Embracing a Dryer-Free Life: Lessons from Line Drying
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Chapter 1: The Unexpected Lesson from a Broken Dryer
Recently, my clothes dryer stopped working. After a few sputters, it completely gave out. With a limited budget for a replacement, I resorted to improvisation: I strung up some rope between two trees, purchased clothespins, and began hanging my laundry out to dry in the sun. Thankfully, my washing machine is still functional.
Living in the Great Basin Desert, line drying is feasible due to the consistent sunshine. However, there’s a drawback—towels that dry outdoors feel as rough as cardboard and scratch like sandpaper, not to mention my dog's socks!
Yes, you read that correctly—my dog wears socks. Hawkeye, my three-year-old Siberian Husky, has rear-end paralysis, a condition he arrived with when I adopted him from the animal shelter a few summers back.
Because he scoots across the floor and yard, his socks shield him from abrasions. On walks, he uses a specialized wheelchair.
While I hope to share more stories about Hawkeye soon, let’s focus on the science lessons learned through this experience. There are two key takeaways: one about physical science, and another regarding political implications.
Section 1.1: Understanding the Science of Line Drying
The first lesson is scientific. Water molecules cling to the natural fibers of cotton towels and Hawkeye’s socks. Unlike a dryer, which expels these molecules through tumbling, line drying does not have the same effect.
To combat the issue of stiff and scratchy fabrics, I found some advice from online sources. Adding a cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle or using half a cup of powdered borax per load can help. Additionally, reducing the amount of detergent used may improve results. I haven’t tried these methods yet, but they’re on my to-do list.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Political Landscape of Clotheslines
Can you believe there are actual regulations against using clotheslines? While no state laws prohibit drying clothes in the sun, certain homeowners' associations and condominiums impose restrictions.
This situation is reminiscent of the tale from Arlo Guthrie’s "Alice’s Restaurant," where the protagonist finds himself jailed for littering. These days, some might end up in trouble for hanging their laundry out to dry.
States like Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, and Florida are among those with significant clothesline bans, likely due to their tourist attractions. Residents are often told to conceal their undergarments from visitors who might find them unsightly.
Around 20 states have some form of clothesline restrictions. Yet, awareness is growing about the environmental benefits of line drying compared to electric dryers. Not only are clotheslines more economical, but they also extend the lifespan of garments.
As a result, 19 states have enacted "Right to Dry" laws, rendering homeowners' association restrictions invalid. States such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin support the right to use clotheslines.
Chapter 2: The Personal Is Political
The first video titled "Dryer Troubleshooting - Top 10 Dryer Problems" offers practical advice for addressing common dryer issues, which reflects my own predicament with the appliance's failure.
Another insightful video, "How Dryers Work - The Incredible Engineering of Tumble Dryers," delves into the mechanics of dryers, providing a fascinating look at the technology I now find myself without.
In conclusion, even the seemingly simple act of hanging clothes to dry carries political weight. As Gloria Steinem aptly stated, “The personal is the political.”
I’m contemplating a life without a dryer. In my rural Nevada town of about 2,000 people, no one would likely notice or care if I hung up my ukeleles and coconuts to dry. Their attention is elsewhere, perhaps focused on political matters like the upcoming elections.
So, I’ll embrace the risk and hang my clothes out to dry, while also giving the Borax method a try for Hawkeye’s sake. He deserves the softest socks possible!