If you’ve visited an Amish community, you’ve most likely seen the graceful clotheslines, sometimes stretching up into the trees. I find Amish laundry drying in the breeze a beautiful sight.
The women of the house have their hands full keeping up with the mounting soiled sheets, towels, and clothes. Amish men maintain their farms, do carpentry-type work or manual trades, and Amish households average 6 to 7 children-many 8 to 10 or more. Yet Amish housewives manage beautifully without being connected to the grid of electricity.
Amish homemakers sometimes have a scheduled laundry day, often on Monday. Never Sundays. Amish don’t do housework or chores other than crucial ones such as milking and feeding livestock on Sundays. Saturdays are often spent getting ready for church: washing buggies, preparing food, or cleaning a home.
Many Amish housewives use classic Maytag-brand wringer washers, once popular decades ago with non-Amish. Most Amish power their washing machines with a diesel generator or a pneumatic (air) motor. An innovative example of how Amish compromise without electricity. I’m not sure I’d want to use one of these types of washers, personally. I’d also be concerned if it stopped working! I know if my washing machine breaks that I can find a company to come and fix it (search online for “appliance repair san francisco” or wherever you live to find a local company who offers these services), furthermore it’s easy for me at home because this repair service comes automatically due to me having home warranty plan with a company like First American (https://homewarranty.firstam.com/homeowner/home-warranty/california), but I doubt they’d know how to fix a wringer washer!
Adding to the Amish housewife’s workload is the lack of mechanical dryers, although some Amish use spinners to spin water out of the clothes to make the drying process go faster. The Amish use the traditional method of hanging clothes out to dry, even in the winter.
Nearly all Amish yards have a clothesline. Some are typical “T” clotheslines that hang clothes at eye-level. Another Amish innovation is the spool that allows a long line of laundry to be strung from one spot near the home to a second point high up in a tree or on the side of a barn. The Amish housewife turns the crank to bring the double-lined clothesline in and out. This way, many clothes can be hung without tying up precious space on the lawn.
Rainy days prevent hanging clothes outside. Some Amish hang small batches of clothes underneath overhangs, in enclosed porches, or basements during inclement weather. I thought about this often last winter when the frigid winter dragged on. They hang their wash year-round, although occasionally Amish have been spotted in Laundromats. If someone in the Amish community did want to try and introduce some new appliances that can be found at laundromats into their communities, they could always try rental washers and dryers to see if they like them without having to commit to buying new appliances without trying them first.
Did your mother or grandmother use a wringer washing machine? Mine in CT hung onto hers many years and gave me demonstrations, cautioning me to watch my fingers. Using a modern washing machine with a spin cycle is a breeze in comparison. My friend told me the best washing machines in India are usually front loading which is pretty interesting. I prefer my wringer washer though, it’s really simple to use!
When I see laundry hanging, I often think of my dearly departed aunt. She and my uncle lived in a NYC suburb where fences were not permitted. My aunt erected a clothesline in their backyard, where it stood for decades. When new neighbors moved into the home behind theirs, they were appalled to see laundry hanging out in the fresh air to dry. And they made their opinions be known; they put up quite a ruckus. But my aunt, petite and feisty, would not be daunted.
How about you? Do you enjoy seeing laundry on the line? Do you think you could manage the task? Excluding chocolate-chip cookies fresh from the oven, is there a sweeter aroma than sun-dried sheets?
Leave a comment and enter to win one novel from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! THREE winners will receive the novel of their choice! I’ll announce the winners here next week, and I’ll email them. Winners have one week to respond. USA and Canada.
Congratulations to Jackie M., winner of a Vannetta Chapman book! Thank you to everyone who visited my blog and entered the book giveaway!
Also congratulations to Elizabeth D., a second-drawing winner due to a non-response from my last drawing for a copy of one of my 3 Amish books.
I love the smell of laundry that has been dried outside. There is no smell like it. I wish I had more time to do laundry and hang it outside to dry. I am in awe of the Amish for their simple ways in these fast-moving times.
