Saturday, March 28, 2009

A Clothesline





Growing up we had a clothesline. We used it quite a bit too. I remember lugging the baskets out to the line and using the wooden clothes pins (that my mom kept in a fabric bag that would hang on the line) to hang the linens, towels, and clothes on the line. We then had this metal pole that would attach to the line to keep the weight of the clothes from bending the line down to the ground. The best part of it all (and I am sure that my mother didn't REALLY appreciate it) was to take a running start and run through the sheets. I loved the smell of the sheets as you ran through them. So...with all that said, I want to build a clothesline. I found an article that says you can build one for only around $30. One more project to add to the list....





Reducing Energy Consumption = Money in the Pocket
April 15th, 2008 Sammy
So how do you reduce your energy usage, enjoy some quiet time and save over $150. Setup a clothes line. There is really nothing better than clothes dried naturally on an outdoor clothes line… the sweet smell of a breeze, the sun and the flowers. And it’s amazing how the sun naturally bleaches your whites.
Building an outdoor clothes line is inexpensive and will only take you a couple of hours…
For around $30 at your local hardware / building materials store… you can get everything you need to build your own outdoor clothes line dryer.


The Materials:- (2) Pine 4 X 4 Posts - 8ft- (1)Pine 2 x 4 - 8ft- (10)Wood screws- (8)#6 Eye Bolts- Clothes line (nylon or plastic), 100ft- (4-6)bricks
Tools:- Drill / Cordless Scewdriver- Saw (hand or circular)- Measuring tape- Level- Digging Bar or post hole digger


1. Dig 2, 24in deep holes about 10 - 12 feet apart.2. Cut 4 x 4’s down to 7 feet (less if you want your clothes line lower).3. Cut 2 x 4 in half.4. Attach 2 x 4 across the top of the 4 x 4 posts with wood screws.5. Pre-drill holes for eye bolts across 2 x 4 and screw in 4 bolts per side.6. Break bricks in smaller pieces to put into the post holes.7. Using a level place posts in ground and make plumb filling the hole with alternating bricks and dirt.8. Tamp down around base of posts adding more dirt and brick to secure post firmly in ground.9. Add water to allow all materials to settle.10. Hang line across and tie with 2 - 3 half-hitch knots per. Make lines about 95% taught.
That’s it. For $30 and a couple of hours in the back yard you can build your outdoor clothes line dryer, reduce your household energy consumption, save over $150 annually and get fresh smelling clothes.


Tips & TricksDon’t like the stiff feeling of your clothes after being line dried? Try doubling up your towels when you hang them out. Washcloths can be dried in sets of three. Slower drying fabric equals softer fabric.

3 comments:

Erika said...

Funny, I have been thinking about line drying our clothes too...but of course, it's raining here. Maybe in the summer.

Amy Trauntvein said...

I use to love it when my grandma wuld hang her sheets up to dry. We would make a "house" in them with the sheets being our walls. I wish I could put up a clothesline where I live. Stupid homeowners association..... I need to move!

Home Management Group said...

I had a clothes line growing up and at my first house. Our home owners association won't allow them here, but I'm thinking about getting that changed!!!!!