https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 13:45:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks/page/2#post-1496612 Tue, 26 May 2015 14:11:57 +0000 Louise 1496612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We don't own a tumble dryer so if the weather is up to it I line dry everything including smalls, if the weather's not playing ball I dry things on a line in the garage, on clothes horses in the utility room, on a rack over the bath or on hangers in the spare room. I never iron anything, I find if I don't over fill the machine, get things straight out and hang them carefully to dry and fold them and put straight away once dry that nothing is creased x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks/page/2#post-1496530 Tue, 26 May 2015 10:12:12 +0000 lyn67 1496530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another CE here:-). I never owned a dryer, and I always linedryed all the laundry in the backyard (and on the reverse for no fads) but out of sight(!) OR on some racks(and the heaters)in the house when rainy, or winter (but out of sight, indoors, too!:-)) and with special care of the smalls, which are always hidden by/between other bigger things:-).&nbsp;</p> <p>A special laundry room would be really nice and useful but unfortunately no place for it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I iron like crazy. ALL the stuff, bedclothes, tableclothes, kitchen towels, PJ's, camis, tees, jeans included. Just &nbsp;NOT the &nbsp;socks. And NOT the knickers, either:-). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks/page/2#post-1496285 Mon, 25 May 2015 20:28:21 +0000 Lavinia 1496285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Central Europe here. We have a four seasons climate and I have never used a dryer. We have a drying rack in the house in one of the spare rooms, positioned in front of the radiator. The rack is used when it's raining outside and in winter. In spring and summer, the clothes are hanging outside. This is the first time I questioned whether it's strange that our underwear is on display like that My neighbours also have their clothes lines "on display" and I have never even thought about looking at what they are drying. We line-dry everything - socks, "smalls", linen, jeans, gear clothes etc. With regard to clothes fading due to being exposed to the sun, surely the tumbling in the dryer is much harsher? But I do watch out in summer that white clothes don't get yellow from the sun.<br />Ironing socks? Never heard anyone mention it before. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks/page/2#post-1496241 Mon, 25 May 2015 19:04:12 +0000 Tania 1496241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't iron socks.</p> <p>We line dry and hang everything we can, including "smalls." Our yard is private. Once in a while, a visitor pops in and I wonder about what is on the line, but then I shrug and try not to worry about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks/page/2#post-1496217 Mon, 25 May 2015 18:31:20 +0000 Aziraphale 1496217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My Nan (grandmother) totally used to iron everybody's socks and underwear. I remember, as a child, thinking how weird that was. Not wanting to pile more work on her shoulders, I tried to stop her, but to no avail. I think she took pleasure in ironing. Different generation, I guess.</p> <p>As for hanging undergarments out on the line -- I rather think that those who find it "gross" are prudish. Maybe it's an American Puritan holdover. Nobody worries about that sort of thing in England. In Canada, I don't know what the deal is. I don't see a lot of washing out on the line in my neighbourhood, except for the Philippino family next door -- and since they are immigrants, I expect their customs are not typically Canadian. The main reasons I don't line dry (even though we have the Cadillac of clotheslines, thanks to the previous owners) is that (a) I'm a bit lazy and I find it easier to hang stuff on the rack in my basement, and (b) it rains too much!</p> <p>Come to think of it, I don't know if they hang their undies or not. I've never looked closely at their line. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks/page/2#post-1495989 Mon, 25 May 2015 08:26:12 +0000 Lucy 1495989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great topic! Like Sharon, a fellow Australian, we always line dry everything - the sun is free, and everything smells so fresh out in the air! In Sydney I would use the dryer sometimes in winter, but here in Brisbane so far I haven't needed it. The only thing I pop in the dryer are my son's school uniform shirts - ten minutes in the dryer and they don't need an iron!&nbsp;<br />Which leads me to ironing socks! Wow, I don't iron clothes let alone socks. My husband irons his work shirts and occasionally something of mine. But I try to purchase things that don't need too much pressing, I'm terrible at it. It would be my worst chore, if I ever did it!&nbsp;<br />Just thinking the only time I hide the smalls on the line is when my teenage nephews are here to visit - I don't think they need to be traumatised!