Line drying question

**tring2sav** · 11-16-2005, 11:13 PM

Ok, so I decided to try out the inside line drying for my clothes..the only problem is, they end up stiff. What can I do to remedy this? Thanks

**catzz64** · 11-17-2005, 12:02 AM

Kim, I line dry inside

Do you add liquid fabric softener? I let them totally dry themselves, but things that need ironing you can grab before they are totally dry and run the iron over them. Others have suggested tossing things in the dryer for maybe a quick tumble at the end on low heat just to keep them fluffy. Our dryer is broken at the moment so I can't resort to that luxury.

We were used to using organic cotton diapers that line dried and towels, so it doesn't bother me much. I don't miss the electric bill

Sometimes I will move things around after a couple hours, like jeans, scrunch them and switch sides, etc, so they aren't so stiff, but overall, I find the clothes actually last longer without drying them. Dryers are really rough on the fabric!

Hope that helps

**alabamagirl** · 11-17-2005, 09:54 AM

DH and sons are not on the game plan with line-drying because of the stiffness.

However, they have no objection to sheets and bedding items being line dried. Sigh. I continue to line dry many of my clothes - the jeans are stiff, but I hardly notice after wearing them a few minutes.

**Jayne** · 11-17-2005, 10:02 AM

White vineger works well as a fabric softener or just use regular softener...it helps but, I think you are always going to have some stiffness...dh actually prefers the towels line dryed because they are more absorbent....

**Michele Annette** · 11-17-2005, 10:10 AM

I use vinegar in my rinse water and put all the clothes, towels, etc. into the dryer, on high heat for 15 minutes. This helps a lot.

**tring2sav** · 11-17-2005, 10:29 AM

Originally posted by Michele Annette
I use vinegar in my rinse water and put all the clothes, towels, etc. into the dryer, on high heat for 15 minutes. This helps a lot.

So, do I have to wait until the washer is on the rinse cycle to add it or can I put it in the little spot the washer has for fabric softener. Does it smell when the clothes come out, also how much do I need? Sorry for all the questions

**Michelle** · 11-17-2005, 10:54 AM

Originally posted by catzz64
Others have suggested tossing things in the dryer for maybe a quick tumble at the end on low heat just to keep them fluffy.

This is what I do...and I only do it for towels and jeans.

**canadian gardener** · 11-17-2005, 10:58 AM

Give them a good shake and snap as you take them off the line or finish them off for 5 minutes in the dryer.

**schellie69** · 11-17-2005, 11:29 AM

I line dry sheets and blankets t-shirts also do well but I do dry towels and jeans and socks in dryer . I hang what I can and dry the rest, it cuts some out of the electric bill plus with winters here i dry everything in the in the dryer, I am just lucky that my dryer has a sensor on it and stops when cloths are dry so no wasted time there.

**Michele Annette** · 11-17-2005, 11:36 AM

Kim, I add 1 cup to my rinse water. I don't have a fabric softener dispenser so I just add it when I hear the rinse water start filling up in the washer. I only notice fresh, clean smelling clothes.

**Renee-2kids** · 11-17-2005, 04:14 PM

We have gotten used to the stiffness.

**pita1213** · 11-17-2005, 10:03 PM

if you can find a downy ball, put the vinegar in tehre. i fill mine up to just above the letters that say fill line. then just toss it in at the start of the wash load and it opens on it's own.
you will smell a little of the vinegar while the clothes are wet when you take them out of the washer, but once they are dry the smell is gone.
i usually just give everything a good shake when i put them on the line and when i take them off the line.