back yard meditation

Earlier this year I made one of the biggest steps towards homestead thinking. I put a clothesline in my back yard. I did this to save money. But I continue to do this for several reasons. The biggest is this: I enjoy it. I stand in the fresh air and care for each of my family's articles of clothing one at a time. I am grateful for what we have, and appreciate each piece. I listen to the sounds of bugs, dogs, neighbors and my 1 1/2 year old daughter exploring the yard. There really is nothing like fresh air in your clothes! I have an overwhelming sense of pride and calm as I watch my clothes ripple in the wind. The funny thing about all of this is, I used to HATE doing laundry! Like HATE! But now, like so many other "homestead training choices" I have made, I find joy in the simple acts of daily life.

O! AND I saved like $60 on my energy bill!!!! (And if you are worried about the environment and what not, there is nothing more green than direct solar power)!

 So here are the 7 things you need to know when line drying your clothes!

1) Cut your detergent amount by half! You don't need as much as you think! Extra detergent makes your clothes stiff and wears the fabric quicker! Also a "free and clear" version (no perfumes or dyes) will also decrease the stiffness of you fabrics.

2) Do your jeans and towels first! They take the longest to dry and therefore require most time on the line. Simple I know, but there is beauty in simple efficiency.

3) Hang your shirts by the bottom, and your pants by the cuff! You really want the heaviest part of the garment to hang down. This pulls the fabric straight, and decreases wrinkling.

4) Use a "pin bag" that you can hang around your neck! This keeps the pins easily accessible so your other hand never leaves the line. I usually use a grocery bag. I cut one of the handles to make the opening large enough to slide over my head.

 5) Don't leave your clothes out overnight! Well you can, just don't expect them to be dry right away. Think about dew.....its all wet in the morning!



6) Don't fear the rain! Now, obviously, if it's raining all day, it would be counter-productive to hang out clothes. But, I live in Florida, were the brief afternoon shower is a way of life. Don't go racing out, dramatically ripping your clothes from the line. Rainwater is actually really good for your clothes. Think of it as a free rinse repeat cycle. Then, just wait some more!

7) Perfect laundry weather.  Now, this is just kinda an fyi....it's not like you can alter this variable. BUT, absolute perfect laundry weather is warm and sunny with a decent breeze. Too hot, and your clothes have a tendency towards stiffness. But a slight breeze keeps the fabric moving as it dries, making it soft and perfect!

There are all sorts of other tips I have read about line placement and adding vinegar to your laundry, but these are my essentials. I have been doing this for just over 4 months, and these are really the keys. I may have more to add later on....only time will tell.