Clotheslines

A clothesline is a length of cord, rope, or wire used to hang damp clothes to dry after washing. It is typically stretched between two supports, such as poles or a wall, and can be placed outdoors or indoors. Drying occurs primarily through air circulation and sunlight.

Common forms include fixed outdoor lines attached to posts or walls, retractable lines mounted on a wall or inside a cabinet, and rotary or rotary-umbrella style lines that spin to provide multiple drying paths. Indoor drying racks and portable clotheslines offer alternatives for limited outdoor space or inclement weather.

Materials vary and may include natural fibers such as manila or sisal, as well as synthetic fibers like nylon, polypropylene, or polyester. Posts and supports may be wood, metal, or concrete, and lines are often equipped with tensioners or pulleys to maintain proper tautness and reduce sag.

Advantages of clotheslines include reduced energy use and lower operating costs, as well as gentler drying for fabrics compared with some electric dryers. Limitations include dependence on weather, space requirements, possible UV exposure and line sag over time, and, in some areas, regulatory or HOA restrictions on outdoor installations.

Clotheslines have been widely used in many regions as a practical method of drying laundry. They remain a component of sustainable living practices and are offered in a range of designs to suit different climates, spaces, and user preferences.