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Housekeeping

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Original poster

Leaving washing on the line overnight....

45 replies

MissTweed · 06/07/2013 20:53

I've been on a washing mission today and put the last load on the line at around 4ish. It's not dry and so not likely to be by tonight.

I was brought up being told that 'one does not leave their washing on the line overnight' I know damn well my mum would tut at me for doing so but I really can't be arsed to drag my heavily pregnant arse of the sofa to get it in then hang it back out in the morning!!

Someone please tell me that the neighbourhood isn't going to be whispering about my poor womanhood skills!! :D

OP posts:
20wkbaby · 06/07/2013 23:10

I've had my washing out so long in the past there are fade marks on my towels. Just got caught by several rogue showers.

Meglet · 06/07/2013 23:16

Mine is often left out for a couple of nights. If I don't need it the next day or I want creases to drop out then it requires zero effort to leave it there.

No bird poo or spiders, but the odd bumble bee.

Madratlady · 06/07/2013 23:28

I put mine out when we got home at half 10 tonight. It's a nice night so it will start to dry overnight and it'll save time in the morning.

OrangeLily · 10/07/2013 00:20

I tried to do this tonight but happened to look outside and my pole had slipped so had to go out and just brought it in at midnight.

The neighbours across the way from us left one load out for more than 24 hours this week.. I was starting to worry something had happened to them!

chipmonkey · 10/07/2013 01:18

I have left washing out for very long periods of time. I hope my neighbours don't talk but feck them if they do!

KatieHalfPrice · 10/07/2013 02:08

There was a thread like thus recently where a poster said that she purposely puts her washing out at night because that's when she has time to do it. That was a revelation to me as I was always under the illusion that leaving washing out overnight was A Very Bad Thing.

I now put my washing out in the evenings to save precious time in the mornings. I assumed my neighbour was judging me for this as she is the epitome of domestic goddessness and not only brings her washing in, but tge whole blooming washing line. However, I notice that tonight even she has left her washing out so it must be ok.

AdoraBell · 10/07/2013 02:21

It only bring it in for the night, makes it sound like a Pet, when it's still damp if I really need it first thing the next morning.

garlicsmutty · 10/07/2013 03:18

Katie, I bet you've had the same effect on NDN that Mumsnet had on you!

In built-up areas there used to be a lot of soot and chemical waste in the air - this is one environmental change that's been a glorious success! You had to bring your washing in if it rained, as the rain would leave sooty marks and was often contaminated with chemicals. Overnight condensation could have the same effect. I don't know whether the taboo of which you speak pre-dates the Industrial Revolution, but it seems to me that it might have grown up for practical reasons then.

OrangeLily · 10/07/2013 06:22

I wasn't talking about them... Just a little neighbourly concern in case something had happened!

Jan49 · 10/07/2013 08:48

I was brought up to think you should never leave washing on the line overnight...but I'm not sure why. I've only ever left certain things overnight - dusters, or a heavy item that's soaking wet like a jacket which isn't practical to hang indoors. I suppose I thought it was get damp overnight, though my grandmother was actually probably more concerned about what the neighbours would think.Hmm

Jan49 · 10/07/2013 08:48

Correction: "it would get damp" not "it was.."

IamMummyhearmeROAR · 10/07/2013 11:55

I do this a lot. My mother doesn't approve but the both her and MIL have been known to repeg my washing so it looks 'bonny'

I once had a neighbour who pegged out her wash on a bright Christmas Eve and brought it in at the end of February. That's maybe a step too far!

Vivacia · 10/07/2013 12:03

I always notice when neighbours leave their washing out, not just over night but for three days in a row. I notice in the same way I notice dirty net curtains and untidy front gardens. It's just working class snobbery I think from my upbringing I think.

Personally I don't leave laundry out overnight because I don't like that dewy dampness you get in the morning. You know? Like when you're camping? However, in your case, wanting to put your feet up when pregnant I'd have thought "F*ck the neighbours" and left it out!

TheRealAmandaClarke · 03/07/2014 18:56

I have this dilemma right now
Massive load of laundry and I'm tempted to put the towels out now to drip overnight because the drier's already on and the clothes horse is full.
I'm gonna do it.

TheRealAmandaClarke · 04/07/2014 08:34

Bravo. Total success. Wet towels last night. Bone dry by 7am.

Tyranasaurus · 04/07/2014 10:04

The woman behind me always has her washing out when I get up at 6. I always thought she was getting up at 5 to hang it out- but now I know she must be hanging it out under cover of darkness :)

andsmile · 04/07/2014 11:24

24 hours society innit! Grin ..well this applies to my laundering habits too. It maybe days and get wet/dry several times.

I dont put my knickers out though Blush

andsmile · 04/07/2014 11:26

just had to google covered washing lines - yet another item to put on my domestic list along with a heated airer, steam mop, and roombar hoover thing.

Thurlow · 04/07/2014 11:27

I always leave it out overnight in weather like this. Makes life easier, hang it out in the evening and bring it in the next evening.

echt · 04/07/2014 12:08

I can't see the washing line from the house, so…er, it doesn't figure.

Rain is nature's fabric conditioner. :o

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