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Line drying clothes is one of the easiest ways to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle while saving money and keeping your laundry smelling fresh!
There’s something nostalgic and almost magical about line drying clothes! Not only is it an eco-friendly alternative to using a dryer, but one of the things I love most about line drying clothes is how it encourages me to slow down and truly enjoy the little moments in my day.
Instead of rushing through another chore, I get to step outside, feel the sun on my skin, and take a deep breath of fresh air. There’s something so peaceful about pinning up laundry while listening to the birds or feeling a soft breeze move through the yard. It turns a simple task into a kind of ritual, one that makes me feel more connected to nature and the rhythm of the seasons.
If you’ve ever considered switching to line drying, or maybe you’re just looking for ways to make the process easier, you’re in the right place! In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the best ways to set up a clothesline to tips for keeping your laundry soft and fresh.
Why Line Drying Clothes is Worth It
I’ll be the first to admit—when I started line drying clothes, I wasn’t sure I’d love it. Would my laundry come out stiff? Would it take forever to dry? But once I got into the habit, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed the process! There are so many benefits to line drying, and it’s truly one of those small lifestyle shifts that makes a big difference
1. Energy Savings & Lower Bills
One of the best things about line drying clothes is the savings! Did you know that your dryer is one of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home? By skipping the dryer and letting the sun do the work, you can significantly cut down on your electricity use—and that translates into lower bills every month.
2. Clothes Last Longer
Heat and tumbling take a toll on fabric over time. Ever noticed all that lint in your dryer? That’s actually tiny fibers from your clothing breaking down! Line drying clothes is much gentler, which helps your favorite outfits last longer. Plus, no more shrinking disasters, because we’ve all had that one sweater that went from cozy to doll-sized in the dryer!
3. Fresh, Natural Scent
There’s no fabric softener in the world that can mimic the crisp, sun-kissed scent of laundry dried outdoors. The fresh air naturally deodorizes clothes, leaving them smelling clean and fresh without any artificial fragrances. It’s especially great for those of us trying to avoid chemicals in our everyday routine.
You can also try my homemade laundry detergent recipe for an easy-to-make non-toxic solution.
4. Better for the Environment
If you’re looking for a way to make your household more sustainable, line drying clothes is an easy win! Reducing electricity usage helps lower your carbon footprint, and by skipping dryer sheets, you’re also cutting down on waste. It’s a small but meaningful step toward greener living.
In many European countries, they only hang dry clothing. In fact, when we were looking to book our family vacation to Italy, there wasn’t a single rental that we could find with a dryer unit in the suite, only washing machines.
How to Set Up the Perfect Clothesline
Before you start hanging your laundry in the backyard, it’s important to set up your drying space properly. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Find the Best Spot
Choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and airflow. The more breeze, the faster your clothes will dry! If you have trees nearby, they can offer shade to prevent fading, but be mindful of birds—because no one wants surprise stains on their clean laundry!
2. Pick the Right Clothesline
There are several types of clotheslines, so choose one that fits your space and needs:
- Rotary Clotheslines: These spin in the breeze and hold a lot of laundry!
- Retractable Clotheslines: Great for small yards or balconies since they can be tucked away when not in use.
- Traditional Rope Lines: Classic and simple, perfect for stretching across a backyard.
3. Use Quality Clothespins
Not all clothespins are created equal! Wooden clothespins are sturdy and look beautiful, but plastic ones tend to last longer in wet conditions.
Whichever you choose, make sure they have a strong grip so your clothes don’t end up on the ground.
I prefer the old fashioned style wooden clothespins myself as they don’t require any metal that can rust and stain your clothes over time.
Deb’s Tips for Soft, Fresh Laundry Every Time
When I first started line drying clothes, I worried my laundry would turn out stiff and rough. But over time, I’ve learned a few simple tricks that keep everything soft, fresh, and smelling absolutely amazing! If you’re just getting started, or if you’ve had trouble with crunchy towels in the past, these are my go-to tips:
1. Give Clothes a Good Shake Before Hanging
This might seem like a small step, but trust me—it makes a big difference! I always give each item a quick shake before hanging it on the line. It helps loosen up the fabric, reducing stiffness and cutting down on wrinkles. Plus, it speeds up the drying time!
2. Hang Clothes the Right Way
I learned the hard way that how you hang your clothes affects how they dry. Now, I always hang shirts from the hem rather than the shoulders to avoid those awkward clip marks. For pants, I pin them at the waistband, and I love using hangers for delicate pieces to help them hold their shape. Sheets and towels? I spread them out as much as possible to let the air flow through—it’s the secret to that soft, fluffy feeling!
3. Use White Vinegar for Naturally Soft Laundry
Fabric softeners are full of chemicals, and honestly, I’ve never liked the artificial scent they leave behind. Instead, I use a splash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle—it works wonders! It naturally softens fabric, removes any leftover detergent, and keeps clothes feeling fresh without any harsh residues. And no, your laundry won’t smell like vinegar once it’s dry!