I agree, Kristi, there is no fragrance like laundry that has been dried outside. Too bad we can’t bottle it. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I love seeing all clothes line-drying outside and especially in the Amish areas.
Thank you!
I love seeing the clothes line-drying in Amish communities too, Sharrie! Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the book giveaway!
I remember that old washing machine so well. The hours of cranking a handle. I loved the smell of the sheets on the bed from being hung outside.
Blessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
You have some great memories, Diana! Thanks for sharing them with me!
Unfortunaretly I don’t have the time to hang laundry outside and to appreciate the great smell of nature,soaked into the laundry by the sun. The Amish have proven how simple life can be, imagine all the money that is wasted by the English every day!
Thanks for writing, Kathleen, and entering the book giveaway! Good luck!
I remember hanging out laundry as a teenager. But I don’t see it much these days. I give the Amish community a lot if credit for living they do for something they believe .
I agree with you, Cathy! I give the Amish a lot of credit. Thanks for entering the blood giveaway!
I still hang my sheets and some clothing on the line on nice days . I love the small !
I meant to say * smell *,not small ! 😉
Wonderful, Faye! Thanks for writing. Good luck in the book giveaway!
i love the smell of fresh clothes hung outside.the crisp clean smell and feel
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the book giveaway, Debbie! Good luck!
As a child I helped run the clothes through wringer so many time…and run my arm through the wringer, too. LOVE the fresh smell of laundry, there’s not another smell like it.
So true, Loretta, that fresh smell of line-dried laundry is unique! Your poor little arm … Thank you for commenting and entering the book giveaway!
I love just looking at the simplicity of it all. Clothes smell great too!
Well put, Penny! Thanks for writing and good luck in the book giveaway!
I hang our clothing on the line on nice days .Thank you for the opportunity to win.I enjoy reading your books.Have a wonderful week.
I hope you have a wonderful week too, Emma! I’m glad you enjoyed reading my books. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I love hanging my laundry out to dry, not only does it save on my electricity bill but I get fresh sun kissed clothes!
I love the way you put that, Shana! Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway!
With all the fighting and war against Christians these days this exact peaceful, serene, scene is what everyone needs. The Amish are loving, GOD fearing people who do not believe in violence. When one family has a problem in the Community then all have the problem and come running to help. I would love to experience this life just once.
I feel the same way, Kandi! I would love to be surrounded by a community of people who would come to my need. Fortunately, I have several friends who would and do. I’m not sure they’d raise a barn for me, however I can think of a generous neighbor, who would and has the smarts to accomplish the deed. Thanks for your thoughtful comment and for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Love drying laundry outside!
Thanks for entering the blood giveaway, Dorie! Good luck!
I have hung out many loads of laundry in past years (out on the farm) but with all of the pollution that fills most of the cities air quality, I don’t think that would be a choice if I lived with that factor.
You are right about most cities’ in a quality, Darlene. I’m sitting outside and notice this table is already dirty; it seems I washed it off only days ago. Still, I enjoy being in the sun so am happy to have a laptop to work on. Good luck in the book giveaway!
The way the Amish line up the clothes it’s almostva work of art! I wish I had their slow paced life!
I agree, Gina, the way they hang their wash is a work of art! One way I’ve added hours to my day is I don’t read the newspaper and watch very little TV. Just enough to keep up … Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I always have loved seeing laundry hung out to dry. If it was possible I’d be hanging out my laundry everytime I had to do it. I think I could manage to a great point, but I know I couldn’t be doing that and expected to be baking too besides other things that they have to do ……. but heck I’d probably surprise myself by being able to do it when I don’t think I could….
I’ve seen Amish women harvesting corn with a men, Crystal! And I’ve heard they help the men when needed in the barn milking, plus their own chores and caring for young children. No lack of energy and work ethic there. Thanks for writing and entering the book giveaway!
