The hot and (mostly) sunny summer weather may make us grumble and sweat, but it’s great for at least one thing: drying clothes outside. Along with the environmental benefits — the average household can reduce its carbon footprint by 2,400 pounds per year by line or rack drying — you could save about $100 per year in electricity, since your dryer is the third-most energy-hungry appliance in your home, after your refrigerator and washing machine. In addition, your clothing will last longer and smell great, and the sun is a natural whitener, gradually removing stains and brightening your whites. (Don’t like the look of faded black jeans and T-shirts? Turn them inside out before hanging them on the line.).\ 

And there’s no need to use a dryer in winter, either: Dry your clothes on a rack. They’ll dry quickly, because the heated air inside our homes is so dry. And meanwhile, the damp clothes will provide some welcome humidity. 

So fire your dryer, hire a clothesline or rack and enjoy the many benefits!