Are you ready to start one simple change that can save the world? Well, maybe 🙂 And air drying laundry can save you money (and everyone like saving money, right?)
Air Drying Laundry = So Easy, YOU Can Do It!
Air drying laundry sounds like something that people only did when they had no other option, but it’s simple, cheap, and in addition to helping you save some energy and money, air drying laundry can give you clothes a clean, natural smell that dryer sheets just can’t compete with.
Air is Free
Running a load of laundry in an electric dryer can cost anywhere from $0.35 – $0.50 (gas dryers are slightly cheaper to operate). Our family of 5 can use 6-8 loads of laundry per week. If you said you’d pay me $4 per week to air dry my clothes, I’d try to do it – that’s 2 cups of coffee (using my reusable tumbler, of course) I could enjoy just for not running my dryer! And just think: if everyone on your block / street / town started to air dry their laundry, that’d be a lot of energy (which was likely created with fossil fuels) that didn’t get used.
I happen to live near several areas where Amish communities are prevalent, and let me tell you, these ladies know how to air dry laundry! No matter what time of year it is, they will have 100 feet or more of clotheslines filled full of clothes! Now, if you want to jump straight to that, you’re awesome (and there’s full guides on how to do that in the SFH Membership home area *coming soon* – check it out!) but there’s several ways to dip your toes into the air drying laundry pool before going full Amish.
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Rack ’em
First, the standard “accordion-style” drying rack:
This is typically used inside. Most folks have one of these in their laundry rooms anyways for their delicate laundry that doesn’t go into the dryer (this is the format in our house, plus we hang up most button-down shirts and jeans with hangers). If you like this style, grab another one or two and start air drying more than just those unmentionables!
Second, the “full-load-on-your-deck” drying rack:
I purchased one of these last year, and like it a lot. When coupled with a clip rack for the small items, it can hold an entire load of laundry. It takes up a little more space than the accordion-style racks, so it’s best on the deck / patio / porch, however if you have the space it’ll do just fine inside. Just run a load of laundry overnight or first thing in the morning, hang it out to dry on this bad boy, and then enjoy your day while your clothes dry themselves.
Third, the “I’m more of a hangers person” drying rack:
If you love your hangers, try this long rack or this tripod rack. Either one can be easily taken outside if you like that sweet drying smell, but then can work inside for those rainy days too.
You = Crushed It!
Ok, you’re on your way! For even more air drying laundry and other detailed tutorials, check out the Sustainable Family Home membership (*coming soon*), where you can follow our guides, earn points to increase your home score, and chat with fellow members (or compete with them; your choice). Do you like that sweet air dried outside smell on your clothes? Tell us below in the comments! Plus, you can air dry those cloth diapers too. And if you haven’t already, take our quiz or sign up to get regular updates from Sustainable Family Home for more awesome tips to help your family help the Earth, one small easy step at a time.