[RFL1986]

Well apparently using a dryer is almost the worst energy-waster of any household appliance so it really is a bad waste of energy, especially when using one can be so easily avoided by just hanging clothes to dry.

[mbtaluka]

Here at my place weather seems to be warm most of the times and we generally get to dry our clothes on a rope outside our house, our way of drying clothes.

[emiglia]

The brand of fabric softener is Snuggle...the liquid ones are meant for the washer.

And I agree about the stiffness... it doesn't really bother me that much, even if sometimes my jeans come off the rack like boards. After wearing them for two seconds, the stiffness goes away.

[justontime]

Originally Posted by RFL1986

Well apparently using a dryer is almost the worst energy-waster of any household appliance so it really is a bad waste of energy, especially when using one can be so easily avoided by just hanging clothes to dry.

I agree but in the winter when we have weeks and weeks of rain, the washing backs up, we have stuff hanging all over the house and it will not dry unless we increase the heating. Even on dry winter days the clothes often don't dry outside because there is damp in the air and not enough wind to blow the washing. Like most people I work, often in winter I hang stuff out and come home to find it wet and dirty again so it has to be washed again. The extra washing and heating is also a waste of energy, so it is a question of balance. In the winter if necessary I partially dry heavy garments and bedding in the dryer, because otherwise they dry so slowly that they gets a horrible stale smell and they need washing again.

[ammulu]

Weather affects change our choice and we generally tend to use dryer if weather is worse and dry our clothes out is the weather is good with bright sunlight.

[EviesEarth]

Seventh Generation also makes a fabric softener. I use the dryer balls in my dryer also, they do help a lot. I am having my DH put up a laundry line this weekend in our back yard.

[justontime]

Originally Posted by EviesEarth

Seventh Generation also makes a fabric softener. I use the dryer balls in my dryer also, they do help a lot. I am having my DH put up a laundry line this weekend in our back yard.

I have been using the dryer balls for a couple of years now and they are very good (but a bit noisy). Using the dryer is not ideal, but when I have no choice because of bad weather at least I am able to do without any softener or chemicals.

[RFL1986]

I'll admit that in the winter I have to use the dryer as well (or on rainy days). At least it's a positive contribution if you don't just throw everything into the dryer on routine.

[tater03]

We use our dryer in the winter months also. We really would never have dry clothes if we didn't. Right now it is so nice thought just to have the hung out to dry.

[Serenity]

Originally Posted by Green-Moo

I don't use a dryer, but I can't stand the synthetic smell of fabric softeners and would rather do without. I dry my laundry outside if I can, inside if I can't.

I really don't have a problem with stiffness. As some people moan about and some people don't, I wonder what causes it? Could it have something to do with the softness of your water, or the length of time it takes clothes to dry?

I think it could be the water, Green-Moo. I've noticed since I moved to an area that has lots of mineral deposits in the water that the clothes don't feel as nice, especially if I forget the fabric conditioner. Not sure if the length of time affects it or not.