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks/page/2#post-1495979 Mon, 25 May 2015 05:35:03 +0000 Karin L H 1495979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm just like you - I only iron when it's absolutely necessary (and to me that's almost never). I also put my underwear out to dry. I have thought about it, but it just comes down to that I can't be bothered. </p> <p>However, when I lived in London some years ago working as a nanny, I'd do some ironing. And they wanted EVERYTHING ironed. Clothes, linen, underwear - even the kids underwear! Oh my. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks/page/2#post-1495777 Sun, 24 May 2015 20:21:51 +0000 K.M. 1495777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Where I grew up in South America most places--even tiny apartments--have a laundry room with huge windows so that one can line-dry clothes year-round. Even if it's raining, even if it's cold (though with damp winters it can take days to get the clothes fully dry). Then again temperatures never go below freezing so one can keep the windows open. Laundry racks are hung from the ceiling so they can be lowered and raised with a pulley; this way the clothes hang up high and you still have room for your washer and other stuff below. Also, everyone has a big laundry sink because people do a lot more handwashing than here. When I came to the US I was at a loss as to where I was supposed to do my handwashing. <br />I miss this designated laundry room, and the indoor clothes line would work well here even in cold climates because indoor heating helps dry out the clothes fast. Having said this, I wouldn't want to give up any space from my condo to make room for a separate laundry room--the stacked washer/dryer in the bathroom is a more efficient use of space (if not of energy). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks/page/2#post-1495756 Sun, 24 May 2015 19:07:20 +0000 rachylou 1495756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know sock and smalls ironing happens... I myself have never witnessed it ;)</p> <p>As for line drying smalls, what I remember is they get hidden behind the sheets and towels... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks/page/2#post-1495480 Sat, 23 May 2015 19:42:18 +0000 Style Fan 1495480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My "smalls" are line drying as I write this.&nbsp; I line dry as much as I can.&nbsp; In the winter I have to line dry inside and use the dryer for big items.&nbsp; I never use the iron.&nbsp; Not sure where it is.&nbsp; Maybe I don't have one.</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks/page/2#post-1495456 Sat, 23 May 2015 18:40:22 +0000 Greyscale 1495456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mother line-dried everything, in the rural-suburban US. When my parents built their new house (rather fancy compared to the one I grew up in, designed by an architect) the architect was aghast that they'd put a clothesline in the yard - but it's on 5 acres, completely secluded from sight of anyone!&nbsp;</p> <p>I line-dry everything except underwear, socks, and some gear. I don't have a yard, so I have to do it indoors with a fan and an open window. I'd love to be able to take advantage of the sunlight - the UV helps kill stinky bacteria.</p> <p>This neighborhood was working class until recently (NY Times article today about our gentrification situation, in fact) and the old apartments have back "laundry porches" with clotheslines. My house doesn't have one, alas.&nbsp;I want to stay in the city but my dream is to have a tiny backyard with a clothesline in the sun, like my previous apartment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks/page/2#post-1495443 Sat, 23 May 2015 17:41:24 +0000 Karie 1495443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do remember my mother ironing the sheets, but never socks! That's just plain crazy.&nbsp;</p> <p>With the exception of underpants, camis, and socks, I don't put any of my clothes in the dryer. Because of pollen and sun fading, I don't hang any of my clothes out on the line either. DH's work clothes do go on the line. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks/page/2#post-1495422 Sat, 23 May 2015 16:34:27 +0000 Carla 1495422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to line dry everything in the summer months, and have always had lines in my laundry room for the large amounts of synthetic athletic wear and other delicates that make up the household laundry. The new house doesn't have an outdoor line nor is it conducive to one - steep backyard, but I hang DS's heavy cotton gui's from heavy duty plastic hangers hooked on planter hooks under the deck! </p> <p>DH does the ironing, but neither of us come from a tradition of ironing smalls, let alone socks. Shirts, certain pants or trousers (cotton, chino), *not* jeans, pillow cases, *not* towels, table clothes, napkins. </p> <p>There was some debate over ironing flannel shirts - with ironing winning the day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495351 Sat, 23 May 2015 13:47:00 +0000 Mander 1495351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thing is though, Sharon, in my experience it's exactly the opposite. Back home in the US everyone in my family has big private backyards, a very dry climate all year round, and nobody uses a clothesline. Here in the UK it's damp, chilly, and many people (like me) don't have a dryer -- they dry the laundry on racks in the house or outside on the line. It's bizarre.