Reddit mentions: The best clotheslines

I'm currently coming home from a one week trip where we did a combination of hiking and staying in hotels / airbnbs. I had purchased a scrubba bag and was anxious to use it. I'm personally on board with the onebag philosophy of doing laundry every night or two so as being able to pack light.

My take on the scrubba bag is it's pretty neat. The nodules do help a little in helping break dirt off of clothes. The air bleed is nice for getting all of the air out of the bag when sealing it up, and the clear window is helpful in seeing the water get cloudy from all the dirt coming out of the clothes. While not using the scrubba I just rolled up a small bottle of non rinse detergent and a clothes line for drying,making it a somewhat simpler process since im doing it every night.

My conclusion is that for a situation like mine, where we hiked through water falls and streams, I would have rather of just brought a dry bag / day pack to use for laundry AND to use as a waterproof day pack. Also I brought a dedicated laundry clothes line when 15 ft of Paracord would have sufficed just fine and been able to use in other situations also. The laundry soap was nice because it was "non-rinseable" but I still rinsed my clothes abyways, so using the same Dr bronners I use for my hair would have worked too.

Here are some links to the products I used:

Scrubba Wash Bag - Portable Laundry System For Camping, Hiking, Backpacking and Travel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N68XF0O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_t5gaBbFNCAXNX

Soakwash Liquid Laundry Wash, 12-Ounce, Scentless https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KF4HYPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_i7gaBbGX3CEKV

The ORIGINAL Sun & Sheets Superior Quality Compact Adjustable Travel Bungee Clothesline https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H2MJNT2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_s9gaBbWJ72P2Z



What I may use instead in the future:

Earth Pak- Waterproof Dry Bag with Front Zippered Pocket Keeps Gear Dry for Kayaking, Beach, Rafting, Boating, Hiking, Camping and Fishing with Waterproof Phone Case https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ40VQC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IchaBbYECZDCF

Sea To Summit Lite Line Clothesline https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T28X4E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.5gaBbA0RBH9B

Paracord Planet Mil-Spec Commercial Grade 550lb Type III Nylon Paracord 25 feet Turquoise https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ACL4NRI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Z-gaBbFG2WD08

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Fair Trade and Organic Castile Liquid Soap, Peppermint, 2 Fluid Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Z96LTA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DahaBbY85PVS8


Also, as a side note, I found these great little bottles for storing soaps and lotions a lot more efficiently than "travel sized" bottles:

MOMA Muji PE Cylinder Bottle with Snap Cap - 12ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4BZC36/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_lehaBb0S2E8F7

Don't focus on attempting to waterproof clothing that isn't meant to be waterproof. That's a recipe for disaster.

The key is to make sure the waterproof items you have are quality. Starting with the rain jacket.

Wear layers under your waterproof shells. Shirts made from wool would be great for example. Wool keeps you warm when wet, resists stink, and generally comfortable to wear in rough conditions. I like Icebreaker brand (top quality, top price) and Smartwool. Patagonia in general makes killer 'working' clothing, and also other technical layers that would do you well in a cleanup situation.

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I assume you'll be wearing some type of waterproof footwear, like rubber boots. Like these:

• https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/shoes-and-boots/best-rain-boots
  
  You could go all out and get a pair of waders if you really think you'll be in standing water for long periods (which probably isn't a good idea really). Then maybe a pair of crocks or other chill shoes to 'relax' in around camp.
  
  ​
  
  Definitely get a variety of pairs of socks from those brands I listed above. Short ones, tall ones, thick ones, whatever you think you need.
  
  ​
  
  No secret to drying clothes quickly. If there is power - look for laundry facilities. Rope for hanging stuff and some clothespins may be best. Like this maybe:
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-Lite-Line-Clothesline/dp/B000T28X4E
  
  ​
  
  A quality headlamp and multitool sound valuable for that situation. Black Diamond Storm is a great option for headlamp, plus extra batteries. Leatherman is a top knife/tool brand.
  
  Leather gloves would be key for working in a disaster situation. Kinko is a brand I like, but I use mine for ski season not warm weather.
  
  Maybe a Buff neck thing, to keep the sweat off. They make some fun colors. You could get a few to give your team/friends to create a bond. Like everyone wearing a tiedye pattern or something fun.
  
  
• https://buffusa.com/shop-buff/original-reborn/multifunctional-headwear-category/original-family.html
  
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This is one of my favorite laundry products. This keep whites from looking dingy and yellow.

