Question

What is the reason that some European countries (e.g. Germany) have so many drying lines across entire neighborhoods, even though most people use electric washers/dryers nowadays?

Answer 1

many European countries, including Germany, have a strong cultural tradition of using drying lines for laundry, even though modern electric washers and dryers are widely available. There are several reasons for this:

1. Energy efficiency and environmental consciousness: Drying clothes outdoors on drying lines is a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient way to dry clothes compared to using electric dryers. Electric dryers consume a significant amount of electricity, contributing to higher energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Preservation of clothes: Hanging clothes to dry on a line is considered gentler on the fabric compared to using tumble dryers. High heat and mechanical tumbling in electric dryers can cause wear and tear on clothes over time, leading to faster deterioration.

3. Space considerations: Many European homes, especially in urban areas, have limited space, making it impractical to have large appliances like electric dryers. Drying lines offer a space-saving solution, as they can be set up in shared spaces or balconies, allowing multiple households to use them.

4. Cultural tradition: Drying clothes on lines is deeply ingrained in European culture, and it has been a common practice for generations. People often prefer to continue this tradition, passing it down to younger generations.

5. Cost savings: Using drying lines is more cost-effective than relying on electric dryers. Electric dryers can significantly increase household utility bills, especially in countries where electricity costs are relatively high.

6. Weather conditions: Many European countries experience varying weather patterns, including frequent rain. However, even in such places, people often take advantage of sunny days to dry their laundry outdoors on drying lines, as it helps to save energy on the days when using electric dryers might be less feasible.

It's worth noting that while many Europeans continue to use drying lines, the trend towards using electric washers and dryers is also increasing, especially in urban areas and in households with larger spaces and higher disposable income. As attitudes towards sustainability and environmental consciousness continue to grow, more people might consider using drying lines or other energy-efficient alternatives to electric dryers.