Blowing In The Wind

Bamboo Clothespins

I have previously blogged about bamboo clotheslines, and now bamboo is being used once again in the clothesline drive, but this time with clothes pins! Bamboo is environmentally safe and is a renewable source of fuel and building materials. Bamboo has a higher tensile strength than many alloys of steel and a higher compressive strength than many types of concrete! Everyone knows that it is the fastest growing plant on Earth but there are many other facts that need to be brought to the public’s attention. Some species of bamboo have been measured to grow over 4 feet in 24 hours. Some companies have taken bamboo into consideration once again and began the process of making clothes pins from the same amazing renewable resource. Durable and lightweight, bamboo makes a great choice for the revolution of clothes pins.

Tip of the Week

Where is the best place to put your clothesline? Make sure you set-up your clothesline in the optimal place in your yard. Ground type should be soft and not frozen, making it easier to get the permanent or removable spike into the ground without hassle. Check where the sun hits in your yard for the longest period of the day, and place the clothesline in the center of that for best possible sun exposure. Last but not least, make sure the clothesline is not near any trees that can block your clothes from the sun!

Permanent or Spike?

Sometimes when people are deciding to switch to a clothesline, many questions come up as to which one is right for them and their family. The biggest question is whether to have a permanent clothesline installed, or to use the flexible spike option. It depends on what you are looking for in your clothesline. Permanent clothesline are a great option because they are dependable in all weather and stand up again harsh winds. With a permanent clothesline, you have the choice to hang your clothes unequally, as it will not tip over. It can take heavier weights of clothing and so it would be a good choice for someone who does all of their loads of laundry at once. A permanent clothesline offers the convenience of not having to reinstall every year. However, a permanent clothesline takes more time for installation, and cannot be taken in during the winter or changed to different locations in a yard. Permanent clotheslines can be covered by a protection bag in the winter also. The more flexible option would be a self-installed spike clothesline. This traditional choice is easy and can be moved around the yard for optimal sunlight exposure. The spike clothesline is seasonal, providing an easy switch to your indoor drying rack for the winter months. Similar to the permanent clothesline, the spike also has downfalls, including the fact that clothes have to be hung evenly so the clothesline won’t tilt. Which is better? Both are great options for saving money and the environment, it just depends on what you are looking for!

Trolley Help

Sometimes carrying out all the clothes to the clothesline and lifting the heavy wet towels can get a bit strenuous. Thankfully, companies like Urban Clotheslines have solved this problem. The easy fold laundry trolley allows clothesline users to get their laundry to and from the clothesline with ease. The laundry basket is placed in the trolley and can then be wheeled out to the clothesline. The trolley is conveniently raised to a height where the user does not have to bend over time and time again to get clothes out of the laundry basket. If you are looking to make your time at the clothesline a little easier I suggest you check out this helpful laundry trolley!  

Stains Causing You Money?

Keeping your clothes clean and getting out stains is a great way to help out the environment before you even get to the clothesline. If you throw out those pesky clothes then you will in turn need to buy more, or will end up washing them multiple times and wasting money and energy. Some of the toughest stains can be removed with different household products. Blood on clothing can be taken out with peroxide. Grass, one of the most popular stains with the little ones, can be helped by soaking the stain in water, then lightly pressing an alcohol soaked sponge against it. Do not press hard. Follow up with pouring a bit of detergent on the piece and wash as usual. Red wine and shaving cream? Yes, apparently shaving cream beats club soda when trying to remove this favorite party drink. Lastly, deodorant stains should be dealt with right away with some vinegar and water then washed as usual. Complete all the stain removal by hanging your newly cleaned laundry out to dry on the clothesline!