Clotheslines

• Clotheslines are not one size fits all. There are things to consider before installing one. Consider how much room you have. Is your yard large enough to string three, four, or five lines? Is it better suited to one or two? How will you attach the lines? Whether you are using a couple of handy trees or two poles, be sure the line is securely fastened.
  
  If there isn't enough room to spread out, the answer for you might be an umbrella dryer. It is shaped like its namesake with lines arranged around a central pole which is cemented or otherwise firmly planted in the ground.
  
  Another option is a collapsable line that attaches to your house and pulls out when you are ready to use it.
  
  If possible, hang your line in the shade to avoid fading. On the other hand, if you intend to sun bleach your whites, string a line in the sun just for that purpose.
  
  

Clothespins

• Clothespins are made from either plastic or wood and come in two types, push and pinch. Wooden clothespins are stronger than plastic and generally last longer.
  
  A good way to keep the pins handy when you are hanging the laundry is to put them in a bag attached to a hooked handle--a wire hanger works well for this--and hung over the line. You slide it along as you work. An apron with large pockets is another way to go.
  
  

Laundry

• Before you remove the wet items from the washer, be sure to have a large basket close by to put them in. Laundry baskets come in a variety of materials and can be purchased in grocery stores, big box stores and online.
  
  Shake or "snap" items to remove wrinkles. Stretch out the legs of your bluejeans. You may even consider hanging your shirts on hangers. Simply attach the hanger to the clothesline with a clothespin to avoid having it blow off.
  
  For optimum drying in the least amount of time, hang your items separately and stretch them out. Try to avoid having items touch each other. If space is at a premium, hang items close to each ither with the corners pinned together.
  
  Hang likes with likes. Hang towels with towels, sheets with sheets and so forth. Be sure to add enough clothespins to avoid sagging.
  
  If you aren't fond of the scratchy feeling of towels that heve been line dried, try putting them in the dryer for five to 10 minutes before hanging them on the line.
  
  Hang shirts by the hem to avoid having the shoulders bunch.
  
  Fold sheets in half to hang.
  
  To hang pants, match the inner seams together and pin to the line with the waist hanging down.
  
  In the winter, string a line in your basement or garage and use wooden racks to air dry your clothes.