Country life is full of simple pleasures. Things that often go unnoticed or seem mundane. Hanging laundry on the clothesline is one of my simple pleasures.
Valentine’s Day Gift
The first Valentine’s Day after we moved to our farm, I asked my husband for a clothesline. Checking Craig’s List, he found someone a few hours away that made them, so one afternoon we made the drive down back roads that wound through small towns and hamlets (which is another simple pleasure). They were very sturdy and well-made, just what I wanted.
Back at home, my husband set them in concrete and stretched the lines between them. I took on the task of painting them and I chose a shade of green (my favorite color) so that they would blend with the grass and trees.
My mother-in-law made me a clothes pin bag, reusing a frame and fabric remnant that she had on hand.
What I Love About It
I love seeing the laundry gently swaying in the breeze, and knowing that the sunlight naturally kills bacteria while imparting a wonderful fragrance that you can only get outdoors.
While reaching to pin or unpin I’m getting a dose of fresh air and sunshine, as well as some good stretching.
I’m often serenaded by birds in the nearby trees, and I enjoy the cacophony of our geese, ducks, guineas, chickens, and turkeys. Occasionally, one of our dogs or cats appears to keep me company.
My favorite thing to line-dry is bedding. After hanging out every layer from the mattress pad to the bedspread, I look forward to climbing into bed that night.
Sometimes while driving I’ll see a clothesline full of fluttering textiles and have a sudden urge to go home and do laundry.
A Funny Comment
Once we had a few men doing masonry work near the clothesline and I was doing laundry that day. When I went out to retrieve it, one of the men said, “We sure are enjoying the smell of your laundry drying.” Wow! Would you ever think you’d hear a man say something like that?! He went on to say that he sure wished his wife would hang their laundry on a clothesline. His comments were so unexpected that I still chuckle when I remember them.
It’s good to know that I’m not the only one that appreciates the simple pleasure of the clothesline.
Note: Regarding sunlight killing bacteria, I found an article by a scientist/mother done on this exact subject here.
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Comments
To further whiten, you can put items directly on the grass. The sunlight and chlorophyll interact to bleach. Very us full for blood stains.
Author
I didn’t know that. Amazing! Thank you!
I love this post! I also enjoy having my laundry out on the line. There is nothing better than seeing the sun beat down and the clothes waving in the wind. The clothes just seem so much cleaner and fresher after being on the line. Thank you for writing this.
Author
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
My birthday request from my husband was a clothesline. The clothes do smell wonderful dried that way.
Author
I’m glad I’m not the only one to ask for a clothesline for a gift! LOL
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Love this post! I long for a clothesline on my farm! I will get one someday!
Author
They are nice to have. Essential, sometimes. I even like the way they look. I hope you get yours soon!
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I too LOVE line-dried laundry. (My momma taught me this passion.) One of my favorite parts of spring yet again arriving to New England. I do hand laundry out on a “warm” sunny winter day as well–if I can GET to the line. With our current 2 feet of snow it’s not happening for a little while.
Author
It sounds like you’ll have to wait a bit longer, then. I’m glad you enjoy it, too!
I love the idea of a clothesline but have a few questions. Can you line dry all year long or only in the summer? We live in the PNW where it rains a lot. Can you cover the line (to stop the rain) and get the same results? Thanks! Great post. 🙂
Author
Personally, I don’t line dry in the winter, but I see laundry hanging out all year around. If it were covered I think you’d lose the benefit of the sunlight, but then you don’t have to worry about rain. I’ve seen people string lines under carports and porches, so people do it.
I love hanging clothes outside! Thank you for sharing your post o Our Simple Homestead Blog Hop, as one of the co-hosts I will be featuring your post this week!
– Nancy ( Nancy On The Home Front )
Author
Thanks so much! How exciting!