Love clothes dryed on the line especially sheets- they smell so good when dryed on the line!!!! I want one of your books Kate Lloyd preferably one of the books that comes out in the future- since I have all of your books so far!!!!
You and I want the same thing, Helen! I am working on a new manuscript … Thanks for writing and perking up my day!
I love how the clothes smell when hung out but boy are they bad for husband’s allergies!
Oh, too bad, Renee! I’d never have thought of that unfortunate component. Thanks for writing and entering the book giveaway!
I used to live in a rural area and we didn’t have a dryer. So, I hung up our clothes to dry on a clothes line outside. It was a lot more work and took longer but I loved the smell of outside in our clothes. However, one morning I received a big surprise when I took the laundry off the line and a bat flew out from underneath the pants. Yes, they were rewashed!!!
That must have been quite a surprise for both you and the bat, Lisa! Thanks for your fun comment and for entering the giveaway!
I love clothes hung outside. I still hang clothes out. I too have the drawl type. It’s hooked to house an tree an I use a pulley to draw my clothes in an out. Use boy clothes pins. Cold in winter time an takes longer to dry. But Love it.
Thank you for telling me about your marvelous pulley setup, Sandi! And you use it in the winter too. Brrr. Good luck in the giveaway!
Growing up my mom would hang out are clothes to dry. I like the fresh smell and to this day I some time hang out my clothes to dry.
What a great mom you had, Kristina! I’m glad you sometimes carry on her tradition. Thanks to writing and entering the contest!
I have never hung my laundry out (city girl)… However, it does look nice and homey. 😉
My Mom never had a dryer, always hung clothes on lines and we had a wash day and an ironing day. I think the amish use gas instead of electric and we could learn a lot from them. I would like to be in drawing for your book, love the amish stories.
thanks Kate.
Since you love Amish stories, I hope you win one of my novels, Paula! Good luck in the book giveaway!
Hi, I’ve never hung out my laundry.. But it does look homey. 😉
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the book giveaway, Jeanine!
When i was growing up and awhile after i was married we used a wringer machine, and we would usually have a certian day to wash .Also in the winter when we would hang our cloths out on the line they would freeze almost before you could get the other part of the garment hung on the line. And if it was really bad out we would hang clothes behind the wood stove or on backs of chairs.We didn’t have anything but a wringer washer at that time. Thanks for letting me comment. Have a blessed day!!
Love anything Amish. Love the simplier way of life.
Daisy, what a darling name you have! And I appreciated your comment. I learn so much from those who are kind enough to share their own personal experiences. Thanks for entering the book giveaway. Good luck!
Thanks for your fun comment! I love your name, Daisy. You have a blessed day too. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love to hang clothes on a clothesline. The fresh breeze you smell everytime is so awesome. I remember putting laundry thru a ringer washer when I was probably 10-12. I still hang some clothes but city life puts a damper in that. Bet if I didn’t have electric I would not have as mu..ch laundry. I really like Amish ways of life and the simplicity
My husband and I seem to go through so much laundry, Theresa! I have a hunch you are correct: if we didn’t have electricity we’d be far more careful about keeping our clothing clean. Well, at least I would … Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the book giveaway!
I don’t have a dryer so my laundry hangs on the line. I hate when it rains before I get it off the line. Just finished reading leaving lancaster. Ready for the next one.
If you just finished reading Leaving Lancaster, then you are ready for the next one, Tracy! I hope you win a copy of Pennsylvania Patchwork!
My Dad was born and raised in Farmerstown, Ohio, BIG Amish country!!! Us kids would spend 2-3 weeks in the summer there and made friends with all the neighbor Amish. Loved spending time with them and helped with laundry day and sometimes chores. I LOVED it!!!!! Made me want to go back in time. They make living w/out electricity look soooo easy. We are definitely spoiled as a society. They work for most things we take for granted. Sometimes I wish I could go back and relive those visiting days with my Grandparents. So thankful for the memories.
