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Original poster

AIBU to think drying washing outside is still normal?

335 replies

BlueyandBingo · 19/04/2026 19:08

Just getting a load of washing in and DH has declared that no one dries their washing outside anymore and that it is ‘niche’.

Don’t get me wrong, I use the tumble dryer when I need to but surely it is better (and cheaper) to use the line, especially on a day like to day when we have had sunshine and a breeze??

OP posts:
likeafishneedsabike · 19/04/2026 20:27

FieryA · 19/04/2026 19:13

He is being stupid, why wouldn't you make use of the weather to dry clothes? And in any case, how does he know that no one does it? That is so silly.

I know the answer. He’s too lazy. It’s a lot easier to just throw it all in the tumble instead of all the pegging and unpegging. I personally love the washing line but DH literally can’t be arsed with it when there’s an easier option.

grrrlatrix · 19/04/2026 20:26

I dry it outside (no tumble dryer) but it never feels properly dry so I always have to rotate it on the clothes horse - takes forever.

Rosemarden · 19/04/2026 20:26

Ltb

clearlyy · 19/04/2026 20:26

of course it’s normal! I live in a flat so no space for a dryer. All my drying is done on the balcony.

Daleksatemyshed · 19/04/2026 20:25

Even when her dementia was quite advanced my DM loved the sight of a line of washing drying in the sun,I'd look up to her bedroom window and see her with her big smile watching me hang the washing out to dry. Now she's gone I still think of her when I hang the washing out

Sassylovesbooks · 19/04/2026 20:24

I dry my washing outside whenever possible! Yes, I have a tumble dryer in the garage, but that's used more in the winter months, when it's wet. I only use the tumble dryer to dry towels or bedding in the winter. The rest of the clothes are dried on a clothes airer in the spare bedroom, with a dehumidifier on.

Flomingho · 19/04/2026 20:24

Normal where we live. Most people around our way have a washing line in the back garden. I love this time of year, washing smells so nice and fresh when line dried.

Happytaytos · 19/04/2026 20:23

Pepperedpickles · 19/04/2026 19:49

We have a large ish garden but I tumble everything- well apart from the odd thing that can’t be tumbled, I just shake and hang these on hangers over a doorway etc. But I can’t be arsed with putting things out on the line and then bringing them all in again. I just move it from the washer to the dryer and then fold it and put it away, job done.

The environmental cost, and the money?

I always assume people who never line dry have plastic grass.

Happytaytos · 19/04/2026 20:23

Pepperedpickles · 19/04/2026 19:49

We have a large ish garden but I tumble everything- well apart from the odd thing that can’t be tumbled, I just shake and hang these on hangers over a doorway etc. But I can’t be arsed with putting things out on the line and then bringing them all in again. I just move it from the washer to the dryer and then fold it and put it away, job done.

The environmental cost, and the money?

I always assume people who never line dry have plastic grass.

DoughnutDreamer · 19/04/2026 20:23

Everyone drys their washing outside. Or at least all my neighbours do. What on earth is niche about using fresh air and sunshine to dry clothes rather than electricity? Why is your dh being so odd? Why does he care?

TheScottishPlay · 19/04/2026 20:23

I love looking out at washing drying outside. Catching the aroma of line dried washing is one of life's simple joys.

Peonies12 · 19/04/2026 20:21

Of course it’s normal. Don’t know why you’d pay to use a tumble drier that ruins your clothes. I love drying outside i do it in winter as long as not raining

DeltaVariant · 19/04/2026 20:21

Even over winter I dry outside as much as I can. I can get two loads dry if I get them out at 7am and bring them in around 4pm. My garden is a wind tunnel so it doesn’t need to be warm.

AnotherName2025 · 19/04/2026 20:21

NoWordForFluffy · 19/04/2026 19:17

We dry ours outside all year round. Even if it doesn't dry fully outside in winter (sometimes it does if it's windy enough), it dries far more quickly inside having been out.

Show quote history

Me too.

only time it doesn't go outside is if it's raining at the time & not looking like it'll 'blow over' then it goes on the indoor airer

I don't have a dryer because I don't want one.

Ihatelittlefriendsusan · 19/04/2026 20:21

As long as its not raining ir snowing it goes on the line in this house. Even undies...no worries abiut spider willies here 🤣

SmallBlondeMum · 19/04/2026 20:21

Is your DH posh?

tabbycat11 · 19/04/2026 20:20

I’ve had washing out. Love it when it’s outside drying weather.

DuchessofStaffordshire · 19/04/2026 20:20

Absolutely! I've done 4 loads today. Whites are always best dried on the line as the UV rays act as a natural bleach and brightener. I've done all the white bedding and it smells gorgeous and fresh. The towels are at the moment. If they are a bit crisp I pop them in the dryer for a few minutes to soften slightly.

DeftGoldHedgehog · 19/04/2026 20:20

What is your DH's expertise in the field of laundry?

user2848502016 · 19/04/2026 20:19

Mine has been out today, 3 loads dried for free and smell gorgeous!

CharlotteCollinsneeLucas · 19/04/2026 20:18

If you want to avoid crunchy towels, try giving them a good shake/flick before hanging them.

PolkaDotPorridge · 19/04/2026 20:16

Your DH is weird. Line drying is the best!

TadpolesInPool · 19/04/2026 20:15

Like PP, I find it quite enjoyable hanging out put the washing.

I did 3 loads yesterday and 4 today (we've just got back from holiday) and it all dried so much quicker than it would have inside - and doesn't make the house damp.

I have trained my DSes to hang washing out and bring it in too.

SauvignonBlanche · 19/04/2026 20:14

I line dried 2 loads today, had been checking the forecast religiously.
I love a crunchy towel 😆

EveryDayisFriday · 19/04/2026 20:13

I love drying outside despite our rotary clothes line being fairly shit, we need a new one.
We have 2 clothes airers inside in a spare room with dehumidifiers when it rains but I love drying outside as much as possible.
We even have a dryer in the garage but try not to use it, so much so that I've learned to love a crispy towel and facecloth. It's a luxury spa exfoliating experience every time I wash my face or dry my body, or that is what my delusional self tries to believe.