Reducing Energy Consumption is Money in the Bank
How do you reduce your energy usage, enjoy some quiet time and save over $150. Setup a clothes line. There is really nothing better than clothes dried naturally on an outdoor clothes line… the sweet smell of a breeze and the sun. And it’s amazing how the sun naturally bleaches stains out.
Building an outdoor clothes line is inexpensive and will only take you a couple of hours…
For around $30 at your local hardware / building materials store… you can get everything you need to build your own outdoor clothes line dryer.
The Materials:
- (2) Pine 4 X 4 Posts – 8ft
- (1)Pine 2 x 4 – 8ft
- (10)Wood screws
- (8)#6 Eye Bolts
- Clothes line (nylon or plastic), 100ft
- (4-6)bricks
Tools:
- Drill / Cordless Scewdriver
- Saw (hand or circular)
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Digging Bar or post hole digger
1. Dig 2, 24in deep holes about 10 – 12 feet apart.
2. Cut 4 x 4’s down to 7 feet (less if you want your clothes line lower).
3. Cut 2 x 4 in half.
4. Attach 2 x 4 across the top of the 4 x 4 posts with wood screws.
5. Pre-drill holes for eye bolts across 2 x 4 and screw in 4 bolts per side.
6. Break bricks in smaller pieces to put into the post holes.
7. Using a level place posts in ground and make plumb filling the hole with alternating bricks and dirt.
8. Tamp down around base of posts adding more dirt and brick to secure post firmly in ground.
9. Add water to allow all materials to settle.
10. Hang line across and tie with 2 – 3 half-hitch knots per. Make lines about 95% taught.
That’s it. For $30 and a couple of hours in the back yard you can build your outdoor clothes line dryer, reduce your household energy consumption, save over $150 annually and get fresh smelling clothes.
Tips & Tricks
Don’t like the stiff feeling of your clothes after being line dried? Try doubling up your towels when you hang them out. Washcloths can be dried in sets of three. Slower drying fabric equals softer fabric.
