So, we all love technology for making life easier, right? But those whirring appliances, like the power-guzzling clothes dryer, often come with hidden costs. Sure, it gives you fluffy towels in a flash, but it also chugs your electricity, hurts the planet, shrinks your delicates and fades your denim.
If that’s not a price you’re willing to pay, it’s time to rediscover the tried-and-true washing lines and put the sun and wind to work. You might be wondering, “Won’t my clothes take forever to dry?” “Can you use a clothesline in winter?” or “Will the Aussie sun bake my delicates?” Let’s simmer on that for a bit.
With hardly any rain, an abundance of sunshine, and plenty of coastal breezes, Australia offers the perfect climate conditions for air drying. And with a bit of planning and smarts, you can reap the benefits of hang-drying all year round.
Choosing The Right Hang Drying Solutions
Choosing high-quality and durable racks or wall-mounted lines is key to successful hang-drying, come rain or shine. Powder-coated steel is one of the best options material-wise, as it is designed to withstand harsh UV rays, rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. In addition, the coating prevents rust and corrosion, protecting your laundry from marks and stains.
If you have a large backyard, consider standard ground-mounted solutions with plenty of line space that can be used for drying clothes, bed linen, outdoor equipment, toys, and more.
Even small and medium-sized families can benefit from a larger number of washing lines, but if you’re working with a smaller balcony, courtyard or small yard, consider a slimline or compact wall-mounted option to save precious floor space.
Retractable and folding options offer added flexibility; you can extend them when you need them and neatly tuck them away when you don’t. This eliminates the need for a permanent structure, keeping your outdoor or indoor drying space looking neat and clutter-free.
While your clothes hang on the line, don’t let flimsy plastic pegs become a hassle. Forget about chasing airborne shirts and socks with durable, stainless steel eco-pegs that can withstand temperature extremes, both in the heat of the summer and the dead of the winter.
Plastic pegs may seem like a budget-friendly option, but their short lifespan means constant replacement, which drains your wallet in the long run. Plus, this endless cycle of buying and replacing pegs fuels the plastic waste problem, adding unnecessary strain to ecosystems.
Summer Sun And Breeze
The sun and air are unrivalled when it comes to hang-drying. Use these elements to your best advantage with a sturdy outdoor clothesline that can handle the heat and wind.
For effective and efficient drying, it’s best to install your lines in a well-ventilated area, away from walls and trees that might block the breeze. To speed up the process, hang your clothes early in the day, when the sun is strongest, and hang your garments loosely to catch maximum airflow.
A word of advice: be mindful of the sun’s intensity. Delicates, especially those with dark colours, can fade or become brittle under prolonged sun exposure. For these, consider installing a clothesline in a shaded yet airy spot or rotating your clothes throughout the day to ensure delicates are not baked under full sun.
Rainy Day Rescue
Australia’s rain might be fleeting, but it can still disrupt your drying plans. A covered drying space like a balcony, awning, or covered patio is the ultimate solution for rainy days. But remember, clothes need to breathe, so avoid overcrowding the lines to keep dampness and mildew at bay.
Before hanging, give your clothes a good shake or a gentle squeeze to remove excess water and speed up the drying process. If it’s an all-day rainy situation, hang heavier fabrics first, since they may take longer to dry. And if you catch the sun peeking through the clouds, rotate your garments to ensure even drying.
It’s always good to have a backup plan, and in this case, it comes in the form of a portable drying rack you can easily tuck near a window or in your bathroom. For more efficient indoor drying, consider leaving the windows or doors open to optimise airflow.
Winterise Your Technique
While winter may not boast the same sun-drenched days as summer, don’t let the cooler temperatures fool you into thinking that your trusty backyard clothesline is out of commission. You just need to adapt your technique to suit the weather.
As they say, the early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the warmth. Hang your laundry as early as possible to catch the morning sun so it has plenty of time to dry during the day. Take heavier fabrics that need more time to dry outside to avoid moisture buildup in your bathroom, bedroom or hallway.
The sunny days of winter are also great for air-drying dark clothes outside, as these absorb heat faster. And since the sun is not in full strength during this time of the year, the UV rays will have a hard time fading your blacks and darks.
What about winters accompanied by frosts? Extreme cold and dry conditions may actually speed up the drying process. Ever hung your laundry outside in the winter and found it frozen stiff but surprisingly dry? This is known as freeze-drying through sublimation.
When your wet clothes freeze in winter, the water in them turns into ice crystals, which sublimate into water vapour, bypassing the liquid stage. The vapour is then absorbed by dry air and carried away, leaving your clothes dry and stiff but not wet.
While freeze-drying can be significantly faster than regular air drying in winter, it can damage delicate items just like the extreme sun. That’s why it’s best to leave this technique for thick and durable towels or bedding made from natural fibres.
Closing Thoughts
Hang-drying is a smart and sustainable solution that takes a bit more planning and effort than pressing a button. However, the benefits for your wallet, the planet, and your clothes will almost certainly make it worth your while. You’ll reduce your energy bills, shrink your carbon footprint, and enjoy clothes that last longer and feel oh-so-fresh.
Use these tips and experiment with different drying techniques to make the most of the elements. Don’t forget to learn about fabric-specifics to avoid shrinkage, colour fading, and stretching, just as you would normally do before loading your tumble dryer.
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