</p> <p>Glad to know I'm not a complete fruitloop for not ironing my socks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495320 Sat, 23 May 2015 11:44:01 +0000 Sharon 1495320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I can't imagine living somewhere that dictated that you cannot hang your clothes out to dry. That would make me really upset: it seems incredibly wasteful to use electricity to do something the sun will do for free. Maybe that is a byproduct of living in a country with big backyards and lots of sunshine. I'm sure for people living in colder and damper climes it must make sense.</p> <p>We don't own a clothes dryer. I usually put underwear on the inside of the line, hidden by larger items. But I never iron socks.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495274 Sat, 23 May 2015 04:02:44 +0000 Adelfa 1495274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dry almost all of my clothes over my bathtub, then iron them. But not socks. It's not allowed to hang clothes on my apartment's little patio. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495226 Sat, 23 May 2015 00:15:20 +0000 Windchime 1495226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mother was a fastidious homemaker, but I don't think she EVER ironed a sock! She, too, hung the family undergarments out to dry hidden between lines of sheets and towels.</p> <p>Our back yard is surrounded by privacy fence, and when it's warm enough, I use my wooden drying rack for our laundry. Sometimes when hanging my undies or bras, I do wonder exactly what the neighbors can see from their second-story window! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495218 Sat, 23 May 2015 00:04:28 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1495218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In the places I've lived in the US (New England down to DC) clotheslines have never been prevalent. I use the dryer, and hang things inside the laundry room as needed.</p> <p>When I lived in Cairo in the late 80s and early 90s, washing machines were common but everyone hung their clothes out to dry on balconies. It's very polluted there, so on the 4-5 days a year when it might rain, è people would run home (even from work) if it was raining to get their laundry in so it would not be covered in black spots (that's what happens to a raindrop that falls through smog,)</p> <p>I don't like ironing. My husband took over early on after I burned myself a few times by mistake, Have I ever mentioned that I am a klutz. Lately he just takes things to the dry cleaner since he found one that picks up and delivers to his office. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495211 Fri, 22 May 2015 23:46:15 +0000 Carole 1495211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Where I live it's unusual to see clothes outside on a line to dry...likely because of our weather...but how wonderful to have such fresh smelling clothes to wear. Ironing socks...that's new for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495208 Fri, 22 May 2015 23:30:43 +0000 Echo 1495208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We have a clothes line, and I hang clothes out in the summer. "Smalls" get hung by one pin from the hip, so no one can really tell what they are anyway. And IRONING? Yeah, unless my son has a dance and needs a crisp dress shirt, I NEVER iron ANYTHING! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495205 Fri, 22 May 2015 23:17:22 +0000 Peri 1495205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, my first thought was "you're kidding me, people still use clothes lines?!". My second thought was "what are smalls?".</p> <p>But from the responses, yes they do and of course we know what that is. So I think I'm the one out of it, not you!</p> <p>Personally, my smalls...hahaha...dry on the ballet bar. Such a good use for it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495193 Fri, 22 May 2015 22:43:51 +0000 fuzzylogic 1495193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No weirdo alert siren necessary at this time, Mander.... &nbsp;(weeee-woooo-weee-wooo). &nbsp;Giggle!</p> <p>I line dry everything- we have the climate for it. &nbsp;I do remove bras and lacy underthings from the line if I am expecting tradesmen, just for modesty. &nbsp;</p> <p>Ironing socks? &nbsp;Not me! &nbsp;Hmmmmm... is it a generational thing? &nbsp;Or a personality thing.....? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495169 Fri, 22 May 2015 21:54:23 +0000 Sal 1495169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Our clothes line collapsed two days ago... It needs repairing. I use it for 80% of washing! with occasional indoor air drying and some dryer use for wet damp days. I love line drying clothes- they last longer, smell fresher and especially for whites, stay brighter. No one can really see the clothes line unless they are in the yard- I would put smalls at the back if expecting guests so they were not the centre of attention. If you don't use a clothes line and have a suitable yard I do encourage the use of one, it saves money as well as the other benefits above.