I sometimes wonder that, if my dryer hadn't conked out three years ago, would I be using a clothesline today? I would like to think so, but I must admit that sometimes (in my darker moments...) it would be so much easier to just toss a load in the dryer. But since I don't have a newfangled dryer tempting me with all its bells and whistles; I hang.
Sometimes opportunity comes in strange ways. It's whether or not we choose to take that opportunity that is quite often the hard part. I understand the beauty and nostalgia of hanging laundry, but it's the actual DOING it that is quite often difficult. I love this quote by Thomas Alva Edison, "Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work". And yes, let's be honest, sometimes hanging laundry is just plain work...but within it lies great opportunity. Opportunity to save energy and money. Opportunity for your clothes to last longer. Opportunity to do your own small part for the greater good of the earth.
So those of you who like the idea of hanging laundry, but have yet to try it, I say start small and see how you like it. You might be surprised at the ease of hanging. No waiting around for the dryer to dry the load; you are free to leave! No risk of a dryer fire. Lower energy bills too.
I started air-drying out of sheer necessity at the time of my dryer failure. I was really mad at the time without the use of my once-beloved dryer. But you know what? I got over it. You will too.
Marilyn
5 pertinent remarks:
"...Hanging laundry around the house in the depths of winter is not fun..."
Shhhh, don't tell anyone, but hanging clothes outdoors in the depths of winter IS fun. It can be even MORE satisfying than in summer. So don't dispair, freeze dry your laundry this winter.
Last year I had a dryer fire! I thought, my entire house could have burned down. I decided at that moment to never have a dryer again!
Since I've been air drying, my utility bill has decreased impressively.My teenage kids use the line as well! My clothes are fresh smelling, whites brighter, and I spend more time in the garden...
Energy consumption creates revenue for government...air drying keeps the revenue right where it belongs, with the people!
James - OK, you got me! I am up for the challenge of freeze drying my laundry outside this winter. Should be an interesting experiment! :-D
Anonymous - A dryer fire!?! How horrible...that was one of my deepest fears. So nice not to have that worry anymore!
Marilyn
@James: Unfortunately, in the greater Seattle area, hanging clothes out in the winter would translate to hanging them out in the rain.
Carl - that is so true. There is rarely, if ever, a dry winter day in Seattle. It would take an immense amount of maneuvering to dry outside. I just use a drying rack inside during the winter - easy!
Marilyn
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