Kelly the Culinarian: September Savings: Hang Up Your Laundry

Sunday, September 20, 2009

September Savings: Hang Up Your Laundry

This is perhaps the crunchiest advice I'll offer. We don't have a backyard or a clothesline, but I hang up most of our laundry to dry instead of using the dryer exclusively.

How? I have installed hooks in our laundry room for delicates and I put a shower curtain rod near the ceiling. I also have a large closet down the hall where I can hang up pants and other heavy items that might bring the shower curtain down. I spread out sheets for our queen-sized bed across the dining room chairs and occasionally prop up a comforter on our balcony. Yes, my laundry room looks messy, but I can always close the door while stuff is drying.

I know some people don't do this for fear their laundry will come out stiff and uncomfortable. Your clothes aren't necessarily stiff because you line dry; more typically, they're stiff because of detergent build-up. Try using less detergent and vinegar instead of fabric softener.

My line of attack includes putting the laundry in the dryer for 10 minutes or as long as it takes to start the next load of laundry. Then I start hanging up all of the clothes, which usually takes me about five minutes. The next day, everything is dry and I've saved on my gas and electric bill. Viola!

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