How to Install a Clothesline

A clothesline will save you money, conserve energy and give your laundry that fresh, outdoor aroma.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Galvanized Iron Pipes
• Clotheslines
• Eyebolts
• Measuring Tapes
• Shovels
• Cement

1. Select a site that is least visible from your (and your neighbors') views.

2. Plan for the clothesline to run as close to north and south as possible. This will give your clothes the maximum amount of sunlight.

3. Allocate a distance between the poles great enough to hold your laundry, but not so long that large or heavy articles will drag when hung in the center.

4. Purchase a ready-made clothesline pole set, or construct poles with galvanized iron pipes, fittings and 12 eyebolts.

5. Dig a hole for each pole at least 1 foot deep and 1 foot wide.

6. Mix a bag of cement with water.

7. Fill the hole partially with cement and insert the pole.

8. Use a level to set the pole vertically, then backfill and slightly overfill the hole with cement.

9. Repeat with the other pole. Ensure that the second pole is the same height as the first.

10. Allow the cement to dry completely.

11. String rope for the clothesline from one crossarm to the other. Allow a little slack in the rope.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are short, either dig the holes deeper or purchase shorter pipes so that you can reach the clothesline.

• For removable clothesline poles, use 1 to 1 1/2-foot-long pipes slightly larger in diameter than the upright poles. Cement these shorter pipes into your holes level with the ground. After the cement has dried, insert the clothesline poles into the pipes.

• Choose vinyl or natural rope that does not stretch when pulled taut or weighted down.