#353. Our Favorites, Revisited: Should I line dry my clothes?

In May 2025, Rachel dared to ask a big question that turned out to be unexpectedly popular: Should I line dry my clothes? 

As we take an Independence Day holiday, we revisit this surprisingly popular episode.

Beginning with a quick survey of the history of laundry drying techniques and traditions, Rachel then looks how and why American housewives made the transition from “drying greens” and clotheslines to gas or electric tumble dryers — and how the “right-to-dry” movement in the 2000s and 2010s marked a resurgence in popularity for the humble, affordable, counter-cultural, and even occasionally illegal clothesline.  

Resources referenced in this episode include:  

Old and Interesting: History of Laundry  Ronald Reagan ” Live Better Electrically” comercial de “GE Theatre”  “Live Better Electrically” commercial from “GE Theatre” (1950s)  Organic Housekeeping: In Which the Non-Toxic Avenger Shows You How to … – Ellen Sandbeck – Google Books  Clothes line – Wikipedia  Drying for Freedom – Drying For Freedom Official Trailer 1 | IMDb 

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