I tend to wash my whites first thing in the morning, and use an extra rinse cycle to get the bleach smell out. Because this heavier load takes longer to dry I then wash delicate items next that take little time to wash and can be drip dried (like your unmentionables).

I really like using a combination of those new Snuggle scent packs and use a drier sheet to cut down on static.

Have a retractable clothesline in my bathroom in the tub area that allows me to dry my skirts and lightweight tops with ease.

Have gotten my savages into the habit of sorting their clothes and making sure they are not inside out. This saves a lot of time. I have two hampers in the washroom for this. In their room each of my boys has a mesh bag for their whites so I can wash their whites together, but keep their items separate. Not having to battle piles of socks makes life easier, once dry the bag of whites goes to their bed to get folded and put away.

If you have space keep hangers by the dryer. This gets you in the habit of hanging up wrinkle prone clothes instead of letting them sit in a pile. It is also a lot easier to get help putting clothes away since they're already hung up.

Hope those suggestions help.

While it's nice to be able to do it freehand, for your clothes I highly recommend getting a clothing folder. You will save time, your clothes will be neat and easily fit into drawers, and you save so much space. My suite mates made fun of me for it when they first saw it and now that ask to borrow it every time they do laundry.

Alternatives to the £20 "genuine" Tarp poles:

• Extending washing line prop £5.85 inc P&P
  
  
• Rolson 61007 Telescopic Window Cleaner £8.75 ( and you can promise to clean the windows after you get back. win, win )
  
  
• Foldable Collapsible Self Assemble Replacement 4 Piece Connector Broomstick Handle £5.59
  
  
• Wilko Replacement Wooden Handle £2 each Home brew a joint with metal tube. Allow at least two inches overlap on each pole section.
  
  I know some people will have lightweight tarps used with their lightweight walking poles, but tarps supported that way can be a bit restrictive of head room, and if using a conventional builders tarp, the extra strength of these poles is re-assuring.
  

This has some good ideas of how to "Adulting So Hard"...

So here's my suggestions:

• This
  
• This
  
• And this
  
  
  ...and here are my actual suggestions:
  
  
• Toilet Brush
  
• Bin
  
• Chopping board
  
• Kettle
  
• Can Opener
  
• Measuring Jug
  
• Oven gloves
  
• Bottle opener (Very important for drinks and wine ;] )
  
• Smoke Alarm, Fire Extinguisher & Fire Blanket So you don't die.
  
• Torch When the lights go out.
  
• Clothesline
  
  Good luck with the house! :D
  

A. Travel laundry line like this It's twisted and you just shove your clothes through it without needing laundry clips

B. Concentrated biodegradable laundry soap, good for anywhere This one bottle lasted me 3 months backpacking this summer

C. Poof, clip it to the outside of your bag, doesn't get gross like a wash cloth

D. Personal towel Go ahead and buy the biggest one, takes up little to no space, can be used for damn near anything and will dry your clothes if you need it to.

E. These soap slips work great Fantastic for hostel showers ect. Shove that sucker deep in your poof and you're good to go.

These 5 items take up almost no room, weigh near nothing, and are concentrated to last a many month trip. Don't be that smelly hostel dude!

Edit: Laundry mats can be fun, it's a blast going with other foreigners to laundry mats where the directions aren't in english and it's all a crap shot. Actually met the roadies for an awesome band from a music festival we visited while at a laundry mat in Belgium. Hung out for the entire time we were washing clothes.

Hey!

In an old comment of yours also replying to a laundry sink bag, you mentioned the things you'd change for the future. In that, these two items were listed:

Sea To Summit Lite Line Clothesline https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T28X4E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.5gaBbA0RBH9B

Paracord Planet Mil-Spec Commercial Grade 550lb Type III Nylon Paracord 25 feet Turquoise https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ACL4NRI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Z-gaBbFG2WD08

My question is what's the paracord for? At first I thought it was to switch out your old clothes line method, but then I saw the sea to Summit one. Also how is the Dr. Bronner soap treating you? Is it a nice peppermint smell? Does it clean your clothes well?

Sure! I ordered this one from Amazon:

Drynatural Retractable... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0791CHGMN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It’s a double line actually, which is pretty handy. Works great so far!

When I'm not around a washing machine, I hand wash yesterday's socks, underwear, and t-shirt arm pits. I find my stuff needs a washing machine after 3-4 hand washings.

If I'm feeling lazy, and there's no consequences to taking a longer shower, I'll shower with my underwear/socks on, then at the end take them off and give them a final scrub. Doesn't work as well...but did I mention lazy?

