Does a Dryer or Clothesline Work Better? We Got the Answer Straight from Our Readers – by Ashley Chalmers

The Spruce / Jacob Fox

In a recent post on our Facebook page, we asked our readers which they prefer when it comes to drying their clothes: an actual dryer, or air-drying on a clothesline. As you might expect, the answers were varied.

While it comes down to personal preference, we loved hearing why some will always go with their dryer and others wish they had their clothesline full of linens blowing in the breeze.

Read on to find out which method our readers prefer, and which one is right for you.

In Defence of the Dryer

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

You Don’t Need to Worry About Pollen

If you suffer from seasonal allergies or live in a home shaded by trees and surrounded by nature, then the thought of hanging your clothes outdoors probably doesn’t sound ideal. 

As one reader points out, this is just a great way to turn your clothes into pollen traps, which can be a nightmare for your sinuses. On the other hand, this is one thing the dryer definitely will not do.

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Less Pollutants on Your Clothes

A few other readers noted that they’d love to hang their clothes outside, but they live in areas with far too many pollutants, dust, and dirt blowing around. 

Sure, this might not be too big of an issue for drying some items, like outdoor cushion covers and picnic blankets. But we can completely understand why the idea of drying your pillowcases in the air mixed with car exhaustion doesn’t sound appealing.

In Defense of a Clothesline or Drying Rack

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

You’re Washing a Something Large

More than a few readers said they wish they had a clothesline for one major reason: to hang any comforters, bed linens, and duvets. 

Of course, some larger dryers are great for these big-ticket items, but there’s a reason the image of white sheets drying in the sun immediately evokes the scent of fresh laundry. It truly is a great way to dry these home staples.

You’re Washing Delicate Clothing

While most readers interpreted the question to mean an outdoor clothesline, some said they like to hang most of their clothes inside on hangers. A few even nodded to extending the life of their delicate items clothes this way. 

The exceptions? More than a few readers who hang their items say towels and socks all go in the dryer, while others added sweatshirts and pajamas as well. 

A Mix of Both!

Some readers said they prefer to combine the two methods by using their clothesline whenever possible but tossing items into the dryer for a few minutes on a low or no heat setting to soften.

According to fans of this method, doing a mix of both is a great way to get the benefits of line-drying while also combatting that stiff, crunchy feeling clothes can get from hang-drying.

This can be a particular problem for towels, and it sounds like five to ten minutes is the magic number.

It Depends On the Weather

If you’re talking about outdoor drying, then it of course will depend on the weather. But as one responder pointed out, it’s not just rain that’s a factor. Temperature can yield different results, too.

For example, if you live in an area with intense dry heat, you might find your clothes drying especially stiff. But if you’re based in a cooler climate, outdoor line drying could take far too long.

On the other hand, others said they live in an area where outdoor drying is truly only an option in peak summer. In that case, they prefer to make the most of sunny days and hang their items outside.

Read the original article on The Spruce.

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