Need to save energy? Try an old fashioned idea that is making a comeback.
Paul Gay
March 19, 2007
Many communities, especially housing developments, have decided that hanging your clothes out to dry is considered unsightly. Although tempting, I won't dignify that ecologically amoral belief with a response. I will say for those of you who agree that such a view is backwards thinking, deciding what type of clothesline to purchase can be a bit confusing. There are several styles shapes and sizes to choose from so let's see if we can take a little of the guess work out it for you. Some of the more common types include, T-posts, Reels, Pulley Systems, Umbrellas, Single and Multi-line Retractables and wall mounted to name a few. And these are just the outdoor models. For pictures and examples of these styles, please visit The Clothesline Shop LLC Now let's compare some of the basics:
T-Post; This system usually consists of at least two large metal or wood posts. The main post is held in place by digging holes in the ground and sticking the main/vertical post in with concrete. The "T" part or cross-arm is hooked to the top of the main post giving the whole assembly that T look. The two posts typically have several lines going between them. The advantages of T-posts are durability and heavy-duty ones can hold several very heavy loads of laundry. This type of system is great for giving you long straight lines to dry large items like sheets, blankets, comforters etc. The drawback is they take up a large amount of room in the backyard and are visible to the neighbors.
Umbrella; These typically come in two types; inverted, which looks similar to an upside-down rain umbrella. Parallel, which has a square or rectangular flat frame hanging down from the top of a single post. Most umbrellas are made of aluminum or steel. Aluminum models typically weigh 5-7 pounds less then their steel counterparts. This makes putting them up and taking them down easier, however the steel umbrellas are a bit stronger. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself how often you plan to raise and lower your clothesline. Most people leave them up until winter starts. If this is true for you, then steel is the better choice. For older folks or people with medical/back problems, aluminum may work better. Rust/corrosion is not much of an issue because companies now make excellent use of steel alloys and corrosion treatment compounds. Most umbrella clotheslines come equipped with a ground sleeve and cap. Once you remove the clothesline from the ground, you can cover the hole with the attached cap then mow or walk right over it. This style is great if you wish to completely hide the fact that you have a clothesline when not in use. Those wrinkled-nosed neighbors may be easier to deal with if it's only a part-time venture. Another advantage is that umbrellas have a great deal of line compared to the amount of backyard they take up. The drawback is they have a hard time withstanding high winds. With only one center-pole to hold the entire assembly, bending or breaking can occur.
Pulley system; A great low-cost alternative. This kind of system allows you to stand in one spot, your back deck for example, and simply load clothes while rolling them out along the line. If you happen to have a sturdy tree, garage wall or a post available, you can hook the outer pulley high off the ground. This allows you to run the clothes higher in the air. It's a great way to keep your clean laundry above the curious hands of children playing in the yard. One big drawback is they stick out like a sore thumb. I personally love a back yard with a nice long line of laundry running across the yard, but your neighbors may not share this view.
Retractable; Single and multi-line retractables also have the advantage of disappearing when not in use. A great feature if you have a small backyard and need the room. Retractables have many moving parts, including springs. Like any other mechanical device, the more moving parts, the greater the likelihood for problems over time.
Reel; Great for small jobs such as hiking and camping trips. Most of these are made of plastic, usually spring loaded and retract when you are not using it. Some models include hand cranks so you can rewind it manually. Most reel types are not equipped to hold more then one load of laundry.
Rope; You can’t get much lower budget then this. There is absolutely nothing wrong with simply purchasing a length of rope and tying it off to something solid on both ends. Just make sure it isn’t hooked to the family car!
For those of you who love the way laundry smells when it comes off the line, I applaud you. When hanging out that next load of laundry, think of the energy savings you are reaping, not to mention a chance to spend a few additional minutes in the sun. Additional advantages include helping the environment and prolonging the life of your clothes. These reasons and more are proof that there is nothing more beautiful then freshly washed clothes blowing in the backyard breeze.
T-Post; This system usually consists of at least two large metal or wood posts. The main post is held in place by digging holes in the ground and sticking the main/vertical post in with concrete. The "T" part or cross-arm is hooked to the top of the main post giving the whole assembly that T look. The two posts typically have several lines going between them. The advantages of T-posts are durability and heavy-duty ones can hold several very heavy loads of laundry. This type of system is great for giving you long straight lines to dry large items like sheets, blankets, comforters etc. The drawback is they take up a large amount of room in the backyard and are visible to the neighbors.
Umbrella; These typically come in two types; inverted, which looks similar to an upside-down rain umbrella. Parallel, which has a square or rectangular flat frame hanging down from the top of a single post. Most umbrellas are made of aluminum or steel. Aluminum models typically weigh 5-7 pounds less then their steel counterparts. This makes putting them up and taking them down easier, however the steel umbrellas are a bit stronger. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself how often you plan to raise and lower your clothesline. Most people leave them up until winter starts. If this is true for you, then steel is the better choice. For older folks or people with medical/back problems, aluminum may work better. Rust/corrosion is not much of an issue because companies now make excellent use of steel alloys and corrosion treatment compounds. Most umbrella clotheslines come equipped with a ground sleeve and cap. Once you remove the clothesline from the ground, you can cover the hole with the attached cap then mow or walk right over it. This style is great if you wish to completely hide the fact that you have a clothesline when not in use. Those wrinkled-nosed neighbors may be easier to deal with if it's only a part-time venture. Another advantage is that umbrellas have a great deal of line compared to the amount of backyard they take up. The drawback is they have a hard time withstanding high winds. With only one center-pole to hold the entire assembly, bending or breaking can occur.
Pulley system; A great low-cost alternative. This kind of system allows you to stand in one spot, your back deck for example, and simply load clothes while rolling them out along the line. If you happen to have a sturdy tree, garage wall or a post available, you can hook the outer pulley high off the ground. This allows you to run the clothes higher in the air. It's a great way to keep your clean laundry above the curious hands of children playing in the yard. One big drawback is they stick out like a sore thumb. I personally love a back yard with a nice long line of laundry running across the yard, but your neighbors may not share this view.
Retractable; Single and multi-line retractables also have the advantage of disappearing when not in use. A great feature if you have a small backyard and need the room. Retractables have many moving parts, including springs. Like any other mechanical device, the more moving parts, the greater the likelihood for problems over time.
Reel; Great for small jobs such as hiking and camping trips. Most of these are made of plastic, usually spring loaded and retract when you are not using it. Some models include hand cranks so you can rewind it manually. Most reel types are not equipped to hold more then one load of laundry.
Rope; You can’t get much lower budget then this. There is absolutely nothing wrong with simply purchasing a length of rope and tying it off to something solid on both ends. Just make sure it isn’t hooked to the family car!
For those of you who love the way laundry smells when it comes off the line, I applaud you. When hanging out that next load of laundry, think of the energy savings you are reaping, not to mention a chance to spend a few additional minutes in the sun. Additional advantages include helping the environment and prolonging the life of your clothes. These reasons and more are proof that there is nothing more beautiful then freshly washed clothes blowing in the backyard breeze.
Print
Email
