Clothesline

A clothesline is a rope, cord, or wire stretched between two supports—such as two trees, two posts, or a frame—on which wet clothes are hung to dry in the air and sun. It is the simplest method of drying clothes and requires no electricity.

Clothes are held in two ways: some garments are hung over the line and draped on both sides, while others are fastened with small clips made of wood or plastic (clothespins). The clips prevent the wind from blowing the clothes off the line.

Types and structure

The line itself may be made of wool, nylon cord, or metal wire sometimes covered in plastic to resist water damage. Another type is the rotary clothesline, which has a central post with rotating arms—this takes up little space. There are also indoor models and retractable designs.

How drying works

Water in the clothes evaporates into the air. The speed of drying depends on temperature, humidity, and wind. Cool, breezy air dries clothes quickly even when the sun is not intense. Sunlight is known to kill some bacteria, but it can also fade the color of some fabrics if exposure is prolonged.

Use and energy

In many parts of the world, especially in rural areas and in cities where household incomes are modest, the clothesline is the primary drying method. It eliminates the need for electric clothes dryers, which consume electricity. Some municipalities and housing associations have restricted or banned outdoor clotheslines for aesthetic reasons, a matter that has generated public debate.