So I wanted to break down the video that I just uploaded to YouTube.
I talked about a few different drying methods. One of them was air drying on a rack. This method sometimes takes awhile longer than a dryer but it in the long run can be better for your clothes and the environment. Air drying doesn’t shrink or wear anything out quite like the dryer does. A drying rack can be found at a number of stores, Target included. They are great because they work in small spaces because they fold up and can be put away when you are not using it.
Another method I talked about was sun drying. Now there are a couple of ways to go about this method. There are outdoor drying racks that you can buy. I saw one of those round ones that spins around and is used by digging a small hole in the ground and putting it in. They are great but on the expensive side. I saw those at Home Depot.
The second method is a dryer machine.When using a dryer consider the different settings. Low heat or air dry are the best settings because they use the least amount of energy, but when you have a heavy load, (ie denim jeans, wool sweaters, rugs or blankets, etc) the load may not dry properly on the lower settings. A high heat will get your heavier loads dry and fast, but it uses a lot more energy to heat that air. Just something to consider.
Another way to sun dry is to install a clothes line. Below are step by step instructions on how to install your own clothes line and the supplies you need to do that.
Before you get started with your clothes line be sure to check with your condo bylaws or landlord to make sure that hanging a line will be ok. You don’t want to drill holes and do all the work just to have to take it down again.
Supplies Required:
A place to hang a line. I hung mine between a tree and my house (watch the video).
At least 1 screw eye (you may need 2 depending on where you hang it)
At least one S hook (again, you may need 2)
A pulley – size depends on how thick your rope line is
Rope
Pliers and scissors
Clothes pin
Drill and drill bits (drill bit size depends on screw end size of your screw eye)
Step 1: Drill a hole in the wall that you have chosen to hang the line on.
Step 2: Screw the screw eye into the drilled hole. You should be able to twist it in with your bare hands. If not use pliers.
Step 3: Hook your S hook through the eye of the screw. Use the pliers to pinch the end of the s hook closed.
Step 4: Hook your pulley from the other end of the S hook. Pinch that end too.
Step 5: Cut a length of rope so that you have enough to run the line from one end of your intended space to the pulley and back to the other end again.
Step 6: Run the rope from one side through your pulley and back to the side you started from. (see video)
Step 7: On the end without the pulley, if it is a wall interior or exterior, you will need that second screw eye and S hook. Put those up the same way as steps 1, 2 and 3. If you are using a tree, like I did, then you can tie the rope around the tree. I used a strong figure 8 knot and finished off with a square knot, but as long as it feels secure to you then use whatever knot you feel comfortable with.
Step 8: Test your line. Place a heaver item around the center of your clothes line like a jacket or pair of jeans. Use the clothes pins to hold it in place. You want to make sure that your clothes don’t drag on the floor or ground.
