Clothesline Installation Tips

Different ideas to help your clothesline make ends meet You're convinced: clotheslines are natural, efficient, sweet-smelling alternatives to drum dryers. Before you dive in, read these simple tips to get first-string results. Learning the ropes Clothesline isn't the cheapest string you can buy, for a reason. Cotton rope will stretch, sag and mildew. Some synthetic ropes are rough and may scratch and snag. For years of happy returns, get quality clothesline designed for the job. It'll carry its weight so you can move on to better things. Here comes the sun The sun speeds drying time, and it naturally whitens and disinfects so you can skip bleach. But it won't help you if you string your line in the shade. If you can, avoid stringing under overhanging trees, both to maximize sun and to minimize bird droppings. String your line north and south to maximize exposure to the sun, which will rise drying one side, and set drying the other.

The home stretch

Permanent installations are, well, permanent. Pick a spot that doesn't block your garden view, and doesn't flaunt your undies in your neighbor's face. Avoid areas where children are likely to play. With a little thought, you'll strike the right balance of discretion and sun exposure.

Set your line three inches higher than the head of the tallest person in your household. You want to hang clothes, not people.

If you buy a complete kit with poles, it will suggest optimum line length perfect for the gear. If you're on your own, the trick is to make it long enough to be useful but not so long that it sags. You can experiment with a temporary setup to determine how far is too far.

If you opt to cement the clothesline poles into the ground, pour a little extra so it forms a dome which will prevent water from pooling around the pole. The cement dome will steer water away from the pole, delaying the onset of rust and decay.

Quality clothesline doesn't stretch much. Don't overtighten it, or it might snap. Leave a little bit of slack to avoid unneeded stress on your poles.

It's not hard. With a little thought and planning, anyone can get the hang of clotheslines.