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Line Drying Clothes -- Can Anything be Done to Avoid "Stiffness"

Posted May 6th, 2008 by cunningham

I am wanting to not use my dryer and instead just air dry the clothes. Is there any "green" product that can be used to help your clothes not come off the line completely stiff?



Comments
Line Drying Clothes
Posted by misnhub | Wed, May. 7, 2008

Try Seventh Generation Fabric Softener. I have also heard that using the dryer just to tumble the clothes for a short while and then air drying is a good option. I've been researching this and am hoping to get my husband to hang a clothes line for me this summer! Good luck.

It Depends!
Posted by lframe29 | Sun, May. 18, 2008

I use white vinegar in the wash water, which helps with the stiffness. If it's towels, take them off of the line when they are slightly damp, toss in the dryer for about 10 minutes and then fold. The dampness is key. I iron my husbands work shorts when damp and they press beautifully with no starch needed.

Whoever has the most toys when he dies wins? Funny, I have never seen a hearse with a luggage rack on top.

Fluff for 10 minutes
Posted by packerfamily | Sun, Jun. 22, 2008

I have been line drying clothes for several months now. I find that if I fluff for 10 minutes after I get them off the line, they feel just as they did as if I dried them in the drier. The only thing I have noticed a change in is towels, and frankly you only use those for a couple of minutes. Small price to pay. Plus they smell so much better dried outside.

I've also heard to dry them
Posted by amandamay83 | Fri, Jul. 4, 2008

I've also heard to dry them in the drier for 10 minutes before you put them on the line.

Line drying clothes
Posted by Jeanette Kononan | Thu, Jul. 31, 2008

You might want to try cutting back how much detergent you are using and add liquid fabric softener to the rinse water.

Fabric Softener
Posted by esmepaul | Sun, Aug. 3, 2008

It's funny, I agree with nearly everyone. Just try what works best for you. Liquid fabric softener is going to be your best bet. If you have sensitive skin and the fabric softener irritates it, then fluffing the clothes, sheets, etc. afterward helps a great deal. Try to do your laundry on breezy days, when the winds will help dry them and keep them from feeling so stiff. If you're not terribly against using the dryer momentarily (assuming you have one) the a couple of moments on air dry with a fabric softener sheet should do the trick just fine.