I have thought about a clothesline on and off for a while. It just didn’t seem practical for a household full of allergy sufferers, and then I didn’t really love the idea of having it draped across the backyard either (not just for looks, but also because we get tons of birds in our backyard). Still, I loved the idea of an eco-friendly approach to some of our laundry, as well as the memories of being outside at my Grandma’s house as she put things out on her clothesline. (When I write that, I can close my eyes and still kind of remember the smell.)
This winter, however, I had an epiphany — we could add a retractable clothesline to our screened in back p
orch! Eric was able to put it up in no time at all, and I only spent about $15 for the 40 foot clothesline and canvas bag to hold the clothes pins. (I had clothes pins already, although I can’t put my finger on why I had them.)
Our clothesline is normally retracted and totally not noticeable. But, when I want to use it, it’s so easy to put up. Being in the porch does cut down on the sunshine a bit, unfortunately, but it also cuts down on the amount of pollen on the clothes, as well as the bugs and critters getting on/near the clothes.
On another up side of the whole thing, I don’t have to have all kinds of things hanging and laying around the house that need to air dry. And, on a frugal side, rather than having to dry large comforters forever, I can just hang them out to dry to save on electricity. (And they smell great! Bonus!) Then there’s the educational benefit the kids find the clothesline fascinating! (Shhhh…Want to know a secret? I find it fascinating too!)
Do you have any favorite laundry tips?
This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday and Frugal Friday.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Not to be contrary, but I must insist that you find your clothesline fascinating only because you have a dryer for back up (says me, who has no dryer, and therefore must hang all of my clothes, all of the time)!
P
The clothes do smell wonderful, though, don’t they?
.-= Sue´s last blog ..Praying for Poland =-.
It’s not contrary at all, Sue. I totally agree that’s why we find it fascinating.
I just might have to put a clothesline on my back porch this summer.
.-= LaVonne´s last blog ..Organic Deals =-.
We have one in our utility room. It’s amazing how much laundry it will hang.
Hi there! Niki here, stopping over from WFMW. I just wanted to pop in and check out your blog. I like what I see so far.
Stop by my blog, Free 2 Be Frugal, when you get a chance!
I wish we had a spot like that.
Ha! I just put this item on hubby’s “to do” list this week. Great minds think alike!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Trash to Treasure =-.
I love using a clothesline, but my families allergies have prevented it here too. I am thinking about putting a little one up in my laundry room, but not sure if it will dry fast enough. Love your idea!
.-= Shell´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesdays =-.
Love It! I have a clothesline out my back door into the yard. I laugh because I never thought of the birds dropping on my fresh laundry though I’m sure it could happen. I love your line being protected in that way. I don’t use the line for everything but sheets, cloth diapers (which I use for burpcloths) our eco-napkins and eco-non paper towels, bathroom towels and things a like go out in the wind. I love it! Smells great you are right about that.
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Maybe not just for today =-.