Clothesline Accessories

1. Both wooden and plastic clothespins last far longer if you bring them in with your laundry. The weather will eventually rust the springs, which might stain your clothes. A clothespin bag hangs conveniently on the line while you work, and is easy to carry inside when you're done.

2. Don't hang shirts by the shoulders; the clothespin may leave little peaks. Most clothing hangs better and dries flatter if you hang it upside down. Seam areas are the strongest; place clothespins on seams when you can.

3. To help dresses keep their shape, put them on a hanger first, then secure the hanger to your clothesline with a clothespin.

4. Buy plenty of clip clothespins. You'll find a hundred uses for them beyond your clothesline. They hold food bags shut, keep receipts organized on your desk, and clip that grocery list where you'll see it.

5. Clothespins are available in plastic and wood. Plastic is waterproof and colorful, but over time may fade and become brittle in the sun. Wood naturally disinfects itself, endures the weather better, and has that satisfying back-to-basics feel.

6. Satin-covered clothes hangers are an elegant way to protect your clothes. The hangers are strong and won't sag, and the covering is soft, smooth and beautiful, even when the clothes hanger is empty.

7. Joan Crawford had a point with "No wire hangers!" Metal clothes hangers are very strong but will eventually rust. A plastic or vinyl coating over the metal greatly increases its visual appeal as well as its lifespan.

8. Heavy wood hangers are best for long-term storage of coats and other heavy items. They don't sag, and curve gracefully to fit sloping contours. Hardwoods like teak are champs for withstanding weather and moisture, and the brass hardware resists rust.

9. Pulley kits let you tie your clothesline into a loop. Separators keep the lines from crossing and tangling. Besides being convenient and fun, it has a great urban feel. Hang it near a window and feed your clothes on it from indoors.

10. If you're running a clothesline a long distance, add a line tightener to one end. Its screw adjustment will tighten the line to compensate for sagging over time, so you don't have to re-tie the line.