While we all certainly pine for a clothesline (ok, maybe that's a little bit of hyperbole), there is at least one downside to hanging the wash out to dry. So for those of us who haven't hopped on the line-drying bandwagon, here are a few eco-friendly options to green up the process of drying clothes.
These three eco-additions have earned the seal of approval in our household. What tips do you have?
• Dryer balls: We are so impressed with the effectiveness of our PVC-free dryer balls. We know they work—our dryer balls went missing for a few loads of laundry. Those loads took twice as long to dry and were electrically charged with lots of static—proof enough in our book that dryer balls do the trick. In the event that you do not want to use dryer balls, try a couple of tennis balls or even these handmade wool dryer balls.
• Adding about 3/4 cup of vinegar (or baking soda) to the wash is a surefire way to eliminate the need for fabric softener sheets in the dryer. We've found that our sheets and jeans are noticeably fresher with a little white vinegar added in the wash. And our pillowcases? Much softer.
• Using homemade dryer sheets to freshen your laundry basket will keep your clothes and towels smelling super-fresh. Not up for making your own? Snag some like these on Etsy.
Any other tips for greening your drying routine (other than hanging your wash to dry, of course)? Be sure to share your favorites.
(Image: Flickr member [le]doo, licensed under Creative Commons.)
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I make my own laundry powder that includes baking soda, borax, washing powder and soap flakes. I just add 2 tablespoons to the water, let it swish for a minute or two and add the clothes. Then I put white vinegar in a Downy ball and throw it in on top of the wash. The Downy ball opens during the rinse/spin cycle and has eliminated the need for any Downy! Everything, including my husband's work clothes, comes out fresh and soft and virtually static free.
We've loved white vinegar in the rinse water for years. Kills most household germs, freshens the laundry and cuts static cling. What could be better? Oh yeah, we soak meyer lemon peels (just the yellow zest, cut off in strips) in the vinegar before we use it. Smells like my mom's backyard every time we do laundry!