Do you remember when your grandma had one of those metal clothesline contraptions in her back yard? It looked almost like a huge TV antennae with clothes hanging from it. Well, I’ve got news for you….the days of drying clothes is taking a turn towards those golden years, as families are more energy conscious and frugal than ever before. 

If you have ever considered putting up a clothesline in your yard, not just for the fresh scent of the summer breezes but for the mere reason that you are dying to let the neighbors see your skivvies then you need to read these great tips from Do It Yourself.com on how to set up your own clothesline…….

"Installing a clothesline isn’t difficult; in fact it’s a good
weekend project. Here’s all you’ll need to start saving yourself some
money and enjoying those naturally air freshened clothes."

• Shovel or fence post hole digger
• Cement
• Poles (wood or metal) or an umbrella clothes line
• Clothes line
• Level

Now get busy with deciding what kind of clothesline you want, where you want to put it and follow these simple installation instructions. Your undies will be blowing in the wind in no time.

Determine What Kind of Clothesline You Want

Your choice of clothes line will probably depend on how much space
you have in your yard as well as your opinion of the "beauty" of a
clothesline. The old cross bar "T shape" made of metal or wood has been
a standard for years, mainly because it works well. You might also want
to consider installing an umbrella type clothesline that folds up when
it’s not in use. A major benefit of an umbrella clothesline is you can
remove it from your yard when it’s not in use, so you don’t have to
look at it every day.

Decide Where to Put It

It’s best to locate your clothesline away from trees and overhanging
wires if possible so you can avoid tree sap and bird droppings. Also
try to locate it away from walking or gardening areas and where kids or
pets run around.

Installing Your Clothes Line

No mater what type of clothes line you install, you’re going to have
to dig a hole. But, before you pick up your shovel, have your local
utilities (phone, cable, power, water and gas company) come out and
mark the location of their facilities.

A “T post" clothes line generally require two holes (unless you’re
going to attach one end to the house or a tree) while an umbrella
design only needs one. If you live in an area where the ground freezes
in winter dig down below the frost line, three feet should be enough
even in the coldest climates. It’s also a good idea to try to make the
bottom of the hole slightly wider than the top – this helps prevent any
movement of the base when frost leaves the ground.

Since clotheslines need to support a lot of weight so you’ll need to
set your posts in cement. The easiest way is to use fence post cement
that you just pour into the hole and add water. Fill the hole about 1/3
with cement, add water, stand your post in the hole then fill the rest
of the hole with cement. Use a level to ensure your post is straight,
stake it in place and let the cement dry for a day.

If you want your umbrella dryer to be removable, you need a piece of
plastic pipe slightly wider than the dryer’s base pole. Cover one end
of the tube and then stand it in the cement filled hole making sure the
plastic tube sticks well up out of the ground so you can straighten it.
Once the cement has set up, you can cut the tube off at ground level.

The next day, after the cement has set up, install your clothes line
pulleys and the clothesline itself (all readily available at home and
department stores). After running your lines don’t forget to install a
clothes line tightener (a metal bracket that fits between the lines and
keeps them taut) so clothes won’t drag on the ground).

A couple of quick hints

• While it’s best to use pressure treated wood for the poles
  and cross pieces, cedar or redwood also resist the elements and give a
  more natural appearance.
• If your soil is dry it will
  literally suck water out of the concrete. Make sure that doesn’t happen
  by spraying the hole with water before putting in any concrete.
• Try
  to position the lines so they’re two or three inches above the head of
  the person who uses it most. At that height they won’t have to be
  continually stretching way up above their head.