Why You Should Switch To An Outdoor Umbrella Clothesline

In most American households, the clothes dryer is a must-have appliance that is designed to make modern life easier, but did you know that these power-hungry machines are a relatively new fixture in our laundry rooms?

The first mass-produced electric dryer was made by the Hamilton Electric Company in 1938, however, the high cost of this appliance meant that only the wealthiest of families could afford to dry their clothes indoors. Clotheslines continued to be the norm in the vast majority of U.S. homes until the mid-1980's, when low electricity rates combined with cheap, low-quality appliances and slick marketing campaigns finally convinced millions of American's to abandon their clotheslines.

Now that power costs are once again sky-rocketing and consumers are gaining an awareness of environmental issues, clotheslines are making a comeback. All across the county, savvy consumers are once again embracing the clothesline as a simple, effective and money-saving tool that delivers an impressive return on investment.

If you're still relying on an electric dryer, here's five reasons why you should make the switch to an outdoor clothesline:

1) Clotheslines Save Money

According to the California Energy Commission, clothes dryers are "the most expensive home appliance to operate, using approximately 6 percent of a home's total electricity usage". Replacing your electric dryer with a clothes line can mean big savings on your home energy costs.

2) Clotheslines Are Eco-Friendly

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that electric clothes dryers produce a staggering amount of carbon dioxide - about 32 million metric tons every single year. By comparison, driving a mid-sized car 2,500 miles produces approximately one ton of carbon dioxide. Switching to a clothesline is a simple way to cut down your 'carbon footprint' and make your home more Eco-friendly.

3) Clothesline Last a Long, Long Time

Unlike electric dryers that have complex electronic controls, motors and belts that require ongoing (and expensive) maintenance, high-quality outdoor clotheslines are built to last a lifetime. Today's lightweight, folding clotheslines are crafted from solid, rust-resistant extruded aluminum brackets and sag-free PVC lines that are built to deliver optimal performance, year after year.

4) Modern Clotheslines Look Great

If your idea of an outdoor clothesline is a sagging wire strung precariously between two leaning posts, then you're in for a pleasant surprise. Today's modern clotheslines are sleek, sturdy and self-supporting, meaning you'll never have to deal with wobbly poles, ripped lines or complaints from your neighbors!

5) Clotheslines Help Clothes Last Longer

While tossing your wet laundry into an electric dryer might seem convenient, the fact is that all that tumbling and high heat wreaks havoc on your towels, t-shirts and tank tops. Air drying your laundry is proven to extend the lifespan of your clothes and linens, saving you even more money!

So there you have it - five reasons why we think it's time for American's to ditch their indoor clothes dryers and re-discover why clotheslines are the best way to dry laundry!