I carry this clothesline https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T28X4E, this sink stopper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G99DMVU, and most importantly, Dr. Bronners soap! It does a good job of deodorizing, and I only have to put in a few drops in each "load" of hand laundry.

The plan is to do laundry weekly. I also got a killer clothes line that takes up little room and weighs nothing. here

The scrubs is more just Incase. I don’t wanna trust a service to not stick our wool in a dryer and sometimes it’s not easy to fill a sink. We bought this cleaner called “Soak.” The reviews are really good. I’ll have to update. At this point I don’t plan on doing laundry daily. I like to take one day out of the week and relax, cook some good food, and catch up on some Stranger Things.

I bring one when I travel, it's great. I have one with velcro on both ends, like this one. I think it works much better than the ones with loops and the ones with suction cups.

So this is the doily floor mat I made. I used 7/32” (5.5mm) rope that I ordered off of amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Koch-5620727-Braided-Polyester-Clothesline/dp/B002T44USI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
It came in 200 foot increments. I ordered 5 of them and used up just about all of the 1000 feet. I was worried I wouldn't have enough but I ended up with about 50 feet extra.
I used a 10mm hook. The pattern I worked from gave the size of the finished doily 3¾” x 7¾”. My final mat ended up being 2’ x 4’4”.
I wasn't in a big hurry to get it done and I think in all I spend about 12 hours on it. It did give me rope burns on top of my finger and blisters on my hands. If anyone has any questions, I’m happy to answer.

I bought a retractable indoor clothesline on Amazon. The most convenient thing is that I don’t need to punch holes. In addition, this clothesline does not take up space when not working, which I think is very good.

Of course, you can also use nail mounting. Because it supports glue installation and nail installation

If you need it, I put the link below

https://www.amazon.com/Ki-Knight-Retractable-Clothesline-Adjustable/dp/B07SWYTK19/ref=zg_bs_695487011_39?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=F8J10E34W6C2XWH4PMQF

Looks great. If you don't mind, I would recommend one thing, if your wife is ever like mine. My wife has several dress shirts that she won't dry, she has to hang. You could get a retractable indoor clothesline and install it in that gap between your shelves. That way you don't have a pole constantly in the way but a spot for her to hang clothes if needed. This one works well: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JGJVGJS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FppZCbZXG4720

I had the same issue. I got a laundry folder and had fun folding my clothes. I folded 10 shirts in under 2 minutes, they were all the same size and tucked away neatly. Seems to be relatively inexpensive if you buy from the US. I paid $33 for mine with shipping 'cos I'm in Canada.

A lot of hotels near beach and tropical areas have shower clotheslines like this. https://www.amazon.com/Retractable-Clothesline-Stainless-Clothing-Bathroom/dp/B07783N55D/

Something like that installed correctly could probably be left without complaint for the next tenant.

My mom got the clothes line and clips off Amazon. The clips and line work good together, so if its windy the clips don't just fall off.

https://www.amazon.com/EverSport-Clothesline-Portable-Adjustable-Windproof/dp/B01E3OI3FM/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=clothes+line&qid=1564341524&s=gateway&sr=8-7

https://www.amazon.com/yueton-Clothes-Clothesline-Windproof-Multicolor/dp/B014QMPIR2/ref=pd_bxgy_201_img_2/136-6138239-2447611?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B014QMPIR2&pd_rd_r=165a00f7-345f-45b5-ae02-abed254f5d96&pd_rd_w=rsD01&pd_rd_wg=JK4SA&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=YADEPBDQ9EY5TECP53Q1&psc=1&refRID=YADEPBDQ9EY5TECP53Q1

Actually, line drying is an option. You can get a retractable clothesline:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009WG6KM/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Easy to mount in an apt. and goes away when not in use.
Further, if you're going to use a dryer, it's important to use the "automatic" shut off setting. That's the thing that will prevent overdrying, not "high" or "low".

I love my set up for my drying line cable. It was cheap and it still holding up after many years. And I have had a frustrating experience with some line tightners.
Here is the cable I got: cable.
On one side I used these cable clamps: clamps.
On the other side I used these hook and eye tunbuckle: [hook and eye tunbuckle] ( http://m.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-3-8-in-x-7-3-4-in-Stainless-Steel-Hook-and-Eye-Turnbuckle-803744/205883028).
I am not sure what size clamp and turnbuckle I got. I went to Home Depot and played around with size a price.

How is it any better than paracord?

Is it this? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0009PCTUU

I bought a retractable one and it works fine for all of my needs.

Not sure if you're planning on doing 2 or 3 loads all at the same time or what.