4. Flip Clothes Inside Out to Prevent Fading
I love my dark-colored clothing, so the last thing I want is for them to fade from too much sun exposure. A simple trick? I turn my clothes inside out before hanging them up. That way, they still get all the benefits of fresh air drying without losing their rich color.
5. Don’t Leave Laundry Out Too Long
I’ve learned that timing is everything. If I leave my laundry on the line too long—especially on a really hot day—it can end up feeling stiff. As soon as I notice it’s dry, I take it down right away. That way, everything stays soft and smells fresh without that cardboard-like texture.
SHOP ALL MY LAUNDRY MUST HAVES
What About Rainy or Cold Weather?
I totally get it—depending on where you live, the weather doesn’t always cooperate for line drying clothes. Here in Canada, we deal with everything from rain to heavy snow, but that doesn’t mean I give up on line drying! Over the years, I’ve found a few ways to make it work no matter what Mother Nature throws my way.
- Use an Indoor Drying Rack – When the weather isn’t great, I bring my drying inside. A foldable drying rack works perfectly, and if I set it up near a heat vent or fireplace, clothes dry surprisingly fast. I made this ceiling mounted drying rack out of an antique herb drying rack, but there are also plenty of options for collapsible drying racks.
- Take Advantage of Covered Spaces – I love using my porch or even my garage for drying clothes on wet days. It’s not quite the same as fresh air and sunshine, but it still gets the job done!
- Dry Smaller Loads Indoors – When drying inside, I stick to smaller loads. Less laundry at a time means better airflow and faster drying—which is key, especially in the winter months.
One of my favorite things about line drying is that it connects me to simple, time-honored traditions. In Scandinavian countries, it’s completely normal to hang bedding outside—even in the middle of winter! The crisp, cold air is said to kill bacteria and dust mites, leaving linens fresher than ever.
There’s something so comforting about climbing into a bed that smells like the outdoors, with just a hint of fresh snow in the air. Many Scandinavian families swear by this practice, saying it helps them sleep better and keeps their homes naturally fresh. Try more Scandinavian traditions in your home by adding elements of Hygge into your spaces.
And you know what? I do the same thing here in Canada! Even on freezing winter days, I love hanging my bedding outside. The fresh, cool scent it picks up is unmatched, and I swear it helps me sleep better at night. If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend it—there’s something so peaceful about watching your sheets billow in the winter breeze, knowing they’ll come inside smelling absolutely amazing.
Embracing the Slow Living Mindset
One of the unexpected joys of line drying clothes is how it encourages a slower, more mindful way of living. There’s something deeply satisfying about stepping outside, feeling the warmth of the sun, and taking a few quiet moments to hang laundry. It turns a simple chore into a peaceful ritual—one that connects us to nature and helps us appreciate the little things.
I’ve found that these small, intentional choices help me live a more mindful, simple life. It’s not just about saving money or being eco-friendly (though those are big perks!); it’s about embracing a slower, more intentional way of doing things. I love the sense of accomplishment I feel when I gather my fresh, sun-dried laundry at the end of the day, knowing I did something good for my home and the planet.
So, if you’ve been on the fence about trying it, I say go for it! Whether you’re looking to save money, make your home more sustainable, or just enjoy the fresh scent of sun-dried laundry, line drying clothes is a habit worth embracing.
Have you tried line drying before? I’d love to hear your experience! Drop a comment below and share your favorite tips.
Reader Questions
Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about line drying clothes—from whether it makes laundry too stiff to how to deal with unpredictable weather. So, I thought I’d put together a little FAQ section with some of the most common concerns. If you’ve been on the fence about line drying, hopefully, this helps!
I totally get this concern! When I first started line drying, I noticed my towels felt a little too crisp. But I’ve found a few tricks to keep everything soft! Giving clothes a good shake before hanging, using white vinegar in the rinse cycle, and bringing them inside as soon as they’re dry all help. If you still find them a little stiff, just toss them in the dryer for five minutes on low heat to fluff them up—problem solved!
No backyard? No problem! I used to think I needed a big outdoor space, but I’ve learned that even a small balcony, patio, or retractable indoor clothesline can work wonders. If you have a bathroom or laundry room with good airflow, a drying rack is a great alternative. Plus, hanging clothes indoors in the winter helps add humidity to dry indoor air, which is an added bonus!
I love a good sunny day, but I don’t love when my favorite black t-shirt starts looking faded! The easiest fix? Turn clothes inside out before hanging them. This helps protect the fabric while still letting the sun do its thing. For extra protection, I sometimes hang delicate or brightly colored items in a shady spot with good airflow instead of direct sun
Oh, the joys of nature! I’ve definitely had a few surprise “gifts” from birds over the years, but it’s pretty rare. I try to avoid hanging laundry under big trees, and if I know it’s a high-pollen day, I’ll dry clothes in a covered area. If something does get dirty, I just give it a quick rinse and let it dry again—no big deal!