I’d like to take that trip down memory lane with you, Darlene, if you need a traveling companion! Sounds marvelous. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I hang clothes out as much as I can even in Winter. I was born and raised Amish,we had no electric,and never missed it. To this day I could go with out it,when you do not have something,how do you miss it? Kathie
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your comment, Kathie! Since you have lived with electricity and are on the Internet, would you now miss them both? I bet it would be good for all of us to take a little vacation , But when it comes to using my computer I’m the worst offender. At least I can sit outside with my laptop and get some fresh air … Good luck in the book giveaway!
For the 1st few years of my adult life, I hung clothes out to dry and loved the fresh smell of sheets dried on the line (late 50’s and early 60’s) Got a dryer after 2nd baby’s birth. I do like the softness of diapers and towels dried in dryer. Also the convenience of being able to dry in wet and cold weather or at night when necessary is a good thing. Would love to win this give-away!
Thanks so much for writing, Martha! With two babies, you deserved a dryer. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
I hang my clothes out now to dry especially during the summer. It cuts down on my electric bill not using the dryer and also it helps my ac not run as much without the dryer. I used to have a wringer washer and would love to have one today for bigger things like rugs and quilts. I hope that I win. Sharma Darby.
You’ve made a good point, Sharma, there are many items that simply don’t fit or become clean in my washing machine. Not that I have room for one more item in our basement. Thanks for writing and I’m wishing you the very best of luck in the giveaway!
I grew up without a dryer and I still love clothes hung outside. It is against the bylaws to have clotheslines in my subdivision but I still drape rugs over the bannister on my deck! I’m thinking if you grow up without electricity you really don’t know what you are missing. I’m glad some Amish use generators to help with the laundry. With large families and clothes dirty from milking cows, plowing, etc. that can be tough. Love your blog post and books and if I’m picked a winner you won’t have to worry about me responding. You’ll probably hear me screaming, I won, I won!…would love to win and thanks for the opportunity! Linda
Thanks so much for writing, Linda, and for your enthusiasm, which put a smile on my face! Good luck in the book give away!
I remember ny mother using a “wringer washer” when I was young. She never complained about the machine. I do remember her saying to “watch that you do not get your fingers in the wringer”.
I would love to live for a month….or several… without electricity. I kinda do that now. I read in the evenings with a flashlight. I rarely have any lights on in my apartment. (Saves on the electric bill. LOL)
Have a great day!!
From what I’ve read and have had verified by doctors, electricity (EMF) is not good for the health, nor are radio waves, the kind emitted from Wi-Fi and those huge towers. So, Elaine, you are saving money and possibly improving your health. Thanks for writing!
I would love to go spend a week at there house just to learn.
I’ve thought of that, Valerie, but the rooster crows mighty early … Still, a week with an Amish family would be priceless. Thanks for writing!
i used to love hanging out the laundry just so when I took it down I could smell the fresh warmth
and remember when my kids were young. I also loved the wooden one piece clothespins…They were useful for so many things….
That’s right, Linda, I had forgotten about one piece clothes-pins! I use my “modern” wooden clothespins for all sorts of things. Very handy. Thanks for writing and entering the book giveaway!
We didn’t have a lot of money when I was growing up. My mother used a scrub board in the bathtub to clean the laundry. So she felt blessed when they were able to purchase a wringer washer. I remember getting my hand caught in the wringer when I was a little girl.
I can imagine getting your hand caught is something you’d never forget, Gail! I can also understand why your mother felt blessed. Thanks for commenting and entering the contest!
Love seeing the clothesline running from the house to the barn. Clothes can be hung and retrieved without stepping into the yard. Ingenious! This would be such a lifesaver in the winter! Always such beautiful colors!
It is ingenious, Debbie! The Amish are a very resourceful and intelligent group. I also love the beautiful colors. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the contest!
I still hang out my laundry even in the winter. Very cold days. Clothes freeze to fingers. I still use boy clothes pin. Nothing like fresh laundry from God’s clean air dry.
Oh, my, Sandi, frozen clothes sticking to fingers … you are made of tough stuff! Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the contest!
Many years ago I hung my laundry out. When I moved out here in the country I hung it out for a time too until I got tired of re-washing thanks to the birds 🙁 We could really learn from the Amish….we have the modern conveniences that get things done in a hurry yet we don’t have time for friends & family…..go figure!
So true, Lorraine! Their household and community is structured around family and friends, whom they can count upon. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the contest!
When i was small my mom used a old washing machaine just like that and my sisters and i loved to put the clothes thru the press to get the water out. nothing smells and feels better then sheets and towles that have been out on the line to dry
What a lovely picture you’ve painted, Kristy! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
In my old house we had two hickory nut trees with a clothesline attached. I loved hanging out most of my laundry. Now I have an umbrella style but seldom dry out because wet laundry is very heavy to haul out. Not a fan of drying towels or unmentionables outside..sometimes I set drying racks up to dry some stuff outside.
You’re right about wet laundry being heavy, Donita! Even with the spinners used by some in Lancaster County, a woman would need strong arms and back. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
My dryer broke down three years ago and I have been hanging my laundry on the line to dry since then.It is something that I have got so use to doing.I have been married 36 years and I had a dryer around ten years of those 36.The rest of the time my clothes has been hung out.My laundry days depends on the weather,which I check on every morning.In the winter I hang my clothes out on lines that my husband put up(that can easily be took down when not in use)inside my house and on clothes racks.I still hang my clothes out on the outside line in winter when the weather permits.If I have to hang inside,I wash in the evening and hang up overnight and they are usually dry by morning.I love hanging clothes out on the line,gives me a chance to breathe in fresh air and talk to God.
Wow, Jackie, I’m impressed! You have hung a lot of laundry. And in winter too. Thanks for writing; it’s very interesting to learn more about my FB friends and readers!
I love hanging my clothes out to dry…but I wish I could do it all as the Amish women do. Fact is I get tired out from even thinking about what all they manage to do!
They are amazing, Vickie! They arise very early and keep themselves busy all day, except Sunday. Well, I take that back as Sunday can still be a busy day for a mother and a woman who will serve the meal after the church service. The old saying a woman’s work is never done… Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Amish ladies are used to no electrcity. They know no other way, they are accustomed to doing laundry this way. Just as we are accustom to doing laundry with electricity. Should we reverse the way laundrt is done they like us would have a hard time.
Thanks for writing and entering the book giveaway, Lisa! Good luck!
Vanetta
I still hang laundry outside in warm weather.They smell so good.
Especially sheets and pillowcases.I remember the days of thr wringer washer also.
I somewhat miss these days.
You make me want to get a clothesline, June! Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the book giveaway!
I have never been to an Amish home , just know what I have read .. They may take one day for the laundry .. They use the old wringer type washing machines . They use oil lamps . They cook with wood stoves . The Amish all help wach other out in times of need . I love reading about them and their stories . Their life seems good and simple . I do not think at this time in my life I could do as they do . I joyed your blog today Kate . Thanks for the chance to win one of your books . I would love to win ,.
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for writing, Elizabeth! I’m glad you enjoyed the blog post!
With the cost of electricity these days, I’ll be finding out real soon on how the Amish do it.
Isn’t that the truth, Kermit? Even in the Pacific Northwest, where we have an abundance of rain, all our utility bills continue to rise. Thanks for writing and entered the contest!
I do my laundry without using electricity. I was our laundry by hand with a scrubboard and hand outside to dry. During winter, the clothes hand in the shower on extra shower rod. I can’t afford a w/d or the increase in utility bill because of them.
You’re amazing, Janice! I admire your work ethic. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
I have tried to do my own laundry before and I know how hard it can be to get things on the lines.
I have two lines in my basement … just out of reach, Virginia, so I know what you mean! Thanks for entering the book giveaway!
We have some Amish friends here in Western Kentucky and I love seeing there clothesline every time we stop by!
-Blessings!
What fun to have Amish living close by, Emily! Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the book giveaway!