I use mine for my bamboo sheets and for pool towels/bathing suits and stuff.

It works great for the relatively limited things I use it for. I'm not sure how it would function in a full on clothes drying operation for a family of 6, though.

Took about 10 minutes to install which includes getting the tools and putting them away.

https://www.amazon.com/Crawford-Lehigh-RC40-40-Feet-Retractable-Clothesline/dp/B0009WG6KM

I installed a retractable clothesline recently. I saw an Amazon review that suggested installing dock cleats. I bought these items.

Clothesline:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001CJ12QO?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Cleats:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07FVHZDWH?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I have the cleats installed on either side of the line housing basically, works fine.

Kiva Designs Clothesline, Natural https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009PCTUU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1N6SybVEQVVHW

That’s fucking dumb. People need to dry their laundry????

We have a permanent line up but our neighbours have something like this . Idk of that might be more convenient than one you need to erect each time.

I've got a 3lb claw anchor attached to a retractable clothesline, which is mounted slightly behind my seat. There's a ton of vids on YouTube and with cool set ups and DIY trolleys depending on how fancy you wanna get.

Minky Retractable Reel Outdoor Dryer, 49-Feet Line Drying Space https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001A96H2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_7QDezbKZN362H

I have this one instead of a dryer and it is well made and sturdy, if you have some lawn you can sink the base into. The rack is removable from the in-ground base tube, and a little cap makes the base flat with the ground.

That's right for the retractable cables! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XY5WKXW

Pulleys: https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-National-Hardware-3203BC-Single/dp/B000BQRQ6Y/

Clothesline: https://www.amazon.com/Household-Essentials-04800-All-Purpose-Clothesline/dp/B007UTM9GM/

Key rings: https://www.amazon.com/Tandy-Leather-Nickel-Plated-1175-02/dp/B008YLHMO4/

Spring (cannibalized from a curtain rod): https://www.amazon.com/Kenney-Spring-Tension-Curtain-48-Inch/dp/B009U20JSC/

Spring support (brazing rods I happened to have lying around): https://www.amazon.com/Bernzomatic-WB5-Brazing-Welding-4-Piece/dp/B000BO8WU0/

*edit: a lot of this is just stuff I had lying around, I'm pretty sure the amazon links are the same thing, but they may not be the actual items I used.

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Croydex-QA108641YW-Retractable-Clothes-Chrome/dp/B00569CJI6/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1343191589&sr=1-2&keywords=retractable+clothesline

They make other ones for outdoors, if this isn't big enough.

Ditto all the flats/covers. Where I lived the first month of my baby's life didn't have a washer/dryer, just extremely limited laundry services. (They washed three (small) bags of laundry a day, had to get it there around 7am, if you weren't there before they took the third bag, tough cookies.) I partially cloth diapered while there and handwashed everything in the shower in a bucket and then dried on the outdoor stair's railing. (I really want something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Going-Style-Laundry-Clothesline-GIS-C101/dp/B000EN0VE8)

I'm 5'11" (180 centimeters) tall and I had trouble with sleeve lengths and pants in general when I looked to buy clothing in Japan. The ratios are always just a little bit off, making me feel like a 12 year old with poorly fitting clothes all over again.

You may want to consider bringing extra SD cards for your camera. You could get smaller ones and mail the cards home full of pictures or just carry a larger backup for when you fill your first. If you don't offload your photos somewhere, I think you'll fill the camera pretty easily.

If you own a Nintendo DS (any model before they added the camera will not be region locked), you can get dictionaries for it in Japan.

A collapsing water bottle is very handy to have when traveling, as is an elastic clothesline. I have this one and it's very useful.

Pick up some nice pens and a pocket sized notebook when you arrive, they're my favorite way to work around communication difficulties.

Almost forgot! Make sure you look up the power converters you'll need. Japan is compatible with the US, but I don't know about England/Australia. When I visited Argentina I also needed a transformer to keep their 220v power from destroying our electronics.

This is basically what I have with these carabiners and you can see it rolled up in this picture.

Clothes line/drying line

> I had trouble finding some too. I ended up ordering clothesline on amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Koch-5620727-Braided-Polyester-Clothesline/dp/B002T44USI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405715734&sr=8-2&keywords=cotton+clothesline It's 200 feet so I ordered 5 of them, and I'm worried that it might not be enough for me to finish.

Just letting you know OP responded :)

I asked for this for Christmas. It's braided so that you can stick the clothes in between the braids and the tension will hold it up. Beware of knockoffs.