</p> <p>I don't iron socks! I iron cotton and linen shirts and tops, dresses and pants. I rarely iron jeans. I do iron table cloths and linen napkins. I tend to do it in front of a good Tv show! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495168 Fri, 22 May 2015 21:52:33 +0000 Pat_P 1495168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't owned a dryer in almost 15 years. It started as an experiment to see if I really needed one ....I guess I can say the answer is no. Sheets, towels, regular clothes not prone to fading - they all go out on the line. Socks, underwear and more delicate clothes go on a drying rack inside. It works well for our family of three - a larger family would make it more challenging! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495130 Fri, 22 May 2015 19:16:16 +0000 Rambling Ann 1495130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a goal to use my dryer no more than 5 times per year, not that I keep an actual count, but rarely. Lavender essential oil in vinegar helps as a fabric softener. Right now I'm playing laundry roulette with some thunderstorms that are supposed to be moving in, but I think I'll beat them, our climate is so dry here. I swear some things like sheets dry faster outside.</p> <p>I have a little hanger that hangs on the line for socks and underwear, kind of like <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.amazon.com/Hangerworld-Plastic-Foldable-Scok-Dryer/dp/B002VH8KBQ">this</a>, only DIY. That's more for laundry roulette than hiding the smalls, though. If it starts raining, I can grab it all at once. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495119 Fri, 22 May 2015 18:39:09 +0000 Anonymous 1495119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I own an iron. &nbsp;I used to be a good little ironer (especially when I sewed all the time so of course it was a necessity) but I now avoid ironing at all costs. &nbsp;I suppose if one had a permanent ironing board set-up which was pleasant to work in &nbsp;it wouldn't be a chore but that's in my dream lottery house. &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;And I'm curious about the clothesline situation - I have not seen one of those since the 60's. &nbsp;Not common in larger Canadian cities. &nbsp;There is something indeed charming about the idea of them, but I could not deal with lines, pullies, clips , and flapping stuff in my line of vision - I'd rather look at my garden &nbsp;Another fail in my home management repertoire: &nbsp;I happily stuff my lingerie in the dryer. I know, I know, but I honestly don't have the time or energy to deal with line drying. &nbsp;</p> <p>Crawling back into my bad-home-maker hole &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495113 Fri, 22 May 2015 18:31:33 +0000 Diana 1495113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, even my mother (who irons underwear) does not iron socks.&nbsp; I can't imagine the heat would be good for the elastic?&nbsp; </p> <p>I don't line dry because I live in an apartment with no outdoor area to hang a clothesline, but I do dry my bras (and other non-dryer things) on racks in my apartment or in my bathroom.&nbsp; I'm sure guests have seen them on occasion but I don't care.&nbsp; </p> <p>My mom dries most things outdoors in CA (we have a huge, private backyard, and she put up permanent bars for clothes hanging, much nicer than lines), and I would do it if I could for things like sheets and towels.&nbsp; Although one does have to be careful during allergy season and one has to remember to take things down in a timely manner to avoid fading and such.&nbsp; The fading is why I probably wouldn't ever do it with all my clothing, most of which is dark or bright. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495109 Fri, 22 May 2015 18:17:01 +0000 DonnaF 1495109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We don't have a clothesline, but I get hay fever plus we have occasional skunks so hanging outside is a no go.&nbsp; I would also be concerned about fading.&nbsp; But ironing SOCKS?!?&nbsp; Whatever for? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1495023 Fri, 22 May 2015 14:44:54 +0000 Laurinda 1495023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only iron fabric before sewing -- everything else is wash &amp; wear.&nbsp;<br />We hang everything to dry in our (dry) basement, but put sheets &amp; towels out to dry in the sun when it is above 50F (10C). (The only things we use the dryer for are bed linens &amp; towels when it is cold out. Sheets get very interesting when they freeze stiff.)&nbsp;I would hang everything outside if we did not have the basement drying lines -- just to make a point. &nbsp;I live next to a neighborhood that prohibits clotheslines (!) and and the residents get downright snooty about our 'tenement' subdivision &gt;8^( </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/hanging-your-smalls-out-to-dry-ironing-socks#post-1494987 Fri, 22 May 2015 13:52:51 +0000 Daria 1494987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ever since I moved to North America, I lived in neighborhoods where clotheslines would probably be banned. <br />And I only heard of ironing socks in a humorous context!&nbsp; </p>