Drying Your Clothes On A Clothesline Banned In 19 States

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Drying Your Clothes On A Clothesline Banned In 19 States

Did you know that hanging your clothes on a clothesline to air dry is banned in some states across the U.S.? While this simple, energy-efficient practice is often celebrated for its environmental and cost-saving benefits, not everyone has the legal freedom to use it. Some states restrict outdoor drying, while others embrace it under “Right to Dry” laws. Let’s dive into what this means, why these bans exist, and how you can navigate the rules while embracing eco-friendly laundry practices.

The Right to Dry and Solar Rights Laws

The ability to dry clothes on a line is directly linked to solar access, which is where “Right to Dry” laws come in. These laws are meant to prevent Homeowners Associations (HOAs) or local municipalities from banning clotheslines. As of now, 19 states, including California, Florida, Vermont, and Hawaii, have passed these laws to protect residents’ right to use solar energy for drying clothes. These laws vary slightly in each state but generally prevent HOA restrictions on clotheslines​(Hacker News)​( Urban Clotheslines).

States with Clothesline Restrictions or Bans

Here is a list of the 19 states where outdoor drying can be restricted:

1. Alabama
2. Arkansas
3. Delaware
4. Georgia
5. Indiana
6. Kansas
7. Louisiana
8. Massachusetts
9. Michigan
10. Mississippi
11. Missouri
12. New Jersey
13. North Carolina
14. Ohio
15. Oklahoma
16. South Carolina
17. Tennessee
18. Texas
19. Virginia

While these states may not have specific solar access laws or protections for clotheslines, some local communities might still enforce HOA bans based on aesthetic concerns.

Tips for Line-Drying Your Clothes

If you’re lucky enough to live in a “Right to Dry” state or a community that allows it, here are some tips to make the most out of your clothesline:

1. Use the Sun Wisely: Hang your laundry in direct sunlight to harness the sun’s energy for faster drying and natural whitening. For darker clothes, opt for shade to prevent fading.
2. Shake It Out: Give your clothes a good shake before hanging to reduce wrinkles and minimize the need for ironing.
3. Strategic Hanging: Hang heavier items like towels and jeans at the ends of the line and lighter items in the middle to keep the line balanced.
4. Weather Check: Always check the weather forecast to avoid your clothes getting caught in the rain.
5. Clothespins: Invest in high-quality clothespins that won’t rust or break easily.

Recipe for Homemade Fabric Softener

Using fabric softener can leave your clothes soft without the need for a tumble dryer. Here’s a quick homemade recipe that’s natural and line-dry friendly:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of white vinegar
• 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (e.g., lavender, lemon)
• ½ cup of baking soda

Instructions:

1. Mix the vinegar and essential oil in a large bowl.
2. Slowly add the baking soda (it will fizz a bit).
3. Store in an airtight container and use ¼ cup in your laundry’s rinse cycle.

Common Questions About Clothesline Bans

1. Why are clotheslines banned in some places? Clotheslines are often banned by HOAs or local municipalities due to concerns about neighborhood aesthetics. Some feel that seeing laundry outdoors detracts from property values.

2. Can I fight a clothesline ban? Yes! If you live in one of the 19 states with Right to Dry laws, you have legal backing to challenge an HOA ban. In other states, however, you may have to work with your HOA to find a solution, or advocate for the passage of solar access laws.

3. Is line drying really that much better for the environment? Absolutely. Line drying saves energy by reducing reliance on electric dryers, which are among the highest energy-consuming appliances in most homes. It also helps clothes last longer by minimizing the wear and tear caused by machine drying.

Conclusion

Drying your clothes on a clothesline is an environmentally friendly way to save energy and extend the life of your clothes. While 19 states protect this practice under Right to Dry laws, others continue to enforce restrictive bans, often driven by aesthetics. Understanding your rights and the laws in your state is the first step toward adopting this sustainable habit. If you’re in a state where outdoor drying isn’t supported, consider using indoor racks or advocating for change in your community.

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