Line drying outdoors
Short answer: Drying outdoors is gentle and free, but direct sun fades colors over time. Hang dark and colored clothes inside out or in the shade, so the color holds better and the fabric wears less than in a dryer.
Sun fades, air dries
It is the air, not the sun itself, that dries clothes. A shaded spot with good airflow dries almost as fast as direct sun, without fading the colors. See bamboo clothing for women for fabrics where the color needs to last.
Turning inside out protects color
Turn colored clothes inside out and the sun hits the inner side of the fabric instead. The color on the outer side, the one facing outward, stays strong far longer, even after many hours of sunlight over a summer.
Frost is not a problem
Clothes dry in freezing weather too, just more slowly than in warm weather. Water evaporates directly from the frozen fabric, and it takes no harm from the process. Cold alone does not wear the fibers, only prolonged damp does.
Spacing between items matters a lot
When clothes hang tightly together on the line, they dry slowly and can smell musty. Give each item room for air to move all the way around it. See bamboo socks for women for thin items that dry fast with good spacing.
Pegs leave marks
Firm clothespins can press into knitwear and leave small dents that do not always smooth back out. Use soft pegs, or lay heavy items over the line instead of hanging them by the shoulder.
Windy weather dries fastest
Wind moves damp air away from the fabric faster than still air can. A windy but overcast day often dries clothes faster than a sunny day without wind. Place the line where air can move freely past it.
Rain is no reason to panic
A short shower on slightly damp clothes rarely does much harm if they hang freely and can drip off again. If the clothes are already dry, a sudden downpour is reason enough to bring them in right away.
T-shirts and blouses hang differently
Hang T-shirts and blouses by the side seams rather than the collar, so you avoid stretching the neckline out of shape. See bamboo t-shirt for women for the styles this matters most for.
A line saves both clothes and money
Compared to a dryer, a clothesline is both cheaper to run and far gentler on the fibers. The only things you need to manage yourself are sun, spacing and weather, and the clothes keep their shape much longer.
Frequently asked questions
Does clothing fade from hanging in the sun?
Yes, direct sun fades colors over time. Hang dark and colored clothes in the shade or inside out, so the color holds up better.
Does clothing dry outdoors in winter?
Yes, more slowly than in summer, but without harm. Dry air in freezing weather actually draws moisture out of the fabric over time.
Is a clothesline better than a dryer?
For the lifespan of clothing, yes. The dryer is faster, but it costs fibers and shape with every single cycle.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
