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8 Benefits of Drying Clothes Outside!

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

July 20, 2011 By Heidi 12 Comments

Benefits of Drying Clothes Outside Tips

Many people don’t realize the Benefits of Drying Clothes Outside.

In addition to making my Homemade Laundry Detergent and my cost saving Homemade Fabric Softener… another great way to cut costs in the laundry room is by drying your clothing outside!

{or even an indoor drying rod for small spaces!

This guest post comes from Trish at Mom on Time Out… enjoy!!

Benefits of Drying Clothes Outside

I am proud to say that I have been clothes dryer-free for the last three weeks.  Late in June I had an epiphany.  As I was transferring clothes from my washing machine to my dryer and my air conditioning was running non-stop, it occurred to me that I was using energy to dry my clothes which was in turn heating up my house, which was then causing my air conditioning to run and use even additional energy!  Very costly and not green at all.

I decided to go “old-school” and buy myself a clothes rack to dry our clothes on.  I ended up buying two racks so that I could fit an entire load on the racks at a time.  A clothesline is ideal but we don’t really have an appropriate place to hang a clothes line and this was a good alternative.

I wanted to know how much I could save by not using my dryer.  According to ehow.com, you can expect to pay between 44 cents and $1.32 per load as of January 2011”.  Variables include whether you own a gas or electric dryer, your energy rates, how big a load, how long it takes to dry your clothes, etc.  But let’s take a number from the low end.  Let’s go with $0.50/load.  If you dry 10 loads a week on the rack you are looking at a $5/week savings.  Multiply that by 52 weeks a year and you’re looking at a savings of $260.  Not planning on drying your clothes on a rack in the winter?  Multiply that $5 a week savings by 16 weeks and you’ve saved $80 – that’s not even taking air conditioning savings into account.

Pros of Drying Laundry Outside:

  • Don’t need to use dryer sheets; air drying eliminates static cling.
  • Energy savings from not using the dryer.
  • Energy savings from not running the air conditioner.
  • Clothes dried outside smell fresh and wonderful!
  • Sunlight can help to bleach and disinfect your laundry.
  • Line drying is better for your clothes than the dryer.
  • Simplifies your life.
  • Conserving resources and energy.

Cons of Drying Laundry Outside:

  • Have to purchase a clothes rack or line if you don’t already own one.
  • The turnover between loads is longer.
  • May need to use the dryer for a few minutes to release wrinkles.
  • Laundry dries quicker during the day.
  • Difficult to try larger items like sheets on a rack (easy on a clothesline).
  • Limits how many loads can be done in a day (Three a day for me).

The simple pleasure that I have derived from this endeavor has astounded even me.  I am really enjoying drying my clothes outside and all the benefits that come with it.  The switch was easier than I thought it would be, and I plan on taking full advantage of the sunny days and gentle breezes ahead.

Trish is a blessed mom to 2 darling little boys {ages 5 and 2}, and blogs over at Mom on Time Out.

Now… I’ve got even more money saving ideas for to help you save on everything around your home!

Homemade Fabric Softener Recipe

You won’t believe how much money you can save by simply making your own fabric softener at home.  Plus, I love how well this fabric softener works on my clothes!

Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent Recipe

One of the very easiest ways to save money on laundry is to use this homemade liquid laundry detergent.  I have been personally using this recipe for almost 10 years!

Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder

Cut the cost of doing laundry when you use this easy Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder Recipe!

How to Keep your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh

Keep the odors away with this easy Smelly Washing Machine Fix!

21 Brilliant Spring Cleaning Hacks

Use these Spring Cleaning tips and tricks to save you time and money… you’ll have your house looking fabulous in no time!

Spring Cleaning Hacks

50 DIY Homemade Cleaners Recipes That Work!

Get ready for some serious savings with these simple DIY Homemade Cleaners Recipes and Tips!

333 Brilliant Ways To Save More Money Around The House

These affordable ideas and frugal hacks for your home can make saving so much easier.

Save Money Around The House

So… let’s hear it ~ what are some of YOUR favorite ways to save $$ on laundry??

Leave a comment & share!

The Benefits of Drying Clothes Outside

Filed Under: DIY, Guest Posts, Homemade Cleaners

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Comments

  1. Steve Frank says

    May 22, 2020 at 10:29 am

    I just saw you mentioned the possible need to partially dry indoors to remove wrinkles….are you familiar with “Snapping Laundry”…..I was amazed how many people didn’t know that before you hang a piece of laundry, you give it a snap…think snapping a towel….but holding both corners and give it a quick snap….no wrinkles when it dries…same with shirts etc….

