WHO KNEW that Hanging the Wash Can Sometimes Be a Choice?

Not everyone has the choice; not everyone has the space, not all air is clean, HOA’s often forbid outdoor drying and time may be an issue. For many in the US there is a stigma attached to the practice; however, I love the chance to get outside where I have watched geese flying overhead, listened to the birds, watched my children at play, and generally enjoyed the time for peaceful contemplation.

It is something I have done all my life, first by necessity, then by choice. Growing up in post-World War 2 England, we did not have electric dryers, so there was no choice. In the US, dryers are commonplace, unlike the rest of the world, but my preference is for the slower rhythm of hanging the wash. There are many who will point out the disadvantages, but for me, the pros far outweigh the cons.

I do own a dryer yet see no reason to use it when there are free solar and wind drying capabilities outdoors. In the winter, I let the humidity from drying clothes on an indoor drying rack counteract the drying effect of our electric-heated home. The reduced carbon footprint and energy usage suit my frugal nature. My washing machine is on the ground floor, so I have easy access to the outdoors. I have space for a rotating clothesline close to the house, and indoors, I use a folding rack in a spare room and the shower curtain rail for hanging shirts. No ironing needed!

I love the fact of no-cost drying, but also appreciate the chance to check out clothes for needed repairs. I hang them appropriately, smoothing out collars and cuffs, fold and sort the clothes when dry so things don’t get rumpled from sitting in the dryer or laundry basket. As there is no buzzer, I can choose the time to do this. I am retired now but have air-dried clothes, linens, and towels even when I was working and had children adding to the workload.

Some of my wooden clothespins have served me for years, as have many of my clothes. No shrinking, no damage from repeated tumbling in the dryer. To avoid sun bleaching, I turn certain things inside out. I don’t need fabric softeners (I do have soft water). No lost socks. If you object to a degree of stiffness in towels or jeans, a few minutes in a dryer will soften them up. I love the fresh scent of clothes dried outdoors, and am grateful that I can have that for free.