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I just realized that when I move to STX, it's only going to be the two of us... we won't have all of the clothes of the kids to wash and dry. And, we won't have to have much work/office clothes. So, how much clothes are we really going to get dirty between washings?
Is it realistic to think about hanging clothes outdoors to dry? I'm sure that some communities probably have restrictions against this. But, can you maybe get away with doing a small wash each day or two and just hanging those things out to dry?
Ohhhhh... maybe what you do is (if you're retired and just putzing around the yard most days):
- keep a clean set of "town clothes" downstairs, near an outdoor shower
- put your putzing clothes on when you wake up.
- wash off after putzing... with your clothes on (I know, no Hollywood showers!)
- change into your town clothes and hang the putzing clothes out to dry
- the next morning you might have to sneak, naked, down to the putzing clothes (unless you like to live life less daringly - you could bring the putzing clothes back upstairs at night)
Posted : June 5, 2008 2:59 pm
Clothes can be hung indoors or out. I don't know of any place that restricts it.
Posted : June 5, 2008 3:22 pm
Hollywood showers are fine by me. I've got lots of privacy at my place... but I often do my yard work in my bathing suit anyway, makes cooling off in the pool a lot quicker option! So, get a screen and go hollywood!
Hanging clothes to dry is not only an option, it is probably the most used form of clothes drying on island. Clothes are hanging from patios all through the projects, in lots of yards as you drive through neighborhoods, and on Fridays they are hanging across my pool. They dry in minutes. But... if you are spoiled like I am there are certain things that I just prefer to dry in the dryer.. like towels. I hate scratchy towels.
The putzing clothes idea is perfect. I have my work around the house clothes that I would hopefully not be caught dead in outside of my own yard... and then my 'go to town clothes'. funny... I think I have more dress up clothes here than I had in the states. But my hubby prides himself in not owning (ok so he does own a pair, but he rarely wears them) long pants.
Boy... I'm posting a lot today... I need to get a life! Off I go for the day to enjoy St. Croix!
Posted : June 5, 2008 3:37 pm
Drying your clothes out on a clothesline gives them a nice fresh scent and helps to minimize your carbon foot print. Sometimes you have to stay on top of it because of a sudden shower. Some condo don't allow it but you can use your porch or gallery.
Posted : June 5, 2008 6:01 pm
Not to mention minimizing / reducing electricity costs.
Posted : June 5, 2008 7:03 pm
Topic starter
Well that is fantastic news! There goes one big dollar-sucking energy load. I'll probably still install a dryer (I think Alexandra is right about gas dryer vs electric dryer).
BTW, limetime2, Navy folks use the term "Hollywood shower" to imply a very long, water wasting shower (like movie stars would take). Having been on submarines a few times, I learned about "Navy showers" which implies a very short, water saving shower. I'm trying to get used to Navy showers in prep for my move to STX in about 10 years... really, I end up taking Hollywood showers, realizing that I won't be able to anymore when I move! But I really like your interpretation of Hollywood showers - naked, like I'm trying to get into the movies. Unfortunately, at my age, the only movies I'd make it into would be alien horror movies. (that reminds me... if we ever meet over beers, I'll tell you a story I heard about an aging man going through chemo and losing his hair... it's not appropriate for this public forum... but very funny).
Bombi, I'm diggin the reduced carbon foot print opportunities we'll have. If the roads were better (maybe in 10 years) I'd love to use a bike for most road putzing on the island.
Thanks folks...
Posted : June 5, 2008 7:16 pm
Yeah... my kinda hollywood showers sounds like a lot more fun. LOL. Anyway... no long showers on this island unless you don't mind buying water... its more like boat showers: get wet, soap up, rinse off, get out.
My Dad, a WW2 Navy man... would be very upset with me for not knowing what a hollywood shower was I guess...
Posted : June 5, 2008 7:56 pm
If you get in a condo, check the association for rules. Ours say you can't drape anything over the railings & any laundry has to be below the deck railings.
Posted : June 6, 2008 3:47 am
i've hung stuff outside for years now but you really need to use fabric softener when you wash,and my laundry water drains into the yard not the septic
Posted : June 7, 2008 12:48 am
It does make towels scratchy. Adding some cheap white vinegar to the rinse water helps though.
Posted : June 7, 2008 3:12 am
