{Try} Line Drying Clothes

It’s a common sight in the country: clothes pinned up on the line, gently swaying in the breeze.  It’s such a pretty sight and there are so many good reasons to try it yourself:

• You can save money
• You can save the planet
• Your clothes will last longer
• The fresh air adds a pleasantly natural aroma
• It’s a workout!  House work burns up to 150 cal per hour
• Sunlight is a natural bleach and disinfectant
• It’s fun! All that sunlight and fresh air are natural anti-depressants

Tips for line drying:

Use vinegar in your rinse cycle to avoid stiff clothing – Use a half a cup of vinegar per load.   Don’t worry about the odour–it disappears as the clothing dries.

Hang shirts by the hem rather than the shoulder to avoid stretching and clothespin marks.

Don’t fold clothing over the line. Use clothespins for faster drying times and fewer wrinkles.

Don’t crowd your lines. Crowding results in wrinkles and longer drying times.

For extra freshness make your own all-natural linen spray:

1 tsp lavender essential oil 
¼ cup unflavoured vodka
3.5 cups filtered water

Use an empty spray bottle
Combine lavender oil and vodka (the alcohol works as an emulsifier and disinfectant)
Shake well
Add the water
Make sure to shake well before each use as the oil will separate

You can purchase Ontario-grown lavender laundry products at The Great Lakes Lavender Farm