up a braided nylon (i think?) rope and between nearby BBQ smoke (yep, briquettes), and just whatever dirty air passes by, i COULD NOT clean it off. I want the plastic/vinyl/rubber coated WIRE, which i had before and was easy to clean when necessary. Thank heaven for the Innerwebs; it's here somewhere.
I've got all the basics for my close line. I've got three children and me and my fiance and I wash 2-5 loads a day everyday (except Sunday when I try to only do 1) Anyways my question is regarding positioning. Is there a certain way that will allow the best drying. Which as should it be east to west and as far as soon should I look for a place with all day Sunday or evening or morning?
That’s an interesting question. Perhaps consider which way the wind is coming from. So, if your wind comes out of the west, perhaps put the line north/south. Then you get the wind full-on. But if you don’t have this option, we’d just put it in a place that gets the most sun! That’s the most important factor.
We have had clotheslines in our backyards for some decades now. We are both old enough that we remember when our moms had washing machines only, no dryers, and every house came with two of those metal "T" poles in the backyard for your clotheslines. We remember mom yelling at us to not play in and out of the clean hanging clothes. On beautiful days, we hang all our laundry loads. It is such a mindfulness/Zen experience, clipping each piece on the line, chaining them along with one clothespin holding two pieces of laundry together on the line. Taking each dry piece down and folding them, then putting them into the basket, all in the beautiful outdoors. Everyone should have a clothesline and hang laundry to dry.
I left home at 5:00 in the morning and come at 19:00 much of the time got wasted in the travelling. You explain everything but what about rain. I have put my clothes outside for drying at the balcony. When I reach home it was almost wet due to constant heavy rain throughout the day. Since I did not have inform to wear for the work in the morning next day. I have to take day off from the work. You explain everything but what about my problem. If you solution then please respond. Thanks for knowledge.
Easy. ... In rainy seasons I rig a clothesline over the bathtub where drips don't matter. I hang only the essentials as the line (or maybe a second one) is short. In the winter I leave the heat on in the bathroom. The clothes dry nicely overnight.