    Reply
  2. Helen Scalabrino says

    July 27, 2017 at 2:30 pm

    Here in Cape Town we have wonderful weather .. I grew up hanging all washing on a line and in the sun. Our summers are hot and sometimes windy. There is a slight problem in winter as it rains quite a lot, but I have a storeroom beneath our home and that’s where the washing goes … clothes on hangers and smalls on a “clothes horse”. I don’t know the origins of that description. I don’t even own a dryer

    Reply
  3. Linda Coughenour says

    January 22, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    I am a strong believer in hanging clothes outside to dry. I find clothes last longer,(all the lint?that is in the dryer filter is wearing out the clothes). I wont put clean sheets on bed unless they have been dried outside. I love the smell of fresh, crisp air on pillow cases. I must admit i do use my iron on our jeans and some of husbands flannel shirts,but,still think i am saving on cost to use dryer.

    Reply
  4. Allison says

    April 26, 2012 at 10:09 am

    i have the proper set up for drying outside but was wondering if the sun will fade colored clothes?

    Reply
  5. Kimberli says

    August 6, 2011 at 1:55 am

    I live in a small city apartment and there is not the space nor the proper hook ups for a washer or dryer in my home. Going to the laundry mat was costing me $2.00 a load and that is on the cheap end! Frustrated I started to do some research and found that I could hand wash many of my clothes with a 5 gallon bucket and a toilet plunger! Of course I do not use the same toilet plunger that I use on my toilet. Ewwww! And for very heavy and dirty items I still haul to the laundry mat. But, for items that have just been sweat in I can plunge the nastiness out and hang them on the rack in my kitchen. I’m not sure just how much savings this is. All the equipment cost me less than 20 dollars. I buy my detergent and softener at the dollar tree and I don’t know how much 10 gallons of hot water costs (wash and rinse). But, it works for me.

    Reply
  6. Karen says

    July 21, 2011 at 7:24 am

    When my husband & I got married, a clothesline was the first thing I asked for. I only use the dryer for our towels in the summer, and I use drying racks in the winter for our jeans and other items that hang well on the racks. This puts humidity in the air for us during the winter. ( We live in MN) I also quit using fabric softner. I had a coupon for a free set of dryer balls, and took the chance on trying them. They work great. They save on drying time and help reduce wrinkles. My washer has a sensor that can tell the weight of the clothes and only uses the amount of water needed depending upon the size of load. I also wash most clothes in cold water. Saves a bundle on the hot water bill, even if we are on off-peak!

    Reply
  7. Heidi says

    July 20, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    You can also check out more tips from your frugal friends here: http://www.facebook.com/thefrugalgirls/posts/203541849694934

    Reply
  8. Heather Henderson1 says

    July 20, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    Cindy, you can totally make your own detergent even working full time! I made my first batch, that I’m still using, when my daughter was about 3 weeks old. She is now going on 13 weeks and I still have a bunch left! It really isn’t that hard, especially if you have a food processor. Look into it. I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

    Reply
  9. Stefanie Markin says

    July 20, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    I use a homemade stain remover:
    1/3 cup amonia
    1/3 cup water
    1/3 Dawn dish soap (original blue)
    Mix together in a spray bottle. Spray directly on stain(s) (let sit up to 20 minutes for tougher stains) and wash with your normal wash load.
    This takes out so many stains – even ones I had already set in the clothes from drying them before noticing!
    I no longer have to buy expensive stain removers!!

    Reply
  10. Joan Wyatt says

    July 20, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    I wash full loads only, use a little less detergent, use cold water most of the time, and hang outside to dry as often as possible. Clothes last longer when not put in the dryer. I also wear many items more than once depending if I haven’t gotten sweaty or dirty.

    Reply
  11. Jeryl says

    July 20, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    I’ve been hanging our clothes on the line for 3 years now & short of making my own laundry soap and fabric softener I cannot think of anymore to do. I buy my laundry soap and fabric softener on sale with coupons. I’ve not had to buy laundry soap this year but have purchased softener. I’ve used vinegar as a softener and have absolutely no complaints as I do not require a scent. I don’t shop at the warehouse clubs and wonder if anyone knows if there are larger containers of vinegar there.

    Reply
    • Theresa says

      July 21, 2011 at 10:03 am

      I think I pay $1.50 for 1 gallon at walmart. At Sams they have 2 gallons in a box for about $2.50. I save about $0.25 per gallon at Sams.

      Reply

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Hey there... it's so nice to meet you! I'm Heidi: a Frugal Girl living in sunny Arizona! I love sharing Easy Recipes, DIY Decor, Style & Beauty Hacks, Gardening Tips, Travel Hacks, and Creative Ways to Live the Sweet Life on a Budget. I'm so glad you're here!
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