The benefits of hanging out your laundry are many. Whether it’s a mood boost you’re chasing or saving some dollars off your electricity bill, getting outside and hanging out your laundry will benefit you in many ways.
When we moved to Australia, we had a little bit of money that had to go a long way. We had to buy a bed, couches, a dining table, a refrigerator, a washer, a car, and all the little things that add up. Because of that challenge, we decided to forgo a dryer and use the clothesline. After all, the weather is fair and the sun shines most days, even in winter. With this decision, I discovered something valuable.
Often in our modern lives, we cling to convenience. We don’t have time to make things from scratch, hand wash our dishes, farm our food, or make our own clothes. We are caught up in the hustle-bustle of taking our kids to activities, going to our own activities, appointments, work, and many other commitments. It’s no wonder mental health issues are on the rise like they never have been before. We literally need to stop and smell the roses.
Slow Down and Breathe
I remember vividly when we moved here, it was a very hot summer. For the first time in my life, I lived somewhere without air conditioning, without a dryer, and without a dishwasher. I felt like I was living in the dark ages! I did quickly start to see some of the benefits, though. Now, don’t get me wrong, I still don’t like hand washing dishes, and I really despise sweating five minutes after I’ve taken a shower. One of the ways I’ve learned to slow down and breathe, however, is by hanging up my laundry.
One day, in those first days after moving to Australia, I was outside hanging up clothes, and because of the warmth of the sun, I could smell the freshness of the detergent. I breathed it in and kept hanging, thinking I could get used to this. I have always loved being outside and living somewhere where the sun was shining most of the time had me feeling pretty amazing. My husband walked out and I started describing what I was enjoying about the day. He smiled at me.
“What?” I asked.
“We need to live somewhere sunny always. You seem happy.”
I smiled back.
Our laundry has changed over the years. It’s now full of multiple sets of sheets, many mismatched socks (my nemesis), and varying sizes of clothing. With all the changes, one thing hasn’t changed. There are many benefits of hanging out laundry.
Benefits of hanging out your laundry
- It can lift mood and promote mental wellbeing. Hanging out our laundry out on the clothesline gets me outside on days when I otherwise might stay cooped up–especially days when I am feeling down. Hanging out our laundry gives me a reason to slow down, to breathe in fresh air, to be thankful, to sing, and to remember why I enjoy living here.
- It conserves energy. And how many of us could use a lower electricity bill these days?
- It’s more gentle on your fabric. The most delicate of fabrics can be line dried. You’re making good on your investments if you go this route. And your clothes will last longer!
- It provides gentle exercise that you might not otherwise get. And gentle movement leads to better mental headspace as well.
- It can help remove stains and whiten your whites. I have had many mamas around Australia refer to line drying as a way to remove stubborn stains from baby clothing. And it really works!
- The fresh smell. When you line dry your laundry, everything smells more fresh. The fresh air and sunshine smell is unmatched by dryer sheets or fabric softener.
While we did finally give in and buy a dryer just before the birth of my fourth child, I still try to hang up as much laundry as I can. The benefits of line drying our laundry is too many for me to ignore!
Do you hang laundry? What have you found are the benefits for you and your family?
[…] moved to Australia. We bought a washer and decided to do as the Aussies do, forego the dryer, and hang up all our clothes on the line outside. I thought it would be quite a chore, but I found that the happiest part of my day was hanging up […]