Does a Dryer or Clothesline Work Better? Our Readers Share the Answer

18.08.2024 - 10:54 / thespruce.com / Ashley Chalmers

In a recent post on our Facebook page, we asked our readers which they prefer when it comes to drying their clothes: an actual dryer, or air-drying on a clothesline. As you might expect, the answers were varied.

While it comes down to personal preference, we loved hearing why some will always go with their dryer and others wish they had their clothesline full of linens blowing in the breeze.

Read on to find out which method our readers prefer, and which one is right for you.

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

If you suffer from seasonal allergies or live in a home shaded by trees and surrounded by nature, then the thought of hanging your clothes outdoors probably doesn’t sound ideal. 

As one reader points out, this is just a great way to turn your clothes into pollen traps, which can be a nightmare for your sinuses. On the other hand, this is one thing the dryer definitely will not do.

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A few other readers noted that they’d love to hang their clothes outside, but they live in areas with far too many pollutants, dust, and dirt blowing around. 

Sure, this might not be too big of an issue for drying some items, like outdoor cushion covers and picnic blankets. But we can completely understand why the idea of drying your pillowcases in the air mixed with car exhaustion doesn’t sound appealing.

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

More than a few readers said they wish they had a clothesline for one major reason: to hang any comforters, bed linens, and duvets. 

Of course, some larger dryers are great for these big-ticket items, but there’s a reason the image of white sheets drying in the sun immediately evokes the