While backyard clotheslines might seem antiquated and are often looked down upon as an eyesore in most communities, our great grandmothers had actually made an important discovery when they hung loads of laundry outside to dry. For most, line-drying laundry might seem like a lot of hard work, however, it actually does have plenty of benefits.

Clotheslines have come a long way since the days of our grandmothers, with most of the modern ones being very stylish. Some of the popular options are not only height adjustable, but they can also be collapsed when not in use. In addition, the lines can be spun, thus, you don't need to move the laundry basket as you work. You can also set up a foldable outdoor drying rack mountable on a flat surface. Once folded, these racks resemble a plant trellis. 

Line Drying Laundry Helps to Get Rid of Strong Odors and Enhances Freshness

Clothes set out to dry on hanging lines tend to smell much fresher than tumble-dried clothes even without chemical laundry fresheners such as fabric softeners and dryer sheets. This is particularly beneficial for people that are sensitive to the perfumes and dyes present in dryer products and detergents. 

Line Drying Whitens and Disinfects Laundry

Line dried clothes are usually exposed to the ultraviolet sunlight rays which help to disinfect and bleach laundry, which is particularly helpful for those white towels, sheets, and cloth diapers. However, these rays can be harmful to dark-colored clothes. Thus, if possible, it will be wise to keep dark-colored clothes in the shade. 

Line Drying can Help Establish Peace and Harmony

On average, it usually takes less than 10 minutes to hand a load of laundry. However, when you take the time to take in the beautiful weather, and the feel and smell of clean laundry, it can provide a meditative and relaxing outdoor experience. 

Line Drying Laundry Can Make a Lot of Difference

Line drying your clothes helps to show that you and your family are taking steps to help the planet and your well-being. Line-drying is not only beneficial to the environment, but it will also help reduce your energy bills. 

Line-Drying Offers a Great Way to Stay Active and Manage Your Weight

Hanging up your clothes is a physical activity that can be done indoors and outdoors. Did you know that fifteen minutes of hanging and removing clothes can help burn 68 calories? That's enough calories saved to let you enjoy three mini candy bars, two clementines or a snack of 20 olives. 

Why Do Clotheslines Sag?

No matter how tight your clothesline wire is, it will always show some bit of sagging whenever you hand a load of laundry. This is particularly so when you hang heavy materials such as doonas or quilts, denim, and blankets. And this is very much normal and part of gravity. 

Clothesline Restringing and Rewiring

It is not advisable to use sagging wires. Consider investing in some low-cost rewiring.  

In case your wires are sagging and your clothes are dragging on the ground, it is time to start thinking about rewiring. Repairing and rewiring your clothesline not only helps to prolong its service life but it also helps save you hundreds of dollars compared to purchasing a new one.

While you can opt to rewire your own clotheslines, it can prove to be time-intensive and frustrating if you don't do it correctly only to realize it when you are halfway through.