How to Build a Clothesline

Building a clothesline may seem a simple task and for some of us see it as unnecessary. But having this simple string in a backyard is very beneficial. The greatest gain from having a clothesline is that it reduces the energy consumption and cost. Electrical energy is non-renewable and to add to that the production of electricity has much drawback to the environment.

To reduce these effects start building a clothesline simple and inexpensive and more to that, drying clothes using the energy’s sun can kill bacteria present in clothes naturally.

Here are the simple steps to build a clothesline:

Things Needed. The following list enumerates all the items needed and they are readily available in almost all construction or hardware shops locally:

1. Building tools:

1. Leveling instrument- this can be an automatic level or a simple dumpy level whichever is available can do.
2. Measuring tape
3. Screwdriver
4. Post-hole digger- if not available a digging bar or a simple shovel can be used.

1. Materials to be used:

1. Bags of cement
2. Level boards- this will hold up the poles while they set.
3. Poles with cross-bars already attached – the number of poles to be needed will depend on the length and the desired amount of clothes to be placed at the same time when drying.
4. Eye bolts and/or hooks
5. Heavy-duty clothesline – this depends on the length of the desired clothesline but give allowance on the length to be purchased.

Steps:

1. Plan the location of the clothesline. Locate and direct it in an area where there is enough sunlight to dry off the clothes and make sure it’s out of the way and not blocking any pathways.

1. Decide the length and how many are the stretches of clothesline are needed. This may have already been done during the purchase of the materials but check again on the availability of space and need for clothesline.

A good rule of thumb is assign two poles and lines for a family of two, three poles for a family of four, and so forth.

1. But before drilling any holes in the backyard check for possible cable pipes or water lines along the decided location of the pole. To have assurance, better call the local utilities before drilling.

1. When all the previous steps are met, start by placing temporary marks on the ground were the poles will be drilled. Make sure that there are equal distances so as to make it uniform in appearance. Dig the hole to about two feet in depth. The hole should be wider on the top than the bottom so that it can move freely during a wind or frost.

1. Now it’s time to reinforce the hole and the pole together. First is wet the hole thoroughly, pour in the cement then place the pole and finally pack cement around it. The pole should be in level, support it up with a 2 x4 boards until the cement dries.

1. Let the cement dry for a day or two before placing the clothesline.

1. Then finally, place the clothesline in the pole see to it that it is set three or four inches above the height of an average person who will be frequently using it. Stretch the lines between the hooks on the crossbars.

And that ends the process of building a clothesline. Every household can manage to have a clothesline. It’s simple, inexpensive and most importantly through this simple clothesline it can go a long way in helping the environment.