I know I’m not alone in loving a dry day when I can hang my washing to dry outside on the line. There is something satisfying in seeing towels and sheets blowing around and not using any energy other than the wind or sun. It makes me feel happy! So what happens when it’s pouring with rain, just drizzling or is damp and foggy and nothing will dry? The options are:
a) get out the clothes airer turn on the heating and load all your radiators with wet washing. – Clothes might dry a bit stiff, and can create a damp atmosphere and associated health risks particularly for those with asthma or other allergic conditions;
b) Use a ‘Sheila’s maid’ or retractable clothes line in the garage, carport or porch – clothes might get a dry eventually!
c) Load it all into the tumble dryer, if you’ve got one, and worry about the energy costs later. (Check the running costs on Sust-it)
There are other options such as plug-in airers – however these potentially have the same issues as drying clothes on radiators – the moisture has to go somewhere. A Rotaire Dryline (a rotary washing line with a cover), might offer a good solution if it the weather is initially dry but rain is forecast. You could also bag your washing up and take a trip to the local launderette – remembering to take a bag full of coins to feed the dryer.
Whatever, it’s a dilemma and I can understand the wash day blues, (cue Dolly Parton), and really admire how past generations coped. Perhaps we should put more emphasis into designing clothes that need washing less or that are quicker to wash and dry. Never mind Smart TVs – Smart clothing is what we need!