Of course, one of the cheapest means of drying clothes uses no appliance what-so-ever. The simple clothes line and clothes pins cost hardly anything. Using the heat of the sun and drying power of breezes, clothes lines are making a come back in many backyards.
Some homeowners' associations and cities, however, have local CC&Rs that restrict the use of clothes lines in planned communities.
Why not use a clothes dryer to dry your clothes!
Dryers are pretty basic and differ mostly in size and features. Your space constraints will probably dictate the types of clothes dryers you can consider.
| Full-sized dryers Most full-sized dryers are 27 to 29 inches wide. Manufacturers often describe them with superlatives such as "extra large," "super," and "super-plus," but don't get hung up on capacity. Full-sized dryers are the most practical type for most homeowners. Front-mounted controls on some let you stack a front-loading dryer atop a front-loading washer, though shorter people might have to stretch to reach the controls or empty the drum. | |
| Compact dryers These compact models are typically 24 inches wide or less. Pros: Cons: | |
| Washer-dryer laundry centers These combine the dryer and washer in one unit. They may be full-sized or compact, gas or electric. Pros: Cons: | |
Look for the clothes dryer features that increase convenience and improve performance and efficiency, and avoid the pricey extras. The main features include moisture sensor, auto-dry cycles, extended tumble, top-mounted lint filter, drum rack, drop-down vs. side-opening front door,
electronic controls and menus and vent-blockage indicator.
Clothes Dryer Consumer Tips
Fill your dryer, but do not pack it like luggage bound for Europe.
| | A dirty lint screen can cause your dryer to use up to 30 percent more energy-and it can be a fire hazard. Clean the lint screen after each load. Lowly lint has little use, and maybe you'll find that missing sock! Keep your dryer's outside exhaust clean. A clogged exhaust lengthens drying time and increases energy use. If your dryer has an automatic dry cycle, use it rather than a timed cycle. Or, use the moisture sensor option on your dryer, which automatically shuts off the machine when the clothes are dry. |
| If your clothes washer has spin options, choose a high spin speed or extended spin option to reduce the amount of remaining moisture, thus starting the drying process before you put your clothes in the dryer. Since lightweight items take less drying time, separate loads into heavy and light items. Underwear and rugs do better if kept apart! Install a solar clothes dryer (a clothesline)! It will give your clothes a "fresh outdoors" smell. |
Written by Nicolas Yang
