I have tried every drying rack and line system known to humankind! I have a retractable line, an outdoor synthetic line, cotton lines in the basement, folding metal racks, folding wooden racks, etc. I’ve always wanted to try the kind that is on a pulley that can be raised up to the ceiling! I’m lucky — down in my basement, our furnace helps dry the laundry hung up on lines and racks down there. Almost nothing (jeans, towels, quilts) takes more than 24 hours.

Even when cheap folding racks break, I’ve hung up the good sections with eye bolts & string, and keep on using them. Most of my racks, I’ve gotten from thrift stores, second hand. The only one I bought new was from Ikea — love that one, it holds an entire load.

Some realizations: I used to tumble towels in the dryer (used the old liquid detergent cups for “dryer balls”), but frankly, I just don’t care enough — in fact, I kind of like the stimulation on my skin of crunchy towels. Making my own soap is easy and I can make it smell pretty (ylang-ylang). Always make “pockets” as you hang up the items, to catch the breeze — it makes everything dry faster. Thus, I hang knit boxers from the waistline, with one side drooping — the breeze opens them up. I hang men’s shirts from the hem with one button fastened — they balloon out in the lightest breeze. I hang jeans pinned inside the back placket (above the rear pockets) with the zipper open. Most casual pants and skirts are hung that way to catch the wind. Synthetic men’s pants are hung with the crease, from the cuffs (no pin marks). I usually hang tees from the hem — but yes, sometimes they stretch. Since they’re mostly super casual wear, I don’t mind — I like ‘em roomy. But if it’s a tee-shirt that I want to remain “nice,” I hang em in half, with the pins just under the “pits,” to hide the pin marks. They still dry plenty fast, folded over like this.

I kept the dryer around for more than 3 years while I decided if I was REALLY committed to line drying and, finally, I just had it hauled away.

I really resonated with the person who said clean clothing used to accumulate in baskets, getting wrinkly and never getting folded or put away — YES. Now I fold as I remove it from the line, it goes right into the basket and right into the drawers. (I’m less good about it in winter — tends to hang around on the racks until the next laundry day…)

Someday I’d love to replace our creaky nasty 25 year old washer and get something more efficient! Someday!
Lisa Bashert´s latest post: Lovely Rocket